LIBERALISM, CONSERVATISM, AND SOCIALISM

Liberalism and conservatism are the two dominant positions in the United States today on political, social, and moral issues, while socialism has had more of an influence in Europe. The course clarifies how these positions differ in defining what constitutes problems and in selecting preferred solutions. Students will be helped (1) to recognize basic alternatives that recur in debates and policy making and (2) to realize how these patterns guide and give meaning to personal and national choices.