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An introduction to the concepts basic to an understanding of politics and government with an emphasis on the political systems of the United States. A comparative examination of political processes, decision making institutions and policy issues relevant to the contemporary world. An introduction to basic research methods used in the discipline. This course fulfills the Social Analysis requirement in the core curriculum.
An introduction to the concepts basic to an understanding of politics and government with an emphasis on the political systems of the United States. A comparative examination of political processes, decision making institutions and policy issues relevant to the contemporary world. An introduction to basic research methods used in the discipline. This course fulfills the Social Analysis requirement in the core curriculum.
An introduction to the concepts basic to an understanding of politics and government with an emphasis on the political systems of the United States. A comparative examination of political processes, decision making institutions and policy issues relevant to the contemporary world. An introduction to basic research methods used in the discipline. This course fulfills the Social Analysis requirement in the core curriculum.
A survey of the way public policy is made in the American political system including agenda-setting, formulation of alternative policy choices, representation of interests and selection and implementation of policy options. Public policy case studies will be used as illustrations. Students also will be introduced to data analysis as a tool for policy evaluation. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or permission of the instructor
An overview of the contemporary international political system that examines the nature of power in global politics, particularly the transition from a bipolar to a post-cold war world. Emphasis is given to the changing relationships among the great powers, such as the United States and Russia, and to the interaction between the industrialized democracies of the North and the less-developed states of the South. Issues that cut across international politics - arms proliferation, the debt crisis, terrorism, resurgent nationalism - are examined. The course also analyzes the role and impact of non-state actors, such as the United Nations and multi-national corporations, on the international system. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or permission of the instructor
Examines how understanding of politics and political problems has evolved in western civilizations over time. Explores ideas and the methods for developing political knowledge about concepts like justice, equality, legitimacy, law, public responsibility, and human nature. This will be accomplished by closely reading and analyzing a survey of the most significant political theory texts in the Western tradition. Prerequisites: POLS 104 or permission of the instructor.
An examination of the development and contemporary operation of the legislative and executive branches of government, focusing particularly on the interaction between them in the policy-making process. Topics include: the evolution of selection processes; the growth of careerism in the legislature; increasing complexity and bureaucratization of both branches; the nature of representation; the role of political parties; and the expansion and contraction of each branch's powers relative to the other. Primary attention will be on Congress and the presidency, but parallels also will be drawn with state legislatures and governors. Prerequisite: POLS 205 or permission of instructor
An examination of environmental policy outcomes generated by institutions and organizations, including legislation, court decisions and administrative decisions. Additional focus is on the nature of the decision-making process and those methods commonly used to assess public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 205 or permission of instructor
Examination of a series of criminal and civil trials that highlight to an extraordinary degree the political implications of American law. Examples will be drawn from the seventeenth to the twenty-first centuries and may include such trials as presidential impeachment, religious liberty, military justice, press freedom and legislative representation. Individual research will seek to answer the ultimate question of whether justice was served or denied. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or 205 or permission of the instructor.
Examination of the traditional American approach to foreign policy; America's post-World War II role in the world; the roles of the president and Congress in the making of foreign policy; the foreign-policy bureaucracy; nuclear-weapons policy; contemporary American foreign policies. Prerequisite: POLS 225 or permission of instructor
A survey of the politics and economy of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Focuses on issues such as colonialism, democratization, human rights, gender, population, poverty, environment, political leadership, economic development and relations between developed and developing countries. Prerequisites: POLS 104 and 225 or permission of the instructor.
Seminars in political science provide an opportunity for students to synthesize and further develop knowledge gained in earlier courses and enhance their critical and analytical skills. Students in the seminars will engage in reading and discussion and undertake a major research project pertinent to the seminar's topic. Specific topics or themes of each seminar will vary. Seminars are offered in each of the sub-fields of the discipline.
Seminars in political science provide an opportunity for students to synthesize and further develop knowledge gained in earlier courses and enhance their critical and analytical skills. Students in the seminars will engage in reading and discussion and undertake a major research project pertinent to the seminar's topic. Specific topics or themes of each seminar will vary. Seminars are offered in each of the sub-fields of the discipline.
