Course Descriptions
101 103 105 150 201 203 204 205 208 214 227 230 250 255 260 301 302 303 304 305 308 311 318 320 322 326 329 331 332 344 346 350 356 360 362 364 366 368 370 373 380 381 390 398 401 402 406 408 420 422 425 426 429 430 432 440 444 450
101. American Government and Politics
A study of the United States Federal government. (Credit, full course.) Brockett, Schneider
An introduction to the comparative study of politics, employing a conceptual, or thematic, approach. Selected countries' political systems will be examined with a focus on major features, including their governmental institutions, political parties, and political culture. (Credit, full course.) Dunn, Wilson, Ward
105. Introduction to Political Theory
This course will examine the ways in which the political theories that have shaped the modern world have addressed perennial questions of politics-such as the reconciliation of individual and society; the meaning of justice, equality, and power. Theories to be considered include liberalism, socialism, conservatism, fascism, communitarianism. (Credit, full course) McKeen, Pearigen.
An introduction to the study of international relations, concentrating on perspectives and policies of major countries, principal institutions, international law and international organization, and selected topics; for example, arms races and arms control, economic and political integration, disparities of income, problems of food and population, and human rights. Course requirements include simulation. (Credit, full course.) Dunn, Ward.
201. Political Parties and Pressure Groups
The history, organization, and functions of political parties; the activities and importance of pressure groups and propaganda; the relationship between economic power and politics. (Credit, full course.) Schneider.
A study of the office and powers of the President, presidential leadership, and the relations between the Chief Executive and Congress and the executive agencies. (Credit, full course.) Brockett, Kazee.
The composition, organization, procedure, and powers of legislative bodies in the United States and abroad. (Credit, full course.) Kazee .
An examination of the judicial process in the United States with particular emphasis on the federal court system in the context of the American political process. The central focus will be on judicial selection and socialization, the decisional process, and the impact of judicial decisions. (Credit, full course.) Keele.
This course combines the study of public policy with the study of major environmental problems. Students will explore public policy concepts and the instruments used in environmental regulation. Topics will include air and water quality issues hazardous waste and risk management, natural resources and biological diversity. The course will also discuss the impact of environmental groups and citizen activism on this highly complex area of public policy. (Credit, full course.) Brockett.
214.
Politics and the Media
An assessment of the role mass media play in American politics. Particular
emphasis is given to interactions between the news media and major American
political institutions, such as congress and the presidency. The course investigates
as well the impact the media may have at the individual level (e.g., on the
formation and change of political attitudes among the mass public) and at
the systemic level (e.g., on public policy making). (Credit, full course.)
Kazee.
This course attempts to develop an understanding of both Africa's position in world politics and the effect of international factors on African nations. The focus is on the period since 1945. Africa's relations with the major powers, capitalist and socialist, as well as interaction with other states of the Third World, are explored. The vehicle of international organization through which much of Africa's diplomacy is conducted is emphasized. Also treated is the tremendous impact of the outside world on the politics and development of Africa. (Credit, full course.) Dunn.
230. Politics in Nigeria and South Africa
An exploration of the historical backgrounds, political institutions and processes of Nigeria and South Africa. Emphasis will be on Nigeria's difficult transition to accountable government and on post-Apartheid consolidation in South Africa. (Credit, full course) Dunn.
250. States and Markets in East Asia
The course surveys the political economy of Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea since the 1930s. Students will read and discuss dependency, statist, and cultural theoretical approaches to the political economy of the cases. What explains the dynamic growth of this region of the world during the post-war period. (Credit, full course.) Wilson.
255. Socialists, Reformers, and Dissidents
A survey of the development of socialist theory and responses to socialism. The course examines the theoretical foundations of socialism along with attempts to implement socialist ideas, reform socialism, and critiques of socialism by those who have lived through it. The course emphasizes the scientific and utopian elements in socialist theory. (Credit, full course.) Wilson.
260.
