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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 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
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.
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 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
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.
Education
Ph.D. Political Science, Duke University, 1975 M.A. Political Science, Duke University, 1973 B.A. Political Science, Nebraska Wesleyan University, 1968
A member of the UST faculty since 1982, Professor Hatting teaches courses in Law and Judicial Politics, American Politics, Political Thought, as well as the introductory course to the discipline of political science. He also frequently team-teaches interdisciplinary seminars in the Aquinas Scholars Honors Program and was selected by his peers as Professor of the Year in 2000.
