Phil 1004W-001: Instructor: Fareed Awan

Introduction to Political Philosophy Email: [email protected]

Office: 858 Heller Hall
Office Hours: W 2:30-4:30pm
Spring 2018
Anderson Hall 330 TAs:
MWF 10:10-11:00am Max Dresow ([email protected])
Aaron Vesey ([email protected])
Course Description:
What is the ideal form of a state? Is it democracy? Should there be a state at all? What is
justice? These are questions that different thinkers have answered in various ways. We will
use philosophical analysis and argument to understand the theoretical grounding for
different theories of government, views of the state, and ideals of justice. We will examine
skeptics about the state, consequentialist, feminist, libertarian, communitarian, and
egalitarian answers to these questions.

Course Objectives:

The University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts has identified a number of core
competencies: https://cla.umn.edu/academics-experience/signature-cla-
experiences/career-readiness/core-career-competencies

This course develops the following competencies:

• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Philosophy asks us to think about things that are
often accepted uncritically. This course questions some of the most fundamental
concepts in political life, and does so using critical methodology. We will use
logical and conceptual analysis to adjudicate disputes about the nature and content
of political philosophy, including the nature of justice, how to understand freedom,
identity, and the role of the state in human life. Most importantly, this course
requires you to think through these questions and make up your own mind.

• Ethical Reasoning & Decision Making: In this course, political philosophy is treated
as essentially normative. That is, we will treat questions about justice, identity, and
the role of the state as questions deserving of a sustained and rigorous answer.
Students are expected to develop their intuitions regarding base cases in a
sustained way such that they arrive at a well-informed and thought-through
decision.

• Oral & Written Communication: This is a writing credit course, and you will be
challenged to engage with the course material in both lecture and section. This
course utilizes an active style, and demands personal engagement with the
normative questions of political philosophy.

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 • Engaging Diversity: There is no objective view available to us. We engage in
questions about citizenship, justification, and justice in order to live together in a
modern pluralistic society. This course takes the challenge of diversity and
tolerance seriously.

Undergraduate courses share a set of objectives, defined here:

http://academic.umn.edu/provost/teaching/cesl_loutcomes.html. At the time of receiving a
bachelor’s degree, students:
1. Can identify, define, and solve problems 

2. Can locate and critically evaluate information 

3. Have mastered a body of knowledge and a mode of inquiry 

4. Understand diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies 

5. Can communicate effectively
6. Understand the role of creativity, innovation, discovery, and expression across
disciplines
7. Have acquired skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning.

This course presents meets at least objectives 1, 4, 5, and 7.

Textbook:
Matt Zwolinski, Ed. Arguing about Political Philosophy, 2nd Ed. New York: Routledge.
2014. ISBN: 978-0415535823

Canvas:
Readings and course materials not in the textbook and audio/visual course materials will
be distributed via the Canvas site or shown in class. There will also be a discussion board
as a forum for class discussion, questions, and interaction with your peers.

The paper assignments will be submitted online.

Course Expectations:
Our task in this class will be to delve into timely and often controversial material together.
Doing philosophy requires patience, clear thinking, and effort. Students should expect to
contribute the following to this course:

1. Respect – Given the course material, disagreement is both expected and

encouraged. However, you are expected to remain respectful at all times. This
means that you should address the points presented in your peers’ arguments and
not attack another person or their character. Comments reflecting judgment about
the character of the person presenting the argument are not acceptable. One other
component of respect is that I will take what you say seriously, that is, I will treat
you like an adult making a reasoned argument. Constructive criticism should be
seen as part of respectful open discussion.

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 2. Preparation – The readings in this course are all primary sources, which are often
difficult and dense. In order to make a useful contribution to the discussion, you
must complete the assigned reading prior to class, reread the material – even if you
think you fully understand it, and think through critical concepts and examples.

3. Participation – Philosophy is challenging. The best way to learn is to ask questions

and engage critically with the variety of arguments presented. You will be expected
to contribute to class discussion and engage with the material. Philosophy is best
done in practice, and you are expected to attend and contribute to lecture and
discussion section. Peer review for your paper and in-class assignments will be
held in class, and cannot be made up!

4. Integrity – Your work should be your own, and violations of the UMN academic
code will be taken seriously, i.e. will result in failure and further disciplinary
actions deemed appropriate by the University. You are expected to know what
constitutes plagiarism and maintain academic integrity on all quizzes and exams.

