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 two papers. Regular reading of the New York Times is required. 2/07
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 101S 02 American National Government
4 credits
Young, John
This course will introduce students to the study of the American Political System. Students will become acquainted with such political concepts as federalism, political culture, political socialization, political participation, etc. The course should enable students to analyze and evaluate the institutions processes and policies of American Government. Emphasis will be given to the role and activities of individuals and institutions as they shape and respond to the American Political Process. Student performance will be evaluated via three exams, group debate and class participation. Instructional format will include lecture/discussion and weekly issue round tables. 2/07nr
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 101S 03/04 American National Government
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
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 New York Times. There will be two exams, quizzes, and a paper. 2/07
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 begins with some of the central concepts of comparative approaches to the study of politics It then examines 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 one quiz. 2/07nr
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 consolidated democracies (Great Britain, Germany, and France), transitional democracies (Russia and Mexico), and authoritarian regimes (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. 2/07
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 102S 02 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. Evaluation will be based on two exams, a short paper, reading quizzes, and participation in a simulation exercise. 2/07
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 210SC East Asian Politics
4 credits
Yu, Bin
The course introduces students to the political structure and dynamics of three major countries, or group of countries, in East Asia: Japan, China (Mainland, Taiwan, and Hong King), and Korea (South Korea and North Korea). The major objective is to make students familiar with their history, politics, and economy, their relationships with each other, and the impact of East Asia as whole on global affairs. There will be one mid-term exam, one final exam, and a take-home essay (7-9 pages). 2/07nr
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. 2/07
POLI 216R Family Values: Politics of Virtue, Care, and Equality
4 credits
Wright, Heather
In this course we will examine the theoretical underpinnings of the 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. 2/07
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. 2/07
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. 2/07nr
POLI 260 1Z Methodology
4 credits
Allan, James
The political science methodology course focuses on providing students with requisite skills needed to conduct and understand 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; and the process of research report writing. Evaluation will be based on an exam, several short exercises, and a major research paper. 2/07
NOTE: This course is required by all political science majors.
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 322 01 American Constitutional Law
4 credits
Wright, Heather
Prerequisites: POLI 101 and Jr Class Standing
A course on constitutional law can be-and is-nothing less than an extended inquiry into the meaning of America. We will examine the Court's role in political agenda setting in several arenas, including economic policy, property rights, separation of powers, federalism, presidential powers and war powers, and in interpreting the equal protection and due process clauses as they bear on race and gender equality. But we will also explore judicial review, judicial activism and restraint, and theories of constitutional interpretation. In short, we will go beyond the facts and rulings of the great Supreme Court cases to engage important issues of political theory and the nature of our democracy. Evaluation will be based on case briefs, an in-class presentation, a term paper, midterm and final examinations, and class preparation and participation. 2/07
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 332 1W Political Parties & Interests Groups
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
PREREQUISITES: POLI 101 and Junior standing
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. 2/07
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 352 1 W Russian Foreign Policy
4 credits
Hudson, Gerry
Prerequisites: POLI 102S or 204H and Junior or Senior 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. 2/07
WRITING INTENSIVE
