POLS 497-2 Atlas
Shrugged - Spring 2008
Instructor: Mrs. Anja
Hartleb-Parson
Email: ahartleb@niu.edu
Office Hours: Tue 9 – 11
am, POLS TA Office (DuSable 476)
Introduction
Ayn Rand's epic novel Atlas Shrugged celebrated its 50th Anniversary this year. The novel
has influenced many well-known people in business and politics, for example
former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and Justice Clarence Thomas. A
survey by the Library of Congress in 1992 found the novel to be the second most
influential book in
As a philosophical novel, the book contains a number
of philosophical themes, which we will be examining throughout the course:
·
Reason
vs. anti-reason
·
Happiness
as a moral end itself
·
The
unity of body and mind
·
Producers
vs. looters/parasites
·
Trade
vs. power as means of exchange
Some more general themes
of the novel we will be looking at are:
·
Independence
vs. dependence
·
Individualism
vs. Collectivism
·
Egoism
vs. Altruism
·
Socialism
vs. Capitalism
Required Reading
Rand, Ayn. Atlas
Shrugged. Signet, 1996.
Classroom Decorum
Please turn off cell phones and other electronic
devices, as they may interfere with the instructor’s good humor.
Assignments and Grades
Attendance – 10%. Since this is a half-semester
course, I absolutely expect you to attend every session. I must deem absences properly
documented (e.g., doctor’s note, accident report, funeral notice etc),
unexcused absences will result in a grade deduction.
Participation – 50%. This is primarily a
discussion-based course; regular participation is required. Prepare for class by
reading the novel and writing up a short statement noting issues/questions.
I will ask you to contribute those statements for discussion. I expect active
and thoughtful contribution. To receive an A for participation you must
contribute during every session; to receive a B you must contribute during most
sessions; to receive a C you must contribute during at least half the sessions.
Final Paper – 40%; 1500 words, double-spaced. Since this is a short
paper, pick an issue or question you can address adequately, thoughtfully, and
in some depth. For example, you could track a character’s development, analyze
and comment on a specific passage in the book, discuss one topic we have
covered in class or one we have not. Inform me of your chosen subject, so
that I can ensure it will work and/or give you some advice.
Writing an A paper – An A paper has a clearly
formulated and coherent thesis statement or research question. It supports that
thesis or answers that research question using evidence such as textual and
logical analysis, citations, or secondary sources. An A paper is well organized
into paragraphs, each containing evidence to support one concept that helps
prove the thesis statement. An A paper includes a proper introduction stating the
author’s intention in the paper, a body containing the evidence for the thesis
or findings of the research question, and a conclusion. An A paper also uses
correct grammar, including punctuation, spelling, subject and verb usage.
Calendar
Jan
17 – Introduction to Ayn Rand and Atlas
Shrugged
Jan
31 – Part I
Feb
7 – Part I
Feb
21 – Part II
Mar
6 – Part II
Mar
20 – Part III
Apr
3 – Part III
Apr
17 – Final Paper due during class; Wrap-up