Evaluation:

Short Writing Assignments (Canvas and section) 50 Points

Midterm Exam 50 Points
Paper 50 Points
Peer Review (In section) 50 Points
Reading Quizzes (In Class) 100 Points
Revised Paper 100 Points
Final Exam 100 Points

Every assignment should be submitted through the Canvas course page, exempting the
reading quizzes, peer review worksheet, and exams.

The final course grade, i.e. the letter grade, will be based on the total points earned; you
will not receive a letter grade until after the final exam. Grades will be formally assigned
on the following basis:

A/A- Student performance was exceptional relative to what is required.

B+/B/B- Student performance was significantly above what is required.
C+/C/C- Student performance fulfilled all course requirements.
Student performance is worthy of credit, even though course requirements
D+/D
have not been fulfilled fully.
Student performance is insufficient to earn course credit, even if some
F
requirements are fulfilled.

Students taking the course on a S/N basis must earn a C- in order to receive a grade of
Satisfactory. Incompletes (I) will not be given except in extreme circumstances.

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Assignment Guide:

Short Writing Assignments: You will be expected to submit 5 writing assignments during
the semester, the due date for each is marked on the syllabus. Instructions for each
assignment will be posted on Canvas or distributed in class. These will be worth 10 points
each.

Paper Assignments: The paper assignments will develop core areas of philosophical
writing as well as additional skills particular to ethical theory. These are: (1) Evaluating
arguments and defending a thesis, (2) justifying premise, (3) formulating objections, (4)
applying empirical evidence, and (5) answering applied cases.

The short paper will be 2-3 pages, and the revised papers 4-6 pages, respectively. These
papers should be written in formal language with proper citations (APA, Chicago, or
Turabian) and should be well-polished.

Reading Quizzes: Throughout the semester, you will be asked to answer questions in class
based on the readings. These will be unannounced and at the instructor’s discretion. The
quizzes will be between 5-8 points each and will consist of multiple choice or true/false
questions. The lowest three scores will be dropped, no questions asked. No make ups of
in class work will be accepted, absent extraordinary circumstances.

A Note on Academic Honesty:

Proper citation of all sources within your written work is required. The University policy
on plagiarism is available online (http://oscai.umn.edu/content/plagiarism), as are
additional resources on citations and how-to guides for formal citation practices,
(http://www3.crk.umn.edu/services/academicassist/writingcenter/resources/citation.htm).
If you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism, you should attend office hours to ask
questions. Understanding this policy is your responsibility.

Any assignment that violates the University policy will receive a grade of zero, plagiarism
or other academic misconduct is considered grounds for failure in the course. Plagiarism
is taken very seriously and will result in disciplinary action by the University.

General Course Policies:

Class Etiquette: Don’t do anything to disrupt other students’ attention, such as having side
conversations, texting in class, arriving excessively late, etc.

Email Communication: Emails will be responded to within two (business) days. You may
be asked to attend office hours to discuss questions posed via email.

PowerPoint Slides: I will make slides available AFTER lecture on the Canvas site.

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Office Hours: No appointment is needed for the scheduled weekly office hours. Simply
drop by. If you cannot make the regularly scheduled office hours, send me an email at
least 48 hours ahead of time suggesting several times that you are available in order to
schedule an appointment.

Accommodations: If you have a disability that requires special accommodations or other

classroom modifications, please notify both Disability Services and the instructor as soon
as possible. To notify Disability Services, call 612-626-1333 (on campus; x6-1333), email
[email protected], or access their website at: http://ds.umn.edu/index.html .

Absences: Making up in-class work following any unexcused absence will not be possible.
Extenuating circumstances such as illness, University sanctioned travel, etc. that result in
missed work will require official documentation of the circumstance. This means a note
from a physician, coach, etc. In such circumstances, notify me in writing prior to missing
class. In cases of emergency where you cannot provide prior notice, notify me, in writing,
and provide documentation as soon as possible.

Late Policy: Extenuating circumstances that may result in a missed assignment deadline
may qualify for an extension, depending upon the circumstances. You must notify me 48
hours in advance of a deadline if you would like to discuss an extension or as soon as
possible following the unexpected/unplanned incident that necessitated the request
(hospitalization, etc). Only under extraordinary circumstances (such as hospitalization)
will extensions be given. In class work cannot be made up and will result in a 0 for that
assignment. For writing assignments submitted to the course website, late assignments are
penalized 10% the second they are submitted past the deadline, and an additional 10%
after 12 hours, followed by 10% for each additional day.

