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Undergraduate Political Science

2007 Fall Term

Class Schedule

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (GS)

POLISCI 141

An introductory course covering the history, structure and functioning of American national government and its relation to state and local government.

Class Schedule

ETHNIC POLITICS (DV) (GS)

POLISCI 217

The central concern of this course is to provide the student an awareness of the political development of racial and ethnic minorities in today's political arena. It will compare and contrast the development of the white ethnic communities of the 19th and 20th centuries with our modern day racial and ethnic minorities. (Offered jointly with race & ethnic cultures).

Class Schedule

LAW AND SOCIETY (GS)

POLISCI 240

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the development of law and legal practices from a political science perspective. Special emphasis will be paid to the political factors in our society that shape law. The manner in which law affects the politics of our society will also be stressed.

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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY (GS)

POLISCI 250

An introduction to Western political thought, the role of ideology in politics, and perennial questions in political philosophy.

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (GS)

POLISCI 255

This course compares the political systems of five or six countries, reflecting the range of political institutions and political behavior around the world. Students will learn to develop explanations for similarities and differences in the political life of countries around the world, e.g. why are some countries democratic and others authoritarian?

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POLITICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS

POLISCI 301

An introduction to basic research methods in political science. Topics will include various data collection and analysis techniques on the U.S. Presidency, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, political socialization, political parties, interest groups, civil violence, rebellion, and revolution. Students will obtain "hands-on" experience with computer software designed specifically for political science and the social sciences. This is not a statistics course, and no previous knowledge of statistical methods is assumed.

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WOMEN AND AMERICAN POLITICS

POLISCI 315

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the roles of women in political life. Topics include effective civic participation, women's issues and the women's movement.

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PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

POLISCI 320

A course to introduce students to the concepts and problems of public policy and administration. Emphasis will be given to the role played by individuals and groups in large organizations; theories of organization will be set forth and operations of governmental administrative agencies in the political world will be examined.

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PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS

POLISCI 330

A systematic introduction to the study of public policy issues through a public policy/issue analysis and problem solving approach. It will also examine and explore other analytical models and approaches in the study of public problems and policy issues.

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STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

POLISCI 344

A study of modern American state and local governments, their evolution from colonial beginnings, their problems and their potential. Topics include constitutional revision, the role of governors, legislatures and courts, forms of urban and rural government, and state-local relations.

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

POLISCI 351

An introductory survey of political relations among nation-states, including the topics of war and peace, nationalism, elements of national power, conventional and nuclear weaponry, diplomacy, economic interdependence, the Third World, and international and regional organizations.

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COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT - EUROPE

POLISCI 352

Comparative analysis of politics in contemporary Europe. Topics covered include the political institutions and political cultures of major states in Europe, nationalism and regionalism in Europe, and the institutions of the European Union.

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BLACK POLITICAL AND SOCIAL THOUGHT

POLISCI 365

This course will utilize a Pan-African approach to provide an organized and systematic pattern of social and political ideologies/thought put forth by Black publicists and theorists concerning the organization of their society. As such, it will survey the principal personalities and major protest movements that have emerged in the Diaspora African Community, as well as pay special attention to selected African ideologies and personalities involved in shaping Black political and social thought.

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MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT

POLISCI 411

An introduction to the principal political concepts and ideas of the modern period, including the writings of Machiavelli, Luther, Calvin, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Hegel, Burke and others.

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CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

POLISCI 413

A study of judicial review, its meaning and nature. The development of constitutional relationships between the national government and the states as well as among the branches of the national government is considered.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE CONSTITUTION

POLISCI 415

This course examines the role of the major participants in the criminal justice system-defendants, police, prosecutions, courts, and corrections-and the development of constitutional law regulating their behavior.

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SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY

POLISCI 462

Provides students with the analysis and critical understanding of the policy issues surrounding historical and current social welfare programs, of new social welfare issues and of policy decisions that lead to changes in programming. Community organization, as an intervention approach, will be explored.

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PEACE STUDIES: CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT

POLISCI 463

The course will critically analyze the political events, major problems, processes and trends in international and regional conflicts. It will examine the prospect for peaceful negotiation among states and international organizations to solve international crises.

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WOMEN IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

POLISCI 464

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study and analyze international relations from a multi-disciplinary perspective. It will examine current understandings of the causes, processes and structures of international relations, violent conflict, as well as resolution of those conflicts and peace within the context of Feminist theories. The goal is to examine the role of women in international relations, international security, conflict and peace through different approaches to the study of conflict and how it is understood. The course will consider both the strength and limitations of various disciplinary approaches. The traditional approaches to international relations, international security, international conflict and peace reflect viewpoints consistent with masculine perspectives on power and security. The goal is to consider how the limitations of the approaches can be effectively challenged and what alternatives might be offered. Themes for discussion will include gender, race, ethnicity, nationalism, state, community, conflict and peace.

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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF CHINA

POLISCI 472

This course exposes students to the breadth of Chinese government and politics. It briefly overviews the traditional Chinese system, its breakdown, and the rise of communism. It also overviews a more detailed treatment of the characteristics and major events of the communist era.

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TRAVEL STUDY

POLISCI 491

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques.

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INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

POLISCI 493

Study and work with a government unit or in some area of public affairs under the direction of a faculty supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to combine academic learning with practical experience in government and politics. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits in major/degree.

Class Schedule

INDEPENDENT STUDY

POLISCI 498

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits in major/degree. Department Consent required.