What Are Conservatism, Progressivism, and Libertarianism?

In this fifty-minute class (which will meet three times), students will learn what conservatism, libertarianism, and progressivism are.  In my decade of teaching philosophy, I have noticed that many of my students call themselves “conservatives” or “progressives” but plainly have no idea what those terms actually *mean*.  This class is therefore designed to give the thoughtful high school student an in-depth examination of each of these common American political ideologies.  

I expect my students to consider the best arguments on all sides of a given issue.  So, we will be reading the best authors providing the best arguments in favor of their own political ideologies.  In week 1 of the class we will read Schleuter’s explanation and defense of conservatism.  Then in week 2 of the class we will read Wenzel’s arguments in support of libertarianism.  Finally in week 3 we will read Yates and Bartley’s defense of progressivism.

Prior to each class meeting, I will provide the students with the assigned text (in PDF format) as well as a list of a few reading questions (directing the students to the most important parts of the week’s reading in DOCX format).  Students are not expected to have read the entire text (which will typically run between 20-30 pages long); rather, they are expected to have made their best efforts to answer the assigned reading questions.  Then, at the beginning of class, I will open by asking my students “Do you have any questions?”  This is the student’s opportunity to accomplish either (or both) of the following goals.  First, the student can ask about any of my reading questions to ensure that she has identified the correct answer.  Second, if there are any other parts of the text which were not clear to the student, I can explain what information the author was trying to convey.  

I anticipate spending most of our meeting time answering student questions about the reading.  If any extra time remains, I will discuss other salient parts of the reading with the students.  In general, students should be prepared to interact with the professor in a conversational manner but need not interact with the other students.  Once enrolled, students will be provided with the readings (in PDF format) and the reading questions for each week of class.  This class presumes neither background knowledge nor any previous experience.  Any student willing to read closely and begin thinking about life’s greatest questions will flourish in this class.


Photo credits: 
1.  “Black Left Arrow”, Disclaser, public domain
2. “Black Right Arrow”, Disclaser, public domain
2.  “Dr. Benjamin Keil”, author’s own copyright