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 Reading and Assignments
Date Topic or Assignment Author(s) Title Source
1/17 Part I: Political Matt Zwolinski Introduction xi-xiii
Authority
Political Authority 3-6
Introduction
Jean Hampton “The Problem of Political Canvas
Authority”

1/19 Anarchism Emma Goldman “A New Declaration of Canvas

Independence” and “Anarchism:
What it Stands For”

1/22 The State of Nature Thomas Hobbes Leviathan 7-22

1/22 Short Writing Assignment DUE: Prisoners’ Dilemma

1/24 The State of Nature Thomas Hobbes Leviathan 7-22

1/26 Cooperation Robert Axelrod The Evolution of Cooperation 23-40

1/29 Contract Theory John Locke The State of Nature and the Law 41-50
of Nature

1/31 Contracts and Consent David Hume Of the Original Contract 51-58

2/2 Feminist Critique Virginia Held Non-contractual Society: A 70-85

Feminist View

2/5 Race and Contract Charles Mills The Racial Contract 86-108
Theory

2/5 Short Writing Assignment DUE: Unjust Laws

2/7 Disobedience Martin Luther King Letter from a Birmingham Jail 129-137
Jr

MBE Smith Is There a Prima Facie Duty to 138-152

Obey the Law?

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2/9 Part II: Justice Matt Zwolinski Justice 181-184

Justice as Convention David Hume Justice as Convention 185-193

2/12 Utilitarian Justice John Stewart Mill Justice and Utility 194-210

2/14 Egalitarianism John Rawls A Theory of Justice 211-238

2/16 Egalitarianism John Rawls A Theory of Justice 211-238

2/19 Communitarianism Matt Zwolinski Political Liberalism 239-242

Michael Sandel The Procedural Republic and 243-252

Unencumbered Self

2/21 Political Liberalism John Rawls Justice as Fairness: Political not 253-272
Metaphysical

2/23 Liberal Neutrality Gerald Gaus The Moral Foundations of Liberal 273-288
Neutrality

2/26 Perfectionism Jean Hampton Perfectionism Canvas

2/26 Short Writing Assignment DUE: Justice

2/28 Part III: Political Matt Zwolinski Political Economy 289-291

Economy
Markets and Market Adam Smith The Wealth of Nations 318-329
Failure
Charles Wolf Market Failure 330-338

3/2 Marxism Karl Marx and The Communist Manifesto 295-308

Frederich Engels

Karl Marx Critique of the Gotha Program 309-317

3/5 Policy and Economy Randy Simmons Pathological Politics: The 339-354
Anatomy of Government Failure

Barbara Ehrenreich Nickel and Dimed

3/5 Short Writing Assignment DUE: Markets

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3/7 Individuals and Jeremey Waldron “Homelessness and the Issue of Canvas
Economy Freedom”

3/9 Midterm Exam

3/12- SPRING BREAK

3/16
3/19 Part IV: Freedom and Matt Zwolinski Distributive Justice 389-392
Equality

Distributive Justice Robert Nozick The Entitlement Theory of Justice 393-407

3/21 Against Justice FA Hayek The Atavism of Social Justice 408-415

3/23 Marxist Justice GA Cohen Why Not Socialism? 416-430

3/25 Paper DUE

3/26 The Basic Income Philippe Van Parijs A Basic Income for All 431-442

3/28 Equality Jean-Jacques Discourse on the Origins of 553-565

Rousseau Inequality

3/30 Luck Egalitarianism Richard Arneson Equality and Opportunity for 513-527
Welfare

4/2 Egalitarianism Elizabeth Anderson What is the Point of Equality? Canvas

4/5 Feminist Liberalism Susan Okin Justice, Gender, and the Family Canvas

4/6 Marxist Feminism Catharine Difference and Dominance 566-578

MacKinnon

4/9 Consequentialist Matt Zwolinski Freedom 443-446

Freedom
John Stewart Mill On Liberty 447-462

4/9 Short Writing Assignment DUE: Freedom

4/11 Conflict within Isaiah Berlin Two Concepts of Liberty 463-487

Freedom

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4/13 Freedom to and Franklin Delano The Four Freedoms 488-489
Freedom from Roosevelt

Philip Pettit Republican Political Theory 490-504

4/16 Part V: Applied Issues

Identity Michael Ignatieff Blood and Belonging Canvas

4/18 Identity Politics Jacob Levy The Multiculturalism of Fear Canvas

4/20 Identity and Ethics K. Anthony Appiah Identity, Authenticity, Survival: Canvas
Multicultural Societies and Social
Reproduction

4/23 Toleration and its Yael Tamir Hands Off Clitoridectomy Canvas
Limits
Martha Nussbaum Double Moral Standards?

