Political Science

101. American Government.

An introduction to the basic elements of the American political system. Major topics will be the socio-economic environment of American politics, the nature of the political process, problems in constitutionalism and civil liberties, the institutions of government, the policy-making process, and the dimensions of contemporary political issues. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

130. Model United Nations.

Supervised, practical experience in the organization and policymaking process of the United Nations through participation in the Model United Nations. One hour. Four hours maximum credit may be earned for Political Science 130.

190. Special Topics in Political Science.

213. Legislative Process.

An examination of the role and operation of legislatures in the American political system. The importance of the committee system, the role of leadership and political parties, and the relationship between legislators and constituents are topics that will receive particular emphasis. The primary focus will be on Congress although the legislative process at the state level will also be examined. Three hours.

215. American Political Parties and the Electoral Process.

An in-depth analysis of the American electoral process focusing on the political party system. Particular emphasis will be given to the development of the party system, the nature of Presidential politics, and the dynamics of political campaigning. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

220. Political Philosophy.

A survey of the major figures and ideas in western political philosophy. This course will cover Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Hobbes, Locke, Kant and Rousseau. We will start with the Greek concept of a polis, consider Roman law, work our way through the Christian transformation of politics, and finish with social contract theory. We will pay careful attention to the philosophical background that shaped democratic theory and the contemporary notion of human rights. Same as Philosophy 220. Cornerstone 4A. Three hours.

219. Employment Experience in Political Science.

230. West European Politics.

An examination of the politics and policies of the major West European powers including Great Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, and Italy. Scandinavian countries will also be included, as will the European Union. Emphasis will be on comparative political structures, public policies, and the historical processes which lead to the evolution of different patterns of state activities. Three hours.

231. The Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe.

A study of the former communist countries of Eastern Europe. Emphasis will be placed upon historical heritage, particularly the period of communist government; problems and prospects for democracy; decisionmaking processes and governmental institutions and their development; important groups in society including new political parties; and policy problems including ethnic conflict, economic reform, and foreign policy. Three hours.

232. Asian Politics.

An examination of the variety of political organizations in Asia, focusing primarily on China, Japan, and India, but also examining other nations as well. The focus of this course will be to compare and contrast the ideas, institutions, and interest groups of these nations, as well as their policy-making processes and policies, particularly economic, foreign and developmental. Three hours.

233. Latin American Politics.

An examination of the problems of political change in the developing world, focusing on the nations of Latin America. Emphasis will be placed upon historical heritage and the effects of that heritage on current political institutions, power groups, and patterns of behavior. Contrast will also be made between the Latin American and North American experiences, and the sources of the differences between the two. Three hours.

240. World Politics.

An introductory course designed to develop analytic tools which permit an understanding of complex issues in world politics. Focus on distinguishing different actors, patterns of interaction, availability and use of resources, and interaction between domestic and external politics as evidenced in East-West, North-South, and regional conflicts. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

250. American Presidency.

An analysis of the major issues surrounding the development of the modern Presidency. Topics to be covered include the nature of the institutional Presidency, the President as policy-maker with particular emphasis on the conduct of foreign affairs, and the central problems involved in maintaining the Presidency as a politically responsible institution. Three hours.

255. Mass Media and Politics.

A review of the history and impact of media in American politics, focusing on the role of mass media in setting agendas, framing public policy issues, and covering candidates and campaigns. Selected topics include media bias, the rise of alternative media, the effects of political ads, and coverage of U.S. politics by global media. Three hours.

260. State Politics and Policy.

A survey of the politics of the American states from a comparative perspective, including topics like political cultures, state legislatures, gubernatorial power, and direct democracy. State policy issues such as budget, criminal justice, welfare reform, and education reform will be debated. Three hours.

265. Latino Politics in the U.S.

In this course, we will examine the political experience of the fastest-growing minority group in the United States. Focusing primarily on Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans, we will look at the political history of Latinos in the U.S., the impact of the dominant culture and society on Latinos (and Latinos on it), Latino electoral participation, and the major public policy issues and challenges facing Latinos today. In addition, we will look at the challenges of developing a unique identity, as a minority group, and the impact of those challenges on Latino political power. Cornerstone 6. Three hours.

270. American Public Policy.

A survey of the causes and effects of federal policies, highlighting the role of think tanks, the public, and ethics in the policy process. Students will use the tools of policy analysis to evaluate problems and proposed solutions in areas like the environment, social security, and deficits. The course concludes with an in-depth case study of a recent policy debate. Three hours.

275. Religion and American Politics.

An exploration of religion and politics in America, including how religion influences political behavior at the individual and group level. The course includes extensive discussion of ethical issues like the proper role of religion in public life and the impact of religion on policy debates. Three hours.

290. Special Topics in Political Science.

302. American Political Thought.

This course is an introduction to the most important and interesting theoretical writing about American politics. Particular attention is focused on topics such as constitutionalism, the nature of liberty and equality, the nature of justice, and the role of the state in America. Three hours.

