Goals of the Course: The course has four main goals.

1. To introduce you to an important topic in political theory and philosophy, the relationship and tension between individual or group rights and the greater community good.

2. To give special attention to critical reading and analysis, writing, and speaking/presentation skills.

3. To interact with you in a small class setting in a fashion that displays to you the characteristic mode of teaching and learning at Grinnell College.

4. To help you plan your academic program in the liberal arts at Grinnell College through an individualized tutor/student advising relationship. Because we have a curriculum with relatively few requirements advising is an important feature of Grinnell academic life. We are here to give you advice and to get you to think about how to obtain a broad and deep liberal arts education. We also are here to talk with you about anything else that is on your mind as you adjust to Grinnell and to college. You should feel free to come and talk with either or both us.