4/24& Peer Review in Section

4/26

4/25 Global Justice Peter Singer The Life You Can Save 667-682

4/27 Autonomy and Global Nicole Hassoun World Poverty and Individual Canvas
Justice Freedom

4/30 Democracy, Matt Zwolinski Democratic Deliberation and 582-583

Deliberation, and Voting
Disagreement 585-603
Amy Gutmann and Moral Disagreement in a
Dennis Thompson Democracy

5/2 Democratic Jason Brennan Political Liberty: Who Needs It? 604-620
Skepticism

5/4 A Postliberal World? Jean Hampton The Attempt to Construct a New Canvas
“Postliberal” Political Theory

5/6 Revised Paper DUE

5/11 FINAL EXAM, Anderson Hall 330, 8:00am -10:00am

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Important University of Minnesota Course Policies:

Credits and Workload Expectations (University Senate’s Policy)

Student workload expectations per undergraduate credit. For fall or spring semester, one
credit represents, for the average University undergraduate student, three hours of
academic work per week (including lectures, laboratories, recitations, discussion groups,
field work, study, and so on), averaged over the semester, in order to complete the work of
the course to achieve an average grade. One credit equals 42 to 45 hours of work over the
course of the semester (1 credit x 3 hours of work per week x 14 or 15 weeks in a
semester equals 42 to 45 hours of academic work).

Student Conduct Code:

The University seeks an environment that promotes academic achievement and integrity,
that is protective of free inquiry, and that serves the educational mission of the University.
Similarly, the University seeks a community that is free from violence, threats, and
intimidation; that is respectful of the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty,
staff, and guests of the University; and that does not threaten the physical or mental health
or safety of members of the University community.

As a student at the University you are expected adhere to Board of Regents Policy: Student
Conduct Code. To review the Student Conduct Code, please see:
http://regents.umn.edu/sites/default/files/policies/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf.
Note that the conduct code specifically addresses disruptive classroom conduct, which
means "engaging in behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the
instructor's ability to teach or student learning. The classroom extends to any setting
where a student is engaged in work toward academic credit or satisfaction of program-
based requirements or related activities."

Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Classroom:

Using personal electronic devices in the classroom setting can hinder instruction and
learning, not only for the student using the device but also for other students in the class.
To this end, the University establishes the right of each faculty member to determine if and
how personal electronic devices are allowed to be used in the classroom. For complete
information, please reference:
http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/STUDENTRESP.html.

Scholastic Dishonesty:
You are expected to do your own academic work and cite sources as necessary. Failing to
do so is scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty means plagiarizing; cheating on
assignments or examinations; engaging in unauthorized collaboration on academic work;
taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission; submitting false or
incomplete records of academic achievement; acting alone or in cooperation with another
to falsify records or to obtain dishonestly grades, honors, awards, or professional
endorsement; altering, forging, or misusing a University academic record; or fabricating or

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falsifying data, research procedures, or data analysis. (Student Conduct Code:
http://regents.umn.edu/sites/default/files/policies/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf) If it is
determined that a student has cheated, he or she may be given an "F" or an "N" for the
course, and may face additional sanctions from the University. For additional information,
please see: http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/INSTRUCTORRESP.html.

The Office for Community Standards has compiled a useful list of Frequently Asked
Questions pertaining to scholastic dishonesty https://communitystandards.umn.edu. If you
have additional questions, please clarify with your instructor for the course. Your
instructor can respond to your specific questions regarding what would constitute
scholastic dishonesty in the context of a particular class-e.g., whether collaboration on
assignments is permitted, requirements and methods for citing sources, if electronic aids
are permitted or prohibited during an exam.

Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences:

Students will not be penalized for absence during the semester due to unavoidable or
legitimate circumstances. Such circumstances include verified illness, participation in
intercollegiate athletic events, subpoenas, jury duty, military service, bereavement, and
religious observances. Such circumstances do not include voting in local, state, or
national elections. For complete information, please see:
http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/MAKEUPWORK.html.

Appropriate Student Use of Class Notes and Course Materials:

Taking notes is a means of recording information but more importantly of personally
absorbing and integrating the educational experience. However, broadly disseminating
class notes beyond the classroom community or accepting compensation for taking and
distributing classroom notes undermines instructor interests in their intellectual work
product while not substantially furthering instructor and student interests in effective
learning. Such actions violate shared norms and standards of the academic community.
For additional information, please see:
http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/STUDENTRESP.html

Sexual Harassment
"Sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or
other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct has the purpose or
effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or
creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment in any
University activity or program. Such behavior is not acceptable in the University setting.
For additional information, please consult Board of Regents Policy:
http://regents.umn.edu/sites/default/files/policies/SexHarassment.pdf

Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action:

The University will provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs and facilities,
without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status,

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disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
gender expression. For more information, please consult Board of Regents Policy:
http://regents.umn.edu/sites/default/files/policies/Equity_Diversity_EO_AA.pdf.

