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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.
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
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 political attitudes and behavior of the public, as well as the linkages between the public and their government. Topics include: public opinion; political psychology; political participation; voting; elections; political parties; interest groups; and the mass media. The emphasis is on the American system, but comparisons will be made with other democratic systems. Attention also will be paid to survey research as a principal method by which these topics are studied. Prerequisite: POLS 205 or permission of instructor
An examination of the relationship of law and judicial policy-making to American political culture. The selection, powers and operation of American courts - trial and appellate, federal and state; the evolution of the judiciary in American constitutional history with emphasis on the decision-making process; relations with law enforcement agencies, the legal profession, interest groups, executive and legislative institutions. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or 205, or permission of instructor
Analysis of the domestic and external determinants of foreign-policy behavior. The general processes discovered by analysis will be examined on a comparative basis in the foreign policies of the major powers. Prerequisite: POLS 225 or permission of instructor
Aimed at upper-level undergraduates with an interest in international relations generally and the IR subfield of international organization (IO) specifically. An examination of the ways in which state behavior is affected by international norms, international legal documents such as UN delcarations and bilateral treaties, and international organizations like the United Nations are examined. The course also looks closely at the ways in which states, individuals, and power relations shape the nature and objectives of international law and organizations. 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.
