Course Description

This course explores the ethics of ambition and leadership from a variety of normative perspectives. By studying historical examples and theoretical approaches from Plato to the present day, students will learn to reflect on ambition as an irrepressible human passion and an unavoidable element of civic leadership. They will also learn to assess the moral and practical hazards that ambition poses for individuals and communities. Finally students will consider the way in which their own ambition might relate to their vocation. 

Course Objectives

This course is designed to aid students in

A. understanding several normative perspectives relating to ambition and leadership,

B. developing the ability to consider moral issues from multiple ethical frameworks, and

C. expanding independent critical capacities, both in analyzing moral perspectives on their own merits and in relating those perspectives to their lives.

Course Expectations

Integrity. One of the great goals of education is to learn to conduct oneself honorably in intellectual affairs. To this end, the faculty has recently passed a new policy on academic integrity. Please pay special attention to policies involving fabrication, plagiarism, and multiple submission. It is your responsibility to know and follow this policy. It is located at www.stolaf.edu/stulife/thebook/academic/integrity.html.  

Care. Approach all of you class work with care and thoughtfulness, especially your written assignments. All papers should be turned in on time. They should exhibit a clear and coherent argument, adequate textual support, impeccable grammar, and precise sentence structure. Specific instructions about the paper assignment will be provided.

Engagement. Come to class ready to discuss readings and engage in discussion. Since good discussions require a variety of voices, I expect all participants to be present both physically and mentally. Regular and active participation may nudge your grade upwards (at my discretion) and repeated absences will propel your grade downwards.

Course Assignments

Participation, Discussion, and Response Papers [20% of course grade] Since this course will be based on the discussion of readings, you will be expected to read the assigned texts carefully before each class. You will also be expected to participate in all discussions. To facilitate this process, each student will write a 1-2 page response paper for each class session (except when other assignments are due). The papers will be due at the beginning of each class. No late response papers will be accepted!

At the top of each response paper, you will pose a question that the day’s reading provokes for you. A good paper will then contain a coherent response to your question, incorporating a clear thesis, supporting evidence, and, of course, flawless grammar. This is a chance for you to think about what these readings might have to do with your life. The papers will be graded as unsatisfactory, satisfactory, or excellent.

Writing Assignments [Two worth 20% of course grade each] You will also write two more formal papers (around 5-7 pages). Detailed guidelines for each written assignment will be passed out to you. All work is due on the dates announced.  Late work will receive a reduction in grade (1/3 of a grade per calendar day late). No work will be accepted after the last day of class.

Midterm and Final Exam [Each worth 20% of course grade] A midterm and final exam will be given over the readings and discussions in class. The exams will be given on the assigned days, as per college policy in the Academic Catalog: “Student requests for an exam change must be made in writing [to the department chair]. The decision rests with the chair or director. Chairs and directors will exclude from consideration rescheduling requests involving rides home, early family vacations, early summer employment, pre/purchased airline tickets, and the like.” Please mark exam dates on your calendars now, and arrange any travel accordingly.