Disability Accommodations:
The University of Minnesota is committed to providing equitable access to learning
opportunities for all students. Disability Services (DS) is the campus office that
collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable
accommodations.
If you have, or think you may have, a disability (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning,
chronic health, sensory, or physical), please contact DS at 612-626-1333 to arrange a
confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.
If you are registered with DS and have a current letter requesting reasonable
accommodations, please contact your instructor as early in the semester as possible to
discuss how the accommodations will be applied in the course.
For more information, please see the DS website, https://diversity.umn.edu/disability/.

Mental Health and Stress Management:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such
as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down,
difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or
stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance and may reduce your
ability to participate in daily activities. University of Minnesota services are available to
assist you. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health
services available on campus via the Student Mental Health Website:
http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu.

The Office of Student Affairs at the University of Minnesota:

The Office for Student Affairs provides services, programs, and facilities that advance
student success, inspire students to make life-long positive contributions to society,
promote an inclusive environment, and enrich the University of Minnesota community.

Units within the Office for Student Affairs include, the Aurora Center for Advocacy &
Education, Boynton Health Service, Central Career Initiatives (CCE, CDes, CFANS),
Leadership Education and Development –Undergraduate Programs (LEAD-UP), the Office
for Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Office for Community Standards, the Office for Student
Engagement, the Parent Program, Recreational Sports, Student and Community Relations,
the Student Conflict Resolution Center, the Student Parent HELP Center, Student Unions &
Activities, University Counseling & Consulting Services, and University Student Legal
Service.

For more information, please see the Office of Student Affairs at https://osa.umn.edu/

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Academic Freedom and Responsibility: for courses that do not involve students in
research
Academic freedom is a cornerstone of the University. Within the scope and content of the
course as defined by the instructor, it includes the freedom to discuss relevant matters in
the classroom. Along with this freedom comes responsibility. Students are encouraged to
develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent
search for truth. Students are free to take reasoned exception to the views offered in any
course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible
for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.*
Reports of concerns about academic freedom are taken seriously, and there are
individuals and offices available for help. Contact the instructor, the Department Chair,
your adviser, the associate dean of the college, or the Vice Provost for Faculty and
Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost.

Statement on Course Requirements:

1. All students, regardless of the grading system used, will be expected to do all work
assigned in the course, or its equivalent as determined by the instructor. Any changes you
wish to make in the grading base must be done in the first two weeks of the semester.

2. The instructor will specify the conditions, if any, under which an "Incomplete" will be
assigned instead of a grade. The instructor may set dates and conditions for makeup work,
if it is to be allowed. "I" grades will automatically lapse to "F"s at the end of the next
semester of a student's registration, unless an instructor agrees to submit a change of grade
for a student during a subsequent semester to maintain the grade as an "I".

3. Students are responsible for all information disseminated in class and all course
requirements, including deadlines and examinations. The instructor will specify whether
class attendance is required or counted in the grade for a class.

4. A student is not permitted to submit extra work in an attempt to raise his or her grade,
unless the instructor has specified at the outset of the class such opportunities will be
afforded to all students. But if you send me an email with a note that you have read the
syllabus and write a haiku about political philosophy, you get ten bonus points. This offer
is available before the end of spring break.

5. Scholastic misconduct is broadly defined as "any act that violates the right of another
student in academic work or that involves misrepresentation of your own work. Scholastic
dishonesty includes, (but is not necessarily limited to): cheating on assignments or
examinations; plagiarizing, which means misrepresenting as your own work any part of
work done by another; submitting the same paper, or substantially similar papers, to meet
the requirements of more than one course without the approval and consent of all
instructors concerned; depriving another student of necessary course materials; or
interfering with another student's work."

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6. Students with disabilities that affect their ability to participate fully in class or to meet all
course requirements are encouraged to bring this to the attention of the instructor so that
appropriate accommodations can be arranged. Further information is available
from Disabilities Resources (180 McNamara) at https://diversity.umn.edu/disability/ .

7. University policy prohibits sexual harassment as defined in the December 1998 policy
statement, available at the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action,
https://diversity.umn.edu/eoaa/. Questions or concerns about sexual harassment should be
directed to this office, located in 274 McNamara.

8. For assistance with any University-based conflicts or complaints please contact the
Student Conflict Resolution Center at [email protected] or call 612-624-7272.

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