This course will offer an interdisciplinary approach to the development of English political thought in the seventeenth century, the "century of revolution." The course will begin with a consideration of the broad outlines of struggle between the Crown and Parliament, giving particular attention to the unique religious, social and economic developments that provided its specific historical context. We will then turn to the varieties of political thought engendered by this struggle, especially the explosion of radical social and political thought during the Civil War. These readings will include a transcript of the extraordinary debate over representative government held between officers and radical soldiers of the New Model Army at Putney Church in 1647. In the final part of the course we will consider the contributions of Hobbes and Locke to modern political thought, and the emergence of the liberal state, in light of both the issues and fears raised by having "the world turned upside down" and the broader context of fundamental social change. 

Course Assignments

2 essays (7-9 pages):    2 x 30%    = 60%
1 take home essay exam                = 30%
class participation                          = 10%

Required Reading

Ellen M Wood, The Origin of Capitalism: A Longer View
Ellen M Wood, Liberty & Property
Christopher Hill, The Century of Revolution 1603-1714
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan 
John Locke, Two Treatises of Government  
David Wootton, Divine Right and Democracy

Many of the assigned readings are also available on this website (Readings)

Schedule of Lectures and Required Reading