This course examines central questions and core texts in contemporary political theory. How do different theorists understand concepts? We will examine different theories of justice (Rawlsian, libertarian, merit-based, global) and look at how these interpretations influence the way we view freedom and equality. We will also investigate core values and challenges embedded in the way we political community, paying particular attention to pluralism, representation, democracy, power, freedom, equality, justice, rights. Concepts will be grounded in and further explored through an analysis of current issues and problems (egalitarian-liberalism, Libertarianism, Communitraianism, Republicanism, feminisim, deliberative democracy, multiculturalism).