315. Supreme Court and the Constitution.

A case-by-case examination of the Supreme Court’s role in the American system of government. Emphasis will be placed on how the Court has resolved disputes concerning the nature of judicial review, the power of the President and Congress, federalism, and the authority of government to regulate the economy. Three hours.

319. Internship in Political Science.

325. Supreme Court and Civil Liberties.

A case-by-case investigation of the Supreme Court’s historical and contemporary role in adjudicating the scope of individual liberties in the Federal system. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of due process and the rights of criminal defendants, freedom of expression and association, equal protection of the law, and freedom of religion. Three hours.

340. Politics of a Changing World.

The second in the World Politics sequence, the aim of this course is to develop an understanding for the rapidly changing dynamics of international politics. Focus will be upon those issues and actors that transcend the old style of international interaction, including multinational corporations, international governmental organizations, human rights, collective security, the environment, terrorism, and economic interdependence. Three hours.

358. Constitutional History of the United States.

A history of the development and interpretation of American law and politics from the earliest colonial settlements to the present time. Same as History 358. Cornerstone 4B. Three hours.

360. Criminal Law and the Legal Process.

An introduction to the American legal system, with emphasis placed on the major elements of the criminal process. Topics to be covered include the nature of criminal law, the rules of criminal procedure, and the roles of lawyers and judges in the system. Three hours.

365. Foundations of American Foreign Policy, 1776-1941.

This course will trace the historical evolution of American foreign policy from the nation’s founding down to its entrance into World War II. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the political processes by which foreign policy decisions are made. Same as History 365. Cornerstone 4B. Three hours.

366. American Foreign Policy, 1941-present.

This course will provide a broad understanding of major developments in recent American foreign policy and a conceptual framework to use in analyzing current policy problems. Three hours.

370. Public Policy Topics.

An in-depth, focused study of a topic discussed in PoSc 260 or PoSc 270. The course provides a comprehensive review of the history and politics of a single policy problem. Students will explore an issue of public concern, evaluate the pros and cons of reform proposals, and prepare written and oral arguments on behalf of legislative proposals. Topics rotate from year to year. Three hours.

380. Independent Study in Political Science.

385. Senior Seminar.

A capstone seminar on the foundational issues in the study of politics, such as the meaning of justice, human rights, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Through reading, discussion, and action, students will integrate the knowledge and skills of the major. Students will engage a critical domestic or global problem in a research study or service project. Open only to seniors (or juniors with permission) whose major field is Political Science or International Relations.

