An introduction to the major concepts, theories, ideas and fields of study relating to government and politics. The course focuses on the exploration of pertinent value questions associated with recurrent themes in the study of politics: citizenship and political participation, leadership and public policy, the quest for the ideal society, the requirements of constitutional government, the nature and causes of political tyranny, the causes and consequences of revolution, the roots of wars, the principles of world politics, and the prospects for world peace.
An introductory survey of politics and of contemporary social, economic, and cultural issues in a diverse set of countries. Particular emphasis is placed on non-Western and non-democratic political systems. Designed to further a cross-cultural liberal arts understanding, the course highlights similarities and differences in the domestic politics of countries around the world.
An inquiry into individual moral perspectives and subsequent interpersonal relationships that both shape and are shaped by (often) conflicting personal, social, and transcendent values. Conflicts between individual conscience and social and legal responsibility to others are examined in detail.
An analysis of the theory underlying American democracy and its relationship to the major political questions of the day, such as the role played by citizens in influencing public policy and the responsiveness (or lack of responsiveness) of governmental institutions. Emphasized are the court's protection of civil liberties, the president's ability to lead the nation, and the rationality of the public's voting behavior. The advantages and disadvantages of proposed reforms of the American system of government are also examined.
This course will examine the purpose, structure and effectiveness of Congress. The main question for the course is: does Congress work? Special attention will be given to the way in which Congress has responded to the various crisis in American history.
This course serves as an introduction to the politics of East Asia, in particular China, Japan, the Koreas, and Taiwan. Topics include the current functioning of political institutions, with an emphasis on each nation's economic, political, and cultural development.
A critical examination of the American Presidency, with emphasis on recent revisionist approaches. Topics include the constitutional basis of presidential power, presidential personality and style of leadership, as well as considerations of executive staffing and presidential-congressional relations.
A survey of the key issues, ideas, events, actors, and institutions in American foreign policy, national security, and international economic relations. The course combines a focus on current issues with an overview of American foreign policy since World War II.
This course explores the way in which political issues have been presented in literature. A variety of novels, short stories, poems, and essays will be analyzed for the insights into politics that they offer.
What is justice? Does it exist? This course undertakes a critical examination of major theories of justice, drawn from political philosophy, theatre, and literature. Typical authors studied include Rawls, Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Sophocles, Hawthorne, and Nietzsche.
A study of the rationale for the criminal law and punishment as well as an examination of the effectiveness of the American justice system. Issues examined include capital punishment, the law of search and seizure, society's response to dangerous drugs, individual versus societal responsibility for crime, and the proper response of a democratic people to crime and criminals.
This course provides an introduction to state and local governments. Examining political actors in relation to the rules and institutions governing their behavior, this course will also focus on policymaking at the state and local level. We will systematically and empirically study topics such as the structure and function of sub-national governments, political actors, and policy outcomes found across the fifty states and countless localities.
An examination of the theory underlying the American Constitution and nation, as interpreted by its Founders as well as by subsequent critics and supporters.
An examination of classical and modern political theory, concentrating on selected works from each period. Emphasis will be placed on differing interpretations of human nature, power, justice, and the best political order.
A survey of the basic principles, issues, actors, processes, and institutions in the field of international law. Emphasis is placed on the way in which international law affects or fails to affect the policies of states and the behavior of governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. International law is analyzed both from the vantage point of nation-state centered power politics and of nation-state challenging global trends.
A study of American elections, of how the electorate votes and why they vote the way they do. The course examines attitude formation and change, the impact of public opinion on public policy, the media's influence on the political opinions of US citizens and lawmakers, the media's ability to determine which political issues get placed on the public agenda, and the degree to which these issues are presented in an unbiased and objective manner. Presidential election since 1952 are covered in detail.
The course focuses on the causes, manifestations, and consequences of racial, ethnic, religious, nationalist, and cultural identity conflicts around the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of Islam in contemporary identity conflicts. Policy dilemmas raised by identity conflicts and policy options are addressed. The course pays attention to such closely related issues as genocide, ethnic and religious cleansing, crimes against humanity, terrorism and consequent considerations of humanitarian and other forms of intervention.
An interdisciplinary approach to basic social science research methods. The course introduces students to the several research methodologies used within the social sciences. Students participate in all stages of a research project.
PSYC 350; SOCI 350
A study of the functioning and purpose of the Supreme Court in the American system of government. Special emphasis will be placed on Supreme Court decisions dealing with federalism, the separation of powers and the powers granted to the national government.
An analysis of selected Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution's provisions guaranteeing political and civil rights.
An advanced survey providing an overview of the major issues in world politics and of the key factors and forces shaping the international scene. The course highlights the contending approaches, conceptual frameworks, and methods of analysis employed in attempts to understand international relations and world politics, past, present, and future.
This course is designed to offer juniors and seniors the opportunity to address an important political