European Political Relations
This course focuses on the trends of political relations among European countries
since 1945. The principal topic is political and economic integration as seen
in the development of the European Union. Other topics include the Atlantic
relationship as seen in NATO, the institutionalization of a human rights regime,
the dynamics of East-West relations, and the international issues facing the
former communist states of the East. (Credit, full course.) Ward.
301. History of Political Thought
Theory The development of political thought in the West from the Greeks to the mid-seventeenth century. (Credit, full course.) Staff.
A continuation of Political Science 301 from Locke to the twentieth century. (Credit, full course.) Staff.
A study of leading women political theorists and thereby major currents of contemporary social thought as well, including liberalism, socialism and postmodernism. The reading list will include selections from authors beginning with Mary Wollstonecraft, but will focus primarily on late 20th century writers such as Heidi Hartmann, Monique Willig, Luce Irigary, Carole Pateman, Allison Jaggar, and Bell Hooks. (Credit, full course.) McKeen.
304. American Political Thought
This course traces the emergence of different strands in American political thought, beginning with rival interpretations of notions such as freedom and self-government during the period of the founding. Selected topics include race and strategies for social change, communitarianism and neo-conservatism, feminism, Christian fundamentalism, and green politics. (Credit, full course.) McKeen.
305. Politics of Everyday Life
This course examines culture as an arena of political conflict. The course begins with a discussion of Antonio Gramsci's theory of cultural hegemony, which will serve as a guide through the rest of the semester. How do political actors try to use cultural media to shape the way people think about their world and politics? Students will discuss institutions and various forms of popular culture from the United States and elsewhere. (Credit, full course.) Wilson.
An analytical examination of public policy-making. Special attention is given to selected policy areas such as health, environment, income support, and the economy. (Credit, full course.) Brockett.
311. Politics of Central America and the Caribbean
An intensive study of political life in selected countries in the region, including both domestic and foreign influences and policies. Substantial attention is given to United States relations with the region. (Credit, full course.) Brockett.
318. Comparative Politics: South America and Mexico
A general survey of political life in Latin America, as well as specific study of the most important countries-Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Venezuela. Determinants and outcomes of political process are studied, as well as the political process itself. Consideration is given to both domestic and foreign influences and policies. (Credit, full course.) Brockett.
320. Contemporary American Politics
This course focuses on major forces that shape the contemporary political landscape including: 1) race in American politics; 2) post-Watergate media; 3) the rise of religious conservative coalitions. Emphasis is given to how forces affect the response of political actors, political parties, and problem definition. Prerequisite: Political Science 101. (Credit, full course.) Staff.
322. United States Foreign Policy
An examination of changes in national security policies in the post-World War II period. The course will focus on containment, mutual defense in Europe and Asia, deterrence, arms control and force reduction, detente and U. S.-Chinese relations. (Credit, full course.) Ward.
326. Comparative Asian Politics
A survey of the development of East Asian politics during the 20th century, from the period of Japanese colonialism through the present. The course will examine political developments in Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and, to a lesser extent, Hong Kong and Singapore. Particular attention will be given to the formation of centralized states, single-party rule, attempts to liberalize politics, and international integration. (Credit, full course.) Wilson.
329. Comparative African Politics
A comparison of the politics of sub-Saharan Africa. An exploration of state-society relationships in independent Africa and the challenges of warlord politics to the African state system (Credit, full course) Dunn.
331. Introduction to Constitutional Law
The origin of the United States Constitution and its development through judicial interpretation. The focus will be on significant court decisions involving legislative, executive, and judicial powers, and intergovernmental relations. (Credit, full course.) Keele, Pearigen.
332. Contemporary Constitutional Law
An examination of selected contemporary problems in civil rights and civil liberties in the United States emphasizes judicial interpretations of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. (Credit, full course) Keele, Pearigen.
333. Human Rights
The course introduces human rights conditions in today's world. While it covers
varying philosophical traditions of human rights, major emphasis is placed
on how different actors and institutions are able to influence human rights
conditions, both from an international and domestic perspective, (Credit,
full course.) Irvin.
