The Conservative Tradition

Preserving the traditions and values of the past and applying them to the future - this is the core of the Conservative attitude. In the U.S., this philosophy has become one of the two dominant ideologies of our modern political tradition. A thorough understanding of Conservatism's lineage, principles, and impact on history is essential to making sense of the 21st-century political dialogue. No matter where you place yourself on the ideological spectrum, the 36 lectures of Professor Patrick Allitt's course will intrigue you, engage you, and maybe even provoke you to think about this political philosophy in an entirely new way. As you listen to Professor Allitt discuss the fascinating history of Conservatism, you'll likely be surprised to discover, whether your own leanings are Conservative or Liberal, how much of your side's views came from or were influenced by the other. You'll gain a more rounded understanding of not just your point of view but of the opposing side's, as well. By the end of this course, you'll have an enhanced appreciation of the development of a philosophy that, Professor Allitt reminds us, has been ""perhaps the dominant phenomenon of recent American politics"" and how it has impacted both sides of the political spectrum. You'll be a more effective and informed citizen, armed with a sharpened understanding of the ways in which this philosophy has influenced events around the world.