Course Catalog

Political Science

PoSc 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 and CIVIC. Four credits. Offered every semester.

PoSc 130   Model United Nations
Supervised, practical experience in the organization and policy-making process of the United Nations through participation in the Model United Nations. One credit. Four hours maximum credit may be earned for Political Science 130. Offered every spring.

PoSc 180   Independent Study in Political Science

PoSc 190   Special Topics in Political Science

PoSc 198   Independent Research in Political Science
PoSc 213   U.S. Congress
A seminar on the role and operation of the United States Congress in the American political system. Topics will include the importance of the committee system, the role of leadership and political parties, the impact of interest groups, and the relationship between members of Congress and their constituents. INFOLIT and WRITCOM. Four credits. Offered spring odd years.

PoSc 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 and CIVIC. Four credits. Offered fall even years.

PoSc 219   Employment Experience in Political Science

PoSc 220   Political Philosophy
A survey of the major figures and ideas in western political philosophy. This course will coverPlato, 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. Four credits. Offered spring odd years.

PoSc 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. Cornerstone 7, GLOBAL and ORALCOM. Four credits. Offered fall even years.

PoSc 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; decision- making 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. Cornerstone 7 and GLOBAL. Four credits. Offered fall odd years.

PoSc 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. Cornerstone 7 and GLOBAL. Four credits. Offered spring odd years.

PoSc 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. Cornerstone 7 and GLOBAL. Four credits. Offered spring even years.

PoSc 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 and INFOLIT. Four credits. Offered every fall.

PoSc 245   Global Issues
A seminar on global issues like poverty, trade, health, the environment, and human rights, with a focus on developing nations. We will study how governments, global institutions, non-profits, and citizens are engaging these problems, as well as key barriers to success. GLOBAL and WRITCOM. Four credits. Offered every three years.

PoSc 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. Four credits. Offered spring even years.

PoSc 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. CRITTHINKFour credits. Offered fall odd years.

PoSc 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 and DIVRSTY. Four credits. Offered spring odd years.

PoSc 266   Women and Politics
This course explores the role of gender in American political life. In the last several decades, women in the U.S. have made significant progress in the struggle for equality, yet women have not been as visible in electoral politics as we might expect. In this course we will examine the historical evolution of the role of women in American politics, the political participation of women as candidates or elected officials, and public policy issues related to women. Cornerstone 6. Four credits. Offered fall even years.

PoSc 270   American Public Policy
A seminar on national issues, highlighting the role of legislators, citizens, and ethics in policy making. Students will study and debate controversial issues like the federal budget, taxation, health care reform, social and economic policy, and the environment. Prerequisite: POSC 101 or permission of the instructor. COLLABLDR. Four credits. Offered fall odd years.

PoSc 275   Religion and American Politics
An exploration of religion and politics in America, including how religion influences political behavior and social movements. We will study the politics of the major religious traditions, church-state controversies, and the impact of religion and ethics on public policy debates. WRITCOM. Four credits. Offered fall even years.

PoSc 280   Independent Study in Political Science

PoSc 285   Political Research
A practical introduction to political science research. Students will learn to craft a research question, suggest explanations, analyze survey or election data, and interpret the results. The class will help students better understand political research and quantitative findings reported in the media. Open to junior and senior political science majors.  INFOLIT and QUANT.  Four credits. Offered fall odd years.

PoSc 290   Special Topics in Political Science

PoSc 298   Independent Research in Political Science

PoSc 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. WRITCOM. Four credits. Offered spring odd years.

PoSc 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.  Four credits. Offered fall odd years.

PoSc 319   Internship in Political Science

PoSc 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. CRITTHNK. Four credits. Offered every spring.

PoSc 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. ORALCOM. Four credits. Offered spring odd years.

PoSc 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 and HISTRCL. Four credits. Offered spring even years.

PoSc 370   Environmental Politics
A seminar on the political context of American environmental policies. Issues for discussion will include climate change, alternative energy, and the impact of citizens’ everyday choices. Students will also design and lead a seminar session on an environmental topic of interest. Prerequisite: POSC 101 or permission of the instructor. ORALCOM. Four credits. Fall even years.

PoSc 380   Independent Study in Political Science

PoSc 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. ORALCOM and WRITCOM. Offered every spring.

PoSc 390   Special Topics in Political Science

PoSc 398   Independent Research in Political Science

Last Updated: 11/18/11