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. 10/11
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. 10/11
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 three exams, quizzes, and a paper. 10/11
NOTE: This course is required of all political science majors and minors.
POLI 102S 01 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. 10/11
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, reading quizzes, and participation in three short political analysis/simulation exercises. 10/11
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. 10/11
POLI 215R 01 American Political Thought
4 credits
Duncan, Chris
This course is intended to give the student of politics a critical overview of the main currents and thinkers in American political thought and theory. Unlike classical political theory, American political thought has few if any treatises or dialogues by which it can be evaluated. Instead, American political theory is to be found in the addresses, writings, speeches, and public activities of American political actors and critics who sought particular historical and political goals within the context of American political culture. Hence, the list of possible materials we can use to gain insight into American political thought is rather expansive and broad, and, in turn, requires a subtle and perceptive eye, as well as a certain degree of imagination, in order to come to a sense of understanding about this rich subject. 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. Evaluation will be based on two take-home examinations and a series of quizzes. 10/11
POLI 216R 01 Family Values: The Politics of Virtue, Care, and Equality
4 credits
Wright, Heather
This course examines 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. 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 most everyone, male and female, works outside the home? Do we need a new family politics? Having completed our consideration of the American debate, we will turn to an illuminating comparative case study: Poland. The addition of perspectives grounded in a radically different political history, and cultural and religious traditions, will throw the American political landscape into sharp relief. Evaluation will be based on short essays, two examinations, and class preparation and participation. 10/11
POLI 224S 01 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. 10/11
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. 10/11
POLI 234S 01 Black Politics
4 credits
Young, John
This 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 Americans have interpreted and responded to the democratic experiment. Considerable attention will be given to 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. Evaluation will be based on three exams, several quizzes, class participation, and short, one page writing assignments. 10/11
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. 10/11
NOTE: The course is required for all political science majors.
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 305 1W European Politics
4 credits
Allan, James
Prerequisites: POLI 102S and Jr/Sr class standing
This seminar course focuses on European politics with special emphasis on changes in political and economic institutions and behavior since World War II. The course covers four main aspects of politics in Europe: i. Political institutions; ii. Political parties and political behavior; iii. Political economy; and iv. the European Union. Although the course is not designed on a country-by-country basis, we will examine most of the European countries (though some countries will get more attention than others). By the end of the class, students should be familiar with the evolution of the states in Europe, the evolution of different democratic political institutions throughout Europe, key differences in the economic institutions in these countries, and the major issues surrounding the future of the European Union in the 21st Century. Evaluation will be based on exams, participation, a short group project, and a major research paper. 10/11
WRITING INTENSIVE
Optional: 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.
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.
POLI 322 1W American Constitutional Law
4 credits
Wright, Heather
Prerequisites: POLI 101S 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, in-class presentations, a term paper, two examinations, and class preparation and participation. 10/11
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. 10/11
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 350 1W American Foreign Policy
4 credits
Yu, Bin
Prerequisites: POLI 101S or 251S 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. Three 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. 10/11
WRITING INTENSIVE
