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Cycles of American Political Thought cover art

Cycles of American Political Thought

By: Joseph F. Kobylka, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Joseph F. Kobylka
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Summary

American history is often presented as a tale of dynamic movers and shakers who subdued an untamed wilderness on the way to forging a great nation - all the while leaving philosophy for their European counterparts.

But this history neglects the philosophical underpinnings of America. As these 36 lectures demonstrate, America has borne the imprint of influential thinkers from its earliest days, from the Reformation theology of John Calvin to the Enlightenment philosophy of John Locke.

Throughout this epic historical journey, you'll explore the many ways this nation has answered the question: What is an American? Professor Kobylka traces the many answers that have been offered showing how the idea of "We the People" has changed and expanded far beyond the Founding Fathers' original conception.

You'll navigate America's ever-shifting political landscape and see how the great political trends in American history can be understood as variations on a single theme: the philosophy of liberalism, this conception that government is the source of some of our most deeply valued political notions. You'll also meet the great men and women who, over the course of American history, have molded political thought and policy.

This is your opportunity to gain a deep understanding both of the nation's past and how this rich political history continues to influence the current day. Even if you've studied American history before, you'll encounter something new: a unique synthesis of viewpoints, ideas, and events that's enlightening and compelling.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2006 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2006 The Great Courses

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Mixed bag.

Struggled to finish, unfortunately. The course is interesting, but the narration at times can be frustrating.

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Great lecture content, terrible speaker!

I’m halfway through this lecture series, and I’m loving the content. However, I may have to give up because I find Kobylka’s voice unbelievably annoying. He really irritates me, I can’t listen to him via earphones, and even when I listen to him over a quiet speaker his intonation and fast/slow speed is just silly. It’s a good job this was a freebie!

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A Different Perspective

These lectures give a clear and concise insight into the thinkers and politicians who shaped American tradition. it is not a tour through the minutiae of govt action. instead it posits the view that America is not one entity shaped by the constitution, but rather a series of potential other Americas that could have emerged.. The role of the supreme court is of particular importance in the political and philosophical debates of the times covered here. The notion of a cyclical nature is always in the speakers mind, and in the Reagan lecturer traces the politics of Reaganism to Sumner through Goldwater and the rise of the New Right. An excellent course.

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