DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SPRING 2010
POLI 101S 01 - 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. Nrv 10/09
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
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. Nrv 10/09
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. Nrv 10/09
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. Nrv 10/09
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 204H 01 - Russian Politics
4 credits
Hudson, George
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. Nvr 10/09
POLI 208S 01 - Moscow: Politics & Planning
4 credits
Hudson, George
This interdisciplinary course intends to introduce the student to the processes of governing and conducting urban planning in one of the largest and most complex cities in the world--Moscow. A special addition to this class includes material comparing Moscow with Tbilisi, Georgia. By the end of the semester, students will be able to analyze a range of issues, including Moscow’s and Tbilisi’s history, contemporary planning, environmental control, social issues, architecture, and governance. The consideration of these and other issues will help the student to understand how Moscow and Tbilisi are facing the difficulties of the transition from the old, communist system to a new one, based upon principles of democracy and a market economy. Time will be spent learning and applying social science methods such as mapping techniques (using Geographical Information Systems), voting behavior analysis, and the preparation for field research in Tbilisi. Following the conclusion of the class, students will have the opportunity to participate in field research in Tbilisi, Georgia, for three weeks in June 2009. Students may receive credit for the class in either Political Science or Geography. There are no prerequisites.
NOTES: The course is also cross-listed with GEOG 232S. The class may be used to fulfill major or minor requirements in Political Science, Geography, Russian Area Studies, or Urban Studies. Students will be prepared to pursue an optional, follow-up field research experience to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia for three weeks in June, 2009. Rev 10/09
POLI 212R 01 - Modern Political Philosophy
4 credits
Wright, Heather
What is modernity? Why are works written in the 17th century considered modern? This course explores the revolutionary challenge to ancient and medieval political philosophy posed by the development of “modern” political theory, from its origin in 16th century Florence with Machiavelli to its restatement in the 20th century by Rawls. The focus of our study is liberal democratic thought, from the social contract theory articulated by Hobbes and Locke to the institutionalization of liberal ideas in Madison and Hamilton to the expansion of liberal rights in Wollstonecraft, Mill, and Rawls. We will conclude with a consideration of various critiques of liberalism, including those leveled by Rousseau, Marx, and Arendt. Evaluation will be based on several short essays, midterm and final examinations, and class preparation and participation. Nrv 10/09
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, two examinations, and class preparation and participation. Nrv 10/09
POLI 221S 01 - State and Local Government
4 credits
Baker, Rob
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. Nrv 10/09
POLI 232S - Public Opinion
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
This is a study of the measurement, development, and role of public opinion in American politics. We will explore how public opinion affects government as well as how government shapes public opinion. We will study its impact among demographic groups and its effect on various issues. Class will be a combination of lecture and discussion. Students will be assessed using a paper, discussion, quizzes and exams. Nrv 10/09
POLI 234S 01 - Black PoliticsThis 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. Nrv 10/09
POLI 251S 01 - 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 take home paper. Nrv 10/09
POLI 260 1Z - Methodology
4 credits
Baker, Rob
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. Nrv 10/09
NOTE: The course is required for all political science majors.
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 319 1W - Fatherhood and Masculinity in Politics, Literature and Film
4 credits
Wright, Heather
Prerequisites: A Political Theory course (POLI 211, 212, 215 or 216) or permission of the instructor; Jr Class Standing
What does it mean to be a “man” in America today? What conceptions circulate about men, their needs and their desires? Are men naturally violent? Is it really true that women make better parents then men? Is it a privilege to be a man, or a burden? What are the origins of contemporary American “masculinities”? How does gender discourse circulate in our political community, and what practical effect does it have on our work, family, and community lives? What is the significance of contemporary “men’s movements” – both anti- and pro-feminist? Has feminist ideology and its influence on family and criminal law resulted in “reverse” discrimination against men? We will explore the social meanings of masculinity and fatherhood through analysis of several primary works of literature, film, and television, informed by cultural studies and political theoretical analyses. New 10/09
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 321 1W - Public Policy
4 credits
Hasecke, Ed
Prerequisites: POLI 101S and Jr Class Standing
This course is designed to consider the nature of public policy and the challenges that face society as we try to create solutions to difficult problems. The semester begins with theories of justice and then explores the paradoxes that plague public policy. The class then tackles the issue of funding public schools. Students will perform a statistical analysis of Ohio school districts and research the current funding structure for Ohio schools. Several off-campus experiences are required to gain an understanding of the challenges facing urban schools. Evaluation will be based on a research paper, essay exams, and additional assignments. Nrv 10/09
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 323 1W - U. S. Congress
4 credits
Hasecke, Ed
Prerequisites: POLI 101 and Jr Class Standing
In this course, students will be exposed to the world of Congress through a semester-long simulation. Class sessions will mix traditional lecture/discussion with simulated legislative experiences. As a class we will discuss Congressional structure and legislative strategy. We will also engage in a class research project that involves data collection and statistical analysis. A subscription to an online Congressional simulation (www.legsim.org) is required. Evaluation will be based on participation in the simulation, several written assignments and a final paper. Nrv 10/09
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 350 1W - American Foreign Policy
4 credits
Yu, Bin
Prerequisites: POLI 101 or POLI 251 and Jr Class Standing or with permission
This course has three central components: (1) understanding the history of American foreign policy; (2) examining and explaining the process through which foreign policy is made; and (3) analyzing current foreign policy issues. Two papers and at least two oral presentations are required. The course is a seminar and students are expected to engage in extensive discussion based on individual research. Rev 10/09
