Credits: 3

Number of Weeks: 17

Typically offered in: Fall every other year
(Contact the Registrar for details)

The fundamental premise of this course is that the highest purpose of government is to provide maximum opportunity for the spiritual evolution of the individual soul and soul groups within the framework of community, society and the nation. To understand how this can be achieved, students will study the universal principles underlying government and their relationship to spiritual laws, including the laws of karma and reincarnation.

The course includes a historical survey of forms of government through the ages, including legends of ancient golden ages, an analysis of Plato’s concept of the philosopher king, the divine right of Kings, and the emergence of modern theories of democracy. A particular focus will be the founding principles of American government and the extent to which these ideals have been realized in practice to the present time.

Students will have the opportunity to apply a similar analysis to current-day political movements, such as the Arab Spring.

The majority of the course is presented in the form of recorded lectures (audio and video). Students will be given a variety of quizzes, forum discussions and written assignments. Students should also be prepared to apply their new knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Students will be assessed on the following course assignments:

Hours per week: Students should plan to set aside 9–10 hours per week to complete their weekly course work. There are 17 units in this course, with Unit 9 designated as a break week. Students are expected to complete one unit per week.

Textbook Information: POLI 1101 Textbook Information Sheet [PDF]

To take this course, you must be a credit or audit student in the SU Online School of Theology and Spiritual Studies, and it must be a required or elective component of your program of study. Click here to learn more about the School of Theology. Interested in applying to the school? Visit our Application Process page to apply today!

This information is subject to change without notice.