344. Political Rhetoric and Gender
This course is concerned with myths that have played a prominent role in our nation's self-conception and its political rhetoric-such as the myth of the frontier, the myth of success, and the notion of the American Dream. We will examine 1) the changing historical meanings of these myths from the colonial period to the 20th century, and 2) the gender aspects of these myths. (Credit, full course.) McKeen.
346. Contemporary Social Movements
This course examines (i) some of the major social and political ideologies of the 20th century (such as liberalism, socialism, nationalism, feminism, environmentalism); (ii) theories of social and political movements in modern societies and market democracies; and (iii) concrete examples of such social and political movements in the contemporary world (Credit, full course.) McKeen, Schneider.
350. Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union
This course explores the multitude of problems facing the new political regimes-even new countries-in the area we once knew as a major segment of the communist world. (Credit, full course.) Ward.
356. Diplomatic History of Europe 1813-1914
A study of the methodology, practice, and substance of European diplomacy from the collapse of the Napoleonic empire to the outbreak of World War I with particular emphasis on the Concert System and the international problems resulting from nationalism, industrialism, and colonialism. (Cross-listed with History 356.) (Credit, full course.) Ward, Pieck .
A survey of Chinese political movements and institutions during three periods: the Republican period (1911-49), the Maoist collective era (1949-78), and the reform period (1978-present). The course will focus on state building, popular participation in politics, and power struggles among the elite. (Credit, full course.) Wilson, Waller.
362. Civil Wars in Contemporary World Politics
An examination of the phenomenon of civil wars in the post-Cold War world. The course will focus on the assertion of group identities within many countries, the challenge of political accommodation (access) and the prospect of political divorce (exit). The role of international organizations and other actors in the management of such conflicts is also explored (Credit, full course) Dunn.
A study of the development, institutions, decision-making processes, functions, and problems of the European Union-formerly the European Community-including its role in the world. (Credit, full course.) Staff.
366. International Political Economy
This course examines the dynamics of international political and economic relations. Issues of trade, monetary and financial networks, investment, North-South relations, and the international system will be explored. The international context of development will receive particular attention. (Credit, full course.) Wilson.
368. Arms Control and International Security
Students in this course will examine such problems as disarmament, arms control, conventional arms transfers, and nuclear proliferation. Particular attention will be given to the diplomacy of attempting to reach agreements and to the relationship between arms control and international security. (Credit, full course.) Ward.
370. International Law in International Relations
The sources, subjects, and major principles of international law. The function of law in the international community. (Credit, full course.) Staff.
373. African-American Political Thought
This course focuses on important African-American writers whose unique perspectives challenge us to think about questions of justice, equality and difference, morality and rule. Readings begin in the 19th century (Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington) and proceed into the late 20th century with selections from authors such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, James Baldwin, Shelby Steele, Cornel West, and Toni Morrison. (Credit, full course.) McKeen.
An examination of the origins and development of the concept of panafricanism among Diaspora Africans and the joining of this phenomenon with the development of macro-nationalism on the African continent. The course will also focus on the significance of the 1945 Manchester Pan-African Congress, and will trace the political events leading to the creation of the Organization of African Unity (Credit, full course) Dunn.
381. The Political Economy of Sustainable Development (also Economics 381)
This course examines
the different configurations of market, state, and cultural forces presented
by societies as they respond to the challenges asssociated with attempting
to meet present needs and demands without compromising their natural and social
base for meeting the needs of the future. Theoretical discussions are combined
with case studies. Course is identical with PolS 461 with the exception that
special attention is given to research in 461. Students taking this course
may not take PolS 461. (Credit, full course.) Brockett
.
The nature, organization, and function of the United Nations in a changing world environment. An emphasis on the U.N.'s work on peace as well as social, economic, and humanitarian issues (Credit, full course) Dunn.
