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. 02/12
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 101S 02 American National Government
4 credits
Duncan, Chris
This course is designed to introduce the student of American politics to the basic ideas, concepts, processes, institutions and actors of American government. It is meant to provide the student with the critical tools for understanding the ways in which American political institutions and practices originated and continue to function, as well as to provide the student with a sense of place within the American political tradition and an understanding of the responsibilities of democratic citizenship.
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 101S 03 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. Reading of internet news sources is required. 02/12
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 102S 01 Introduction to Comparative Politics
4 credits
LaPorte, Jody
This course will introduce you to the major questions, findings, and concepts from the field of comparative politics and will challenge you to engage these debates with creativity and rigor. This course is divided into three sections. First, we will examine the state, in order to identify the factors that contribute to building strong states. The second part of the course asks why some countries experience economic growth and development, while other countries do not. Third, we will explore the variety of political regimes under which people live and the factors sustaining democratic versus authoritarian rule. Examination will be based on reading quizzes, two exams, and regular participation in class discussions. 02/12
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, reading quizzes, and participation in three short political analysis/simulation exercises. 02/12
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors
POLI 204H Russian Politics
4 credits
LaPorte, Jody
The purpose of this class is to give the student an introduction to the politics of Russia and post-Soviet Eurasia. There are four general goals: (1) to enable the student to write and talk about the area in a well-informed manner; (2) to give students an in-depth understanding of what the Soviet Union was; (3) to enable the student to understand domestic politics in Russia and post-Soviet Eurasia since 1991; and (4) to help students analyze whether historical forces or current conditions shape domestic politics in the region today. A midterm and final exam plus a ten-page paper are required. 02/12
POLI 212R 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 short essays, reading quizzes, two examinations, and class preparation and participation. 02/12
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. 02/12
POLI 230S 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 2012 presidential election and 2010 midterm elections. Students are required to volunteer time with a political campaign of their choice in Ohio. Class requirements include quizzes, journals about volunteer time, discussion and exams. 02/12
POLI 236S 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 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. 02/12
POLI 251S International Relations
4 credits
Allan, James
This course provides a broad introduction to the study of international relations. The course begins with an examination of the major theoretical and conceptual approaches used to study international relations. It then turns to exploring key topics in international relations, including diplomacy, international organizations, international security, international political economy and the nature of conflict and cooperation in an increasingly “globalized” system. Evaluation will be based on two exams, and participation in several short case study/simulation exercises.02/12
POLI 260 1Z Methodology
4 credits
Hasecke, Ed
Prerequisite: Math Placement Score of 23 This course engages students in political science research. Class sessions focus on conceptualization and design of a research project; various data collection methods used in political science; data analysis techniques; and the process of writing a research paper.
Students are expected to perform original research. Evaluation is based on take-home exams, short exercises, and a major research paper. 02/12
NOTE: The course is required for all political science majors.
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 302 1W North American Politics
4 credits
Allan, James
Prerequisite: POLI 102S and Junior/Senior standing
This course is a comparative survey of the political systems within North America: 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, federalism, paradiplomacy, 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 North American integration? Evaluation will be based on exams, class participation, and a research paper.
WRITING INTENSIVE
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. 02/12
POLI 309W Politics of Non-Democratic Regimes
4 credits
LaPorte, Jody
Prerequisites: POLI 102S and Jr/Sr class standing
This course is designed to introduce students to the politics of non-democratic regimes. Over recent decades, many political science theories focused on the construction of democracy. However, in many parts of the world authoritarianism is proving remarkably resilient. This course addresses the gap between these theories and empirical realities by focusing on the dynamics of authoritarian rule. The first section of the course explores the forms that non-democracy takes around the world, asking: Who rules in these regimes? The second section of the course examines how rulers stay in power, and how some citizens resist government intrusion into their daily lives. Students will be expected to complete several writing assignments and to participate actively in class discussions. 02/12
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 and film, informed by cultural studies and political theoretical analyses. 02/12
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. 02/12
WRITING INTENSIVE
