DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE SPRING 2002 COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
POLI 101S-01/02. American National Government (4
sem. hours) S. Rhine
This course introduces students to American government and politics. The course includes sections on the Constitution, rights and liberties, the major institutions, and political behavior. Students will use current topics in politics to understand the processes of government. Classes will be a combination of lecture and discussion. The course material will include several textbooks and a subscription to The Washington Post National Weekly . There will be two exams, quizzes, and a paper.
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors. POLI 102S-01. Introduction to Comparative
Politics (4 sem. hours) R. Flickinger
The course is devoted to a beginning exploration of similarities and differences among the national political systems found in the world. Students should expect through the course to develop an acquaintance with the principal characteristics of Western democratic political systems, Communist or formerly Communist political systems and political systems of the Third World. A second major objective is to learn basic concepts and techniques used in a comparative political analysis. Lectures and discussions.
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors. POLI 102S-02. Introduction to Comparative
Politics (4 sem. hours) B. Yu
This course introduces students to some of the central concepts of comparative approaches to the study of politics. We will then examine the origins, development, institutions, and the functioning of political systems other than the United States. Specifically, the course focuses on industrialized democracies (Britain and France), the rise and fall of communist systems (Russia and China), as well as the workings and problems of the Third World (Africa and East Asia). There will be two mid-terms, a final exam, and several quizzes.
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors. POLI 204H - Russian Politics (4 sem. hours)
G. Hudson
The purpose of this class is to give the student an introduction to the politics of Russia. There are five general goals: (1) to enable the student to write and talk about the area in a well-informed manner; (2) to enable the student to read intelligently about Russia; (3) to aid the student's understanding of the forces which have shaped Soviet and Russian politics; (4) to enable the student to understand Russian and Soviet domestic policies; and (5) to help the student become a better analyst of American press and scholarly treatment of Russian-related issues. A mid-term and final exam plus a ten-page paper are required. POLI 206HS. Latin American Politics (4 sem.
hours) K. Miyazaki
This course will introduce students to the political systems of selected Latin American states. The issue of democracy and the process of democratization will be the primary focus of the class. Amongst others, we will examine both the internal and external influences on the process of democratization. We will also spend time analyzing the historical relationship the U.S. has had with this region, and its influence on present regimes. The course will be a lecture/discussion format. POLI 212RH. Human Nature and Modern Political
Thought (4 sem. hours) K. Miyazaki
This course seeks to present a critical perspective on selected themes of Western political theory. We will examine the debate between two contending models of political theory-"universalism" and "non-univeralism." To this end we will continually ask the question "is it possible to discover or create a solid foundation for concepts such as justice, truth, or human nature?" We will carefully examine the answers that various thinkers have suggested, from Plato to the postmodern. In the light of this debate we will also examine the idea of the "modern subject"-the actor in this debate.
PREREQUISITES: Junior standing POLI 218A. Ideology & Film. (4 sem.
hours) K. Miyazaki
This course will explore the central themes of political theory and their subsequent representations in film. The primary goal of this course is to strengthen the ability of the class to read not only written texts, but visual texts as well. To this end we will analyze works from various historical periods and cultures. Amongst others, we will present the works of directors Sergei Eisenstein, D.W. Griffith, and Tomas Gutierrez Alea. In addition to the political theories and ideologies, we will also address the medium of film itself. What makes film an inherently dangerous form of political expression? What are the political consequences of film as an influence on our interpretation of reality? POLI 221S. State and Local Government (4
sem. hours) R. Baker
The course focuses on important contemporary problems and trends affecting state and local politics, and the role of states and localities in the federal system. Using a comparative approach, attention is given to general intergovernmental, social, economic, and cultural influences that shape state and local politics in America. Additionally, a mock state legislature is conducted providing the student with a "hands-on" experience in one of the key political processes of state government. POLI 224S. The Presidency (4 sem. hours)
J. Young
This course will examine the presidency and the powers and constraints of the office. We will look at the development of the modern presidency including its relations with Congress, the media, the courts, and the public. We will also consider the influence of the President's experiences, ideas, and expectations on his approach to the exercise of presidential power. The course will be a lecture/discussion format. There will be three exams and a 10 page term paper. POLI 234. Black Politics (4 sem. hours)
J. Young
This course will introduce students to the nature of black politics and black political behavior. The course will inquire into the political dimensions of black life in America and how Black America has interpreted and responded to the democratic experiment. Considerable attention will be given to an examination of how individuals, institutions, and protest movements have shaped black political consciousness and black political participation. Finally, the course will examine the relative impact of black protest politics versus black electoral politics in addressing black political demands. POLI 251S. International Relations (4 sem.
hours) B. Yu
This course introduces some key theoretical concepts and approaches in the study of international relations. The course then will apply these theoretical concepts to the relevant historical backgrounds in international relations and diplomacy, international political economy, and some of the key issues for the international community. The course has a lecture/discussion format. Students are encouraged to speak out in the discussion sections. There will be two mid-terms, a final exam, and an oral presentation. POLI 252S. International Organizations (4
sem. hours) G. Hudson
The class examines the role of international organizations, particularly the United Nations, as they operate in the international system. The student will be expected to gain familiarity with the characteristics and functions of the organizations within the UN system, particularly their specific regimes and their component organizations. The course will also investigate the multitude of non-governmental organizations through class discussions and projects. The class may participate in a required regional Model U. N. conference. POLI 260 1Z. Methodology (4 sem. hours)
R. Baker
The political science methodology course focuses on providing the major with requisite skills needed to conduct research in the field of political science. Emphasis is placed on conceptualization and design of a research project; various data collection methods used in political science; data analysis techniques, both quantitative and qualitative; and the research report writing.
NOTE: The course is required for all political science majors.
PREREQUISITE: Statistics (Business, Math, or Psychology)
WRITING INTENSIVE POLI 305. Western European Politics (4 sem.
hours) R. Flickinger
The course is devoted to a beginning exploration of similarities and differences among the national political systems found in the world. Students should expect through the course to develop an acquaintance with the principal characteristics of Western democratic political systems, Communist or formerly Communist political systems and political systems of the Third World. A second major objective is to learn basic concepts and techniques used in a comparative political analysis. Lectures and discussions. NOTE This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
PREREQUISITES: Poli Sci 102 or permission of the instructor, and Junior status.
WRITING INTENSIVE POLI 321 1W. Public Policy (4 sem.
hours) J. Young
This course will focus on the substance of public policy as well as the policy-making process. In examining the substance of policies this course will analyze the nature and impact of such issues as civil rights, poverty and welfare, education, immigration, crime, health care, and the environment. Policies addressing these issues generate considerable controversy and we the course will examine the nature of the controversies. The course will also examine the policy-making process including how issues find their way on the public agenda, what happens to them, and the factors affecting the implementation of policies.
PREREQUISITES: POLI 101 and Junior status
WRITING INTENSIVE POLI 332 1W. Political Parties & Interests
Groups (4 sem. hours) S. Rhine
Students of American politics have traditionally focused on parties and interest groups as important components of the American political system. In fact, some political scientists and sociologists have sought to explain how the system works by developing a theory of politics based solely on "group" formation and interaction. The "groups" these theorists study are political parties and interest groups. Our objective in this course is to examine the roles these groups perform in the American political system. Our focus will be primarily on U. S. political parties and interests groups, but comparisons will be made with institutions in several other developed democracies. We will review their historical development and the current patterns of their organizational structures, support in the electorate, and involvement in the governing process of the U. S. The course has a lecture/discussion format. You will write a series of papers and a book review. There will be two exams.
PREREQUISITE: POLI 101 and Junior standing
WRITING INTENSIVE POLI 350 1W. American Foreign Policy (4 sem.
hours) R. Flickinger
This course has three central substantive concerns 1) analyzing the record of American Foreign policy since World War II; 2) examining the process through which foreign policy is made; and using 1) and 2) as a basis for understanding current foreign policy issues. Two papers and two exams are expected. Extensive discussion, individual research and reports.
PREREQUISITES: POLI 101 and Junior standing
WRITING INTENSIVE POLI 355 1W. East Asian Foreign Policy (4
sem. hours) B. Yu
The course introduces students to the interactive dynamics in East Asia (between Japan, China, Russia, Korea and the U.S. as a Pacific power), a region which is vital for world stability and the U.S. The objective is to make students understand and be able to analyze diplomatic process, patterns of external behavior and transnational forces at work in the region. These learning goals will be achieved in conjunction with an actual process of learning how to do original empirical research. The course is writing intensive and requires a 20-page research paper and several oral presentations.
PREREQUISITE: At least one of the following: POLI 102, 205, 210, and 251, or with permission
WRITING INTENSIVE |