Political Theory

Students engage with the seminal work of American political thought and ideas, including The Federalist Papers, Puritans through the Founding period, and the Jeffersonian era. This program also dives into major Catholic and Protestant political ideas from Augustine and Aquinas through the Reformers. The Political Theory emphasis includes the study of the political philosophy and influence of Niccolo Machiavelli, including a detailed analysis of The Prince and Discourses on Livy.

The John P. Stead School of Humanities equips students to understand human culture with depth and biblical clarity. Regardless of their specific field, our students graduate with greater discernment toward the arts and philosophy, and their perspective on current events is rooted in a critical analysis of the past and filtered by Scripture.

All of our faculty and staff affirm our full doctrinal statement, which has remained essentially unchanged since our founding. We believe and teach:

• The inerrancy of the Bible
• The tri-unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
• The total depravity of man
• The necessity of salvation by grace alone through faith alone
• The coming earthly kingdom of Christ

• Trace the major events, individuals, and theories in the development of American political thought.
• Analyze the major political philosophical works to identify the major theoretical principles being presented and identify applications of the principles within practical situations.

Requirements are subject to change; please refer to the academic catalog.