390. Special Topics in Political Science.


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Political Science 101. American Government. An introduction to the basic elements of the American political system. Major topics will be the socio-economic environment of American politics, the nature of the political process, problems in constitutionalism and civil liberties, the institutions of government, the policy-making process, and the dimensions of contemporary political issues. Cornerstone 3. Three hours. 130. Model United Nations. Supervised, practical experience in the organization and policymaking process of the United Nations through participation in the Model United Nations. One hour. Four hours maximum credit may be earned for Political Science 130. 190. Special Topics in Political Science. 213. Legislative Process. An examination of the role and operation of legislatures in the American political system. The importance of the committee system, the role of leadership and political parties, and the relationship between legislators and constituents are topics that will receive particular emphasis. The primary focus will be on Congress although the legislative process at the state level will also be examined. Three hours. 215. American Political Parties and the Electoral Process. An in-depth analysis of the American electoral process focusing on the political party system. Particular emphasis will be given to the development of the party system, the nature of Presidential politics, and the dynamics of political campaigning. Cornerstone 3. Three hours. 220. Political Philosophy. A survey of the major figures and ideas in western political philosophy. This course will cover Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Hobbes, Locke, Kant and Rousseau. We will start with the Greek concept of a polis, consider Roman law, work our way through the Christian transformation of politics, and finish with social contract theory. We will pay careful attention to the philosophical background that shaped democratic theory and the contemporary notion of human rights. Same as Philosophy 220. Cornerstone 4A. Three hours. 219. Employment Experience in Political Science. 230. West European Politics. An examination of the politics and policies of the major West European powers including Great Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, and Italy. Scandinavian countries will also be included, as will the European Union. Emphasis will be on comparative political structures, public policies, and the historical processes which lead to the evolution of different patterns of state activities. Three hours. 231. The Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe. A study of the former communist countries of Eastern Europe. Emphasis will be placed upon historical heritage, particularly the period of communist government; problems and prospects for democracy; decisionmaking processes and governmental institutions and their development; important groups in society including new political parties; and policy problems including ethnic conflict, economic reform, and foreign policy. Three hours. 232. Asian Politics. An examination of the variety of political organizations in Asia, focusing primarily on China, Japan, and India, but also examining other nations as well. The focus of this course will be to compare and contrast the ideas, institutions, and interest groups of these nations, as well as their policy-making processes and policies, particularly economic, foreign and developmental. Three hours. 233. Latin American Politics. An examination of the problems of political change in the developing world, focusing on the nations of Latin America. Emphasis will be placed upon historical heritage and the effects of that heritage on current political institutions, power groups, and patterns of behavior. Contrast will also be made between the Latin American and North American experiences, and the sources of the differences between the two. Three hours. 240. World Politics. An introductory course designed to develop analytic tools which permit an understanding of complex issues in world politics. Focus on distinguishing different actors, patterns of interaction, availability and use of resources, and interaction between domestic and external politics as evidenced in East-West, North-South, and regional conflicts. Cornerstone 3. Three hours. 250. American Presidency. An analysis of the major issues surrounding the development of the modern Presidency. Topics to be covered include the nature of the institutional Presidency, the President as policy-maker with particular emphasis on the conduct of foreign affairs, and the central problems involved in maintaining the Presidency as a politically responsible institution. Three hours. 255. Mass Media and Politics. A review of the history and impact of media in American politics, focusing on the role of mass media in setting agendas, framing public policy issues, and covering candidates and campaigns. Selected topics include media bias, the rise of alternative media, the effects of political ads, and coverage of U.S. politics by global media. Three hours. 260. State Politics and Policy. A survey of the politics of the American states from a comparative perspective, including topics like political cultures, state legislatures, gubernatorial power, and direct democracy. State policy issues such as budget, criminal justice, welfare reform, and education reform will be debated. Three hours. 265. Latino Politics in the U.S. In this course, we will examine the political experience of the fastest-growing minority group in the United States. Focusing primarily on Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans, we will look at the political history of Latinos in the U.S., the impact of the dominant culture and society on Latinos (and Latinos on it), Latino electoral participation, and the major public policy issues and challenges facing Latinos today. In addition, we will look at the challenges of developing a unique identity, as a minority group, and the impact of those challenges on Latino political power. Cornerstone 6. Three hours. 270. American Public Policy. A survey of the causes and effects of federal policies, highlighting the role of think tanks, the public, and ethics in the policy process. Students will use the tools of policy analysis to evaluate problems and proposed solutions in areas like the environment, social security, and deficits. The course concludes with an in-depth case study of a recent policy debate. Three hours. 275. Religion and American Politics. An exploration of religion and politics in America, including how religion influences political behavior at the individual and group level. The course includes extensive discussion of ethical issues like the proper role of religion in public life and the impact of religion on policy debates. Three hours. 290. Special Topics in Political Science. 302. American Political Thought. This course is an introduction to the most important and interesting theoretical writing about American politics. Particular attention is focused on topics such as constitutionalism, the nature of liberty and equality, the nature of justice, and the role of the state in America. Three hours. 315. Supreme Court and the Constitution. A case-by-case examination of the Supreme Court’s role in the American system of government. Emphasis will be placed on how the Court has resolved disputes concerning the nature of judicial review, the power of the President and Congress, federalism, and the authority of government to regulate the economy. Three hours. 319. Internship in Political Science. 325. Supreme Court and Civil Liberties. A case-by-case investigation of the Supreme Court’s historical and contemporary role in adjudicating the scope of individual liberties in the Federal system. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of due process and the rights of criminal defendants, freedom of expression and association, equal protection of the law, and freedom of religion. Three hours. 340. Politics of a Changing World. The second in the World Politics sequence, the aim of this course is to develop an understanding for the rapidly changing dynamics of international politics. Focus will be upon those issues and actors that transcend the old style of international interaction, including multinational corporations, international governmental organizations, human rights, collective security, the environment, terrorism, and economic interdependence. Three hours. 358. Constitutional History of the United States. A history of the development and interpretation of American law and politics from the earliest colonial settlements to the present time. Same as History 358. Cornerstone 4B. Three hours. 360. Criminal Law and the Legal Process. An introduction to the American legal system, with emphasis placed on the major elements of the criminal process. Topics to be covered include the nature of criminal law, the rules of criminal procedure, and the roles of lawyers and judges in the system. Three hours. 365. Foundations of American Foreign Policy, 1776-1941. This course will trace the historical evolution of American foreign policy from the nation’s founding down to its entrance into World War II. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the political processes by which foreign policy decisions are made. Same as History 365. Cornerstone 4B. Three hours. 366. American Foreign Policy, 1941-present. This course will provide a broad understanding of major developments in recent American foreign policy and a conceptual framework to use in analyzing current policy problems. Three hours. 370. Public Policy Topics. An in-depth, focused study of a topic discussed in PoSc 260 or PoSc 270. The course provides a comprehensive review of the history and politics of a single policy problem. Students will explore an issue of public concern, evaluate the pros and cons of reform proposals, and prepare written and oral arguments on behalf of legislative proposals. Topics rotate from year to year. Three hours. 380. Independent Study in Political Science. 385. Senior Seminar. A capstone seminar on the foundational issues in the study of politics, such as the meaning of justice, human rights, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Through reading, discussion, and action, students will integrate the knowledge and skills of the major. Students will engage a critical domestic or global problem in a research study or service project. Open only to seniors (or juniors with permission) whose major field is Political Science or International Relations. 390. Special Topics in Political Science.
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