398. Intelligence and Foreign Policy in the 20th Century (also History 398)
This course examines the impact of intelligence operations on the conduct of diplomacy and international politics. Covert operations, intelligence estimates, technological assessment, cryptology, and the evolution of intelligence organizations during the 20th century are covered. Specific attention given to the outbreak of the First and Second World Wars and to the crises of the Cold War. (Credit, full course.) Williamson.
401. Research Seminar in European Politics
A comparative study of selected aspects of European political systems, concentrating on France, Britain, Germany, and Italy, and touching on the smaller European countries and Canada. The focus of analysis includes political parties and parliaments. (Credit, full course.) Currently not offered.
402. Research Seminar: Political Economy
This course introduces the methods used in the study of political economy and some of their applications. Students will read about and research such topics as collective action, property rights, and the nature of the state and its relationship to the economy. The course addresses the interaction of politics and economics and the application of rational action models to political phenomena. (Credit, full course.) Wilson.
A study of the philosophy and development of law through the centuries. Particular emphasis will be on law in the classical period as well as the more modern historical, analytical, and sociological schools of jurisprudence. (Credit, full course.) Pearigen.
407. Research Seminar in Political Behavior
A study of the political opinion and behavior (including voting) of the general public, with special attention given to developing appreciation of, and skill in, empirical analysis. (Credit, full course.) Brockett.
408. Research Seminar on Southern Politics
Politics in the American South is presented in three segments: l) a survey of the themes and characteristics of Southern politics as they grow out of the history, culture and political economy of the region; 2) the structure and evolution of public opinion and behavior in the last two decades; 3) a detailed analysis of the politics of the individual states that comprise the region. Prerequisite: Political Science 101. (Credit, full course.) Schneider.
422. Seminar on Topics in International Organizations
With a grounding in the theories of international organization, the course will focus on global problem management through governmental and non-governmental organizations. Among the topics to be included: global resource management, the World Trade Organization and trade, international regionalism, international criminal courts and other legal issues, humanitarianism across borders, human rights, and the advancement of women (Credit, full course) Dunn.
425. Seminar on International Politics
An examination of theories of international relations as frameworks for the analysis of the elements, organization, and strategies of international politics. The course will combine the use of empirical data with the analysis of central concepts such as the balance of power, deterrence, national interest, sovereignty, and bipolarity. (Credit, full course.) Ward.
An analytical examination of public policy-making with attention to selected policy areas such as health, environment, income support, and the economy. Course is identical to PolS 308 with the exception that special attention is given to research in 426. Students taking this course may not take PolS 308. (Credit, full course.) Brockett.
429. Seminar on Comparative Politics
A seminar on the comparative approach to the study of national politics and government with emphasis on topics such as nation and state building, political culture, social cleavages, political parties and other linkage institution, public policy making, and political change. (Credit, full course.) Staff.
430. Research Seminar: Topics in International Security
Students will join the instructor in exploring of a selected topic related to international security. Such topics could include arms control, security structures, regional instability, and the U. S. role in conflicts and in conflict resolution. (Credit, full course.) Ward.
Students will study political ethnographies and works on ethnographic methods, including interviewing and participant observation. The student will complete a research project of some political subject in the community. (Credit, full course.) Wilson.
A course for specially selected seniors. A study of the most important works and major ideas in the fields of law and jurisprudence. (Credit, full course.) Keele and Pearigen.
For selected students. May be repeated indefinitely. (Credit, half to full course.) Staff.
Seniors only. Permission of the department chairman required. (Credit, full course.) Staff.
461. Seminar in the Political Economy of Sustainable Development
This course examines the different configurations of market, state, and cultural forces presented by societies as they respond to the challenges associated with attempting to meet present needs and demands without compromising their natural and social base for meeting the needs of the future. Theoretical discussions are combined with case studies. Course is identical to PolS 381/Econ 381 with the exception that special attention is given to research in 461. Students taking this course may not take Econ 381/ PolS 381. (Credit, full course.) Brockett.