DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
POLI 101S 01 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. Reading of the New York Times is required.
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors. 2/09
POLI 101S 02 American National Government
4 credits
Hasecke, Ed
This introductory course will examine the institutions and workings of the federal government. Students will learn basic concepts that define American democracy, learn about ideology and think about their own ideological positions, and gain an understanding of the nature of politics. Regular reading of the New York Times is required. 2/09
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 101S 03 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. 2/08
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 of three general types of politics: 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. 2/08r
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, Mexico, and Nigeria), and authoritarian regimes (China). 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. 2/09
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. Evaluation will be based on two exams, reading quizzes, and participation in three short political analysis/simulation exercises. 2/09
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, and Korea (South Korea and North Korea). The role of the United States in regional politics is also discussed. 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).
Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum: CLAC
The course allows students with intermediate level Chinese and Japanese language skills—completed two credits beyond 112 or to be currently enrolled in a course beyond 112—to earn extra 1 credit connected to this course. Your work will be guided by your Language instructor.
To register for the CLAC component, students must also register for a one-credit LANG 230 CLAC module listed among the Language Department’s offerings. Meeting times and location will be arranged at the beginning of the semester. Credit for CLAC modules may be counted toward the requirements for International Studies and as elective credit in the Language department. 2/09
POLI 211R Ancient & Medieval Political Philosophy
4 credits
Wright, Heather
This is a challenging and thought-provoking course which explores the history of political philosophy from ancient Greek drama to medieval thought through a combination of primary textual analysis and interpretive commentary. What is political philosophy? Simply put, it is the quest for knowledge about the nature of politics. Ancient and medieval political philosophers sought knowledge about many of our most compelling and vital human questions. What is the nature of human beings? What is nature itself? What is justice? How can we begin to understand power? What is the good life for human beings? What is the best form of political rule? What is the proper relationship of philosophy to politics? On what basis might we construct our ethical life? Are men and women different, and if so, how might this impact the political? Not surprisingly, political philosophers have thought and continue to think very differently about these topics. Evaluation will be based on several short essays, two examinations, and class preparation and participation. 2/09
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, two examinations, and class preparation and participation. 2/09
POLI 224S 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. 2/09
POLI 236S 01 Media and Politics
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
Media and Politics is a survey course about the impact of the media on the public and political elites. The course will explore topics of the media structure, news content, public knowledge, and elite efforts to influence media coverage. The class will be a combination of lecture and discussion. Students will be assessed using a paper, discussion, quizzes and exams. 2/09
POLI 251S International Relations
4 credits
Yu, Bin
This course begins with an overview of the evolution of international system. This is followed by the discussion of some key theoretical concepts and approaches in the study of international relations (IR). Students will then apply IR history and theories to analyze some major issues in the 21st century, including international security, international political economy, nationalism, democratization, and global governance. 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. 2/08r
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 project that
uses computer software to assess major challenges to the international system.
Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum: CLAC
Interested in using your foreign language skills to earn extra credit connected to this course and to learn more about the subject matter of this course at the same time? If so, register for the CLAC components offered here. You don't need to be fluent in the language to exercise this option. In fact, you need only to have completed two credits beyond 112 or to be currently enrolled in a course beyond 112. Your work will be guided by your professor and by faculty from the Languages Department. The CLAC module is designed for intermediate level language learners.
This course offers a foreign language component or CLAC component in the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Russian.
Students who select the CLAC option will complete work in a foreign language that will supplement the work in this course. Students who complete the CLAC assignments successfully will earn 1 credit for the CLAC component.
To register for the CLAC component, you must also register for a one-credit LANG 230 CLAC module listed among the Language Department's offerings. Meeting times and location will be arranged at the beginning of the semester. Credit for CLAC modules may be counted toward the requirements for International Studies and as elective credit in the Language department. 2/09
POLI 260 1Z Methodology
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
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. 2/09
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 (student-led) discussions, with occasional small group exercises. Evaluation will be based on three exams, class participation, and a research paper. 2/09
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 320 1W Public Administration
4 credits
Baker, Rob
Prerequisites: POLI 101S 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 actors 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. 2/08
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 322 1W 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, two examinations, and class preparation and participation. 2/09
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 332 1W Political Parties & Interests Groups
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
POLI 352 1W Russian Foreign Policy
4 credits
Hudson, Gerry
Prerequisites: POLI 102S or 204H or 251 and Junior or Senior standing
This course examines the development and factors involved in Russian foreign policy, with an emphases on events since 1991 and on relations with the Central Eurasian nations. One of the major themes of the class will concern an understanding of the nature of the changes taking place in RFP under the Yeltsin, Putin, and Medvedev 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. 2/09
WRITING INTENSIVE
