POLI 101S 01 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. 02/11
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. Reading of the New York Times is required.
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors. 02/09
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. 02/11
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. 02/11
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. 02/11
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 210SC 01 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. 02/11
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. 02/11
POLI 216R 01 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. 02/11
POLI 222S 01 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. 02/11
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. 02/11
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. There will be a mid-term, a final exam, two short take-home papers, and a few quizzes. 02/11
POLI 253S 01 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.
Students will need their own personal computer or have regular access to a computer in a lab in order to run software used in this course.
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 any of the six foreign languages offered by the languages department. 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. 02/11
POLI 260 1Z Methodology
4 credits
Allan, James
Prerequisites: Minimum Math Placement Score of 23. Jr class standing or with permission
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. 02/11
NOTE: This course is required by 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 211R, 212R, 215R or 216R), 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. 02/11
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 320 1W Public Administration
4 credits
Baker, Rob
Prerequisites: POLI 101S and Jr class 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. 02/11
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 332 1W Political Parties & Interests Groups
4 credits
Rhine, Staci
PREREQUISITES: POLI 101S and Jr 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. 02/11
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 352 1W Russian Foreign Policy
4 credits
Hudson, Gerry
Prerequisites: POLI 102S, 204H or 251S and Jr/Sr class standing
This course examines the development and factors involved in Russian foreign policy, with emphases on events since 1991 and on relations with the Central Eurasian nations—particularly Georgia, where Hudson spent five months doing research in 2010-2011. 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. 02/11
WRITING INTENSIVE
