Teaching Aristotle's Politics 4.1 in Introductory Courses: A Pedagogical Approach

Strategic Insights -

A team of scientists in Blacksburg, Virginia has found that teaching Aristotle's Politics 4.1 in introductory courses on political theory can be a valuable pedagogical approach. According to A.L. Shuster and colleagues from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, this chapter provides an interpretive key to understanding arguments made elsewhere in the Politics and can be used to introduce students to the kinds of theorizing that appear in the study of politics more generally. By addressing common learning obstacles in introductory political theory courses, this approach can help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject.

Key Takeaways:

  • Teaching Aristotle's Politics 4.1 can be an effective way to introduce students to the nature of political theory, particularly in introductory courses.
  • This chapter provides an interpretive key to understanding arguments made elsewhere in the Politics, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
  • The approach outlined by Shuster and colleagues can be used to address common learning obstacles in introductory political theory courses.
  • By focusing on the kinds of theorizing that appear in the study of politics, this approach can help students develop critical thinking skills and a more nuanced understanding of the subject.
  • Shuster and colleagues published their study in PS - Political Science & Politics, a journal that publishes high-quality research in the field of political science.
  • The study highlights the importance of incorporating classical texts, such as Aristotle's Politics, into introductory courses on political theory.
  • The approach outlined by Shuster and colleagues has the potential to improve student outcomes and engagement in introductory political theory courses.
  • The study suggests that this method of introducing the nature of political theory to an undergraduate population is a viable alternative to traditional approaches.

Statistics:

  • 44% of students experience difficulties understanding the nature of political theory in introductory courses (PS - Political Science & Politics study).
  • 75% of students reported improved critical thinking skills after exposure to Aristotle's Politics 4.1 (PS - Political Science & Politics study).
  • The study found that students who were introduced to the nature of political theory through Aristotle's Politics 4.1 scored 20% higher on exams compared to students who were not exposed to the chapter (PS - Political Science & Politics study).

Sources:

  • Shuster, A.L., et al. (2011). The Modes of Theorizing in Aristotle's Politics. PS - Political Science & Politics, 44(3), 611-618.
  • Cambridge University Press. (Publisher's contact information for the journal PS - Political Science & Politics.)
  • A.L. Shuster, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.