POLI 101S 01 – American National Government
4 credits
Hasecke, Ed
This course will examine the institutions and workings of the federal government. Students will be asked to master basic concepts that define American democracy and critically assess political events through readings, discussion, exams, and a paper. A subscription to the New York Times is required. 2/06
POLI 101S 02 – American National Government
4 credits
Baker, Rob
This introductory course is intended to provide the student with a broad overview of American governmental institutions, processes, and policies. The Constitutional basis of our political system serves as the foundation for lectures and discussions. The course is required for all majors, and is a prerequisite for certain other upper-level courses in political science. A subscription to the New York Times is required. 2/06
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 102S 01 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
4 credits
Yu, Bin
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. 10/04
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 102S 02 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
4 credits
Hudson, Gerry
The course is devoted to beginning an exploration of similarities and differences among some well-known national political systems found in the world. Students should expect to develop an acquaintance with the principal characteristics of established democracies ( Great Britain, Germany, and France), developing democracies ( Russia and Mexico), and non-democracies ( China and Nigeria). A second major objective is to learn basic concepts and techniques used in comparative political analysis. Two hourly exams, a final exam, and a short paper are required. 2/06
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 102S 03 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
4 credits
Allan, James
This course introduces students to the study of political institutions and political behavior from a comparative perspective. During the course of the semester, the course will focus on political processes and issues in a wide variety of countries, including advanced industrial democracies, communist and post-communist systems, as well as countries in the developing world. A second major objective is to learn basic concepts and techniques used in comparative political analysis. There will be two midterms and a final, and participation in a simulation exercise and several political games are also required. 2/06
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 205C/S – Chinese Politics
4 credits
Yu, Bin
This course introduces politics in the People's Republic of China. It begins with an overview of traditional and modern Chinese history, and is followed by a survey of contemporary Chinese politics. Emphasis is given to Chinese political culture, institutions, processes and major issues both in the Maoist and post-Mao periods. One mid-term exam, one final exam and one take-home short paper are required.
PREREQUISITE: None (but this is helpful for the 354 Chinese Foreign Policy course).
POLI 215R 01 – American Political Thought
4 credits
Wright, Heather
In this course we will examine a selection of key political-theoretical debates and controversies, from the points of view of dominant and marginalized groups, dating from the colonial era to contemporary America. To lay the necessary groundwork, we will spend some time considering the moment of the American Founding. Then, we will explore writings from the country’s early development, the post-Civil War era of Reconstruction and Industrialization, and the “Rise of the Positive State” in the early 1900s. This foundational work will well prepare us for more contemporary ground, when we will explore topics including “Liberalism,” “the New Left,” “the New Right,” “Feminism,” and “Multiculturalism.” Evaluation will be based on several short essays, midterm and final examinations, and class preparation and participation. 2/06
POLI 216R – Family Values: Politics of Virtue, Care, and Equality
4 credits
Wright, Heather
In this course we will examine the theoretical underpinnings of this contemporary debate over family values. We will “begin at the beginning,” studying the ancient and modern political philosophers and their profoundly influential conceptions of the proper relationship between the family and public life. Once we grasp the philosophical foundation, we will move into the contemporary “house.” We will encounter thoughtful and profound analyses of the conflict of rights involved in these debates over the family. Is desire socially-constructed as opposed to natural? What is the proper relationship between biology and society? Should the family be regulated, or is it beyond the reach of public political scrutiny? How does emerging reproductive technology enter into the mix? Whose side should the state take when the conflict over abortion is represented as a contest between the rights of the fetus and the rights of the mother? Should we allow genetic manipulation of embryos? How have adoption, surrogate motherhood, and step-parenting redefined the traditional family? Is that redefinition reflected in contemporary family law? How will we care for our children and for our parents in an age in which everyone, male and female, works outside the home? Do we need a new family politics? Evaluation will be based on several short essays, midterm and final examinations, and class preparation and participation. 2/06
POLI 222S – Urban Politics
4 credits
Baker, Rob
An examination of politics and government in American cities. Emphasis is on how changes over time in local political structures and processes have affected the delivery of services at this most basic level of our federal system. The course has a lecture/discussion format. Two exams, quizzes, and a simulation will be required. 2/06
POLI 224 – Presidency
4 credits
Hasecke, Ed
This course will explore issues in the modern presidency. We will begin with the basic characteristics of the presidency and debate the conflicts inherent in the demands we place on the president. We will then shift to an exploration of presidential success. What makes a president more successful than another? Students will be asked to perform an original research project that seeks to explain presidential success of a president of their choosing. 2/06
POLI 230 – Campaigns and Elections
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
This course explores campaigns and political participation, with a particular focus on presidential elections. We study voter turnout over time and between different groups. We also study the voting decision. The course will focus on the 2004 presidential and 2006 congressional elections. Students are required to volunteer time with a political campaign of their choice. Class requirements include quizzes, journals, discussion and exams. 2/06
POLI 251S 01 – International Relations
4 credits
Yu, Bin
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 a mid-term, a final exam, and a reaction paper.9/03
POLI 259 01 – Topics in International Relations: International Political Economy
4 credits
Allan, James
This course provides an introduction to the subfield of international political economy, which explores the linkages between politics and economics in the international system. We will first critically examine the dominant theories used to interpret and explain patterns of international economic relations. We will then examine institutions and features of the international political economy, relating to areas such as trade, foreign investment, foreign aid, and relations between “advanced industrial” and “less developed” countries. Evaluation will be based on a midterm and a final exam, two short reflective papers, class participation, and a group project that uses computer software to assess major challenges to the international system. 2/06
POLI 260 1Z – Methodology
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
Prerequisites:Statistics (Business, Math, or Psychology)
This course aims to prepare students to better understand as well as conduct research. The course will explore hypothesis development and testing, measurement, research design, analysis, and interpretation of results. Students will pursue their own research question as well as refine the presentation of their results. There will be exams, several small projects, and a large research paper. 2/06
NOTE: This course is required by all political science majors.
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 302 1W – North American Politics
4 credits
Allan, James
Prerequisite: POLI 102S and Junior standing
This course is a comparative survey of the political systems within the North American Free Trade Area: Canada, Mexico, and the United States (although more emphasis will be placed on Canada and Mexico). Topics covered in the course from a comparative perspective include political culture and values, political institutions, the practice of federalism, political parties and electoral systems, public policies, and NAFTA. The course will also focus on politics across, as well as within, the three countries: are there commonalities among North American states? What is the impact of NAFTA and do attitudes to further economic integration vary across borders? What is the future of NAFTA? The course format will be a combination of lectures and discussions, with occasional small group exercises. Evaluation will be based on two midterms and a final exam, class participation, and a major research paper. 2/06
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 315 1W – Feminist and Postmodern Political Thought
4 credits
Wright, Heather
Prerequisites: Junior Standing and either POLI 211R, POLI 212R or POLI 219, or permission of instructor
An exploration of the major figures, schools of thought, and concepts in Feminist and Postmodern political thought, culminating in an examination of the often uneasy relationship between feminism and postmodernism. Readings include Nietzsche, Heidegger, Derrida, Foucault, Wollstonecraft, Goldman, MacKinnon, Elshtain, and Irigaray, among others. Evaluation will be based on an in-class presentation, two long papers, midterm and final essay examinations, and class preparation and participation. 2/06
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 320 1W – Public Administration
4 credits
Baker, Rob
Prerequisites: POLI 101 and Junior standing
Using a systems framework, this course focuses on politics and policymaking of the federal bureaucracy. Emphasis is on how bureaucrats and bureaucratic agencies interact with each other, and with other political factors at the federal level. The course combines lectures with seminar discussion format. Students will be asked to write 4 critical book reviews, and an article summary. Two essay exams will also be given. 2/06
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 352 1 W – Russian Foreign Policy
4 credits
Hudson, Gerry
Prerequisites: POLI 102 or 204 and Junior standing
This course examines the development and factors involved in Russian foreign policy, with an emphasis on events since 1991. One of the major themes of the class will concern an understanding of the nature of the changes taking place in that policy under the Yeltsin and Putin administrations. The transition in foreign policy during the Gorbachev years (1985-91) will also be discussed. The class will consider defense policy, economic policy, and the imperatives of the processes of nation-building and state-building as elements of Russian foreign policy. The class will center about the presentation and preparation of a lengthy term paper. 2/06
WRITING INTENSIVE
AFST 201ACH– Introductions to Africana Studies
4 credits
Young, John
This course will provide students with a survey of Africa and the African Diaspora in several dimensions. The course will begin with an examination of the discipline of Africana Studies, its evolution and institutionalization within academia. The course will go on to survey Africa and the African Diaspora in its historical, social, political, and economic dimensions. Central to the study of Africa and the African Diaspora is the issue of race and class. This course will examine how race and class speak to the marginalization of people of African descent whether in Africa or a part of the African Diaspora. 2/06
WITT SEM . Democracy in the US and Iraq
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
The war with Iraq has dominated American politics for the last several years. We’ll use this event to help us understand democratization, U.S. foreign policy, the media and our own capacities as citizens to make informed decisions. We will study Iraq and the war with Iraq from a variety of perspectives. We will explore the different ethnic and religious divisions in the country to provide background. We will look at the democratization literature and civil society. This focuses on the role of groups in enhancing democracy. We will track the events leading up to the war, including U.S. media coverage of those events and statements. We’ll delve into the new foreign policy doctrine of preemption and its implications. Then we will look at assessments of our intelligence and policymaking. Much of the course will focus on Iraq. But we also will turn the attention on ourselves to ask whether we live up to democratic standards. 2/06
WITT SEM
4 credits
Hasecke, Ed
The rise of Intelligent Design in the last decade as a proposed alternative to the theory of evolution has reignited a national debate over the teaching of evolution in high school biology classes. We will use the controversy over teaching intelligent design to explore several different questions: is intelligent design a scientific theory? Can the scientific method and religious belief be reconciled? Does teaching intelligent design violate the establishment clause in the First Amendment? Students will write a series of essays that negotiate this complex and controversial topic. 2/06
