John Holzwarth
Assistant Professor with Term
Monday and Thursday, 3:30-5pm, & by appointment
Academic Credentials
BA Political Science and English, Colgate University, 1993
PhD Politics, Princeton University, 2004
Teaching
Fall 2025 Courses:
POLS 312: Pillars of Western Political Thought: The Fate of Democracy
TTh 11:30AM - 01:00PM
Democracy aspires to level the political playing field, but when power is taken from the hands of elites, where does it go? How thoroughly can democratic politics transform a culture, and what, if anything, can check its influence? Is the democratic age safer from radical evil, or does it help produce fascism and totalitarianism? This course examines the pros, cons, and prospects of the democratic age, with primary emphasis on foundational thinkers from the early 19th century to the present. Readings may include Alexis de Tocqueville, John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, Walt Whitman, Hannah Arendt, Isaiah Berlin, and Michel Foucault, among others.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.
POLS 402: Problems in Political Theory
TTh 01:50PM - 03:20PM
Advanced analysis of a specific problem, theme, or concept intriguing to political theorists. Specific content varies. Themes have included revolution, utopia, the American founding, Nietzsche, identity and self-creation, and the philosophy of history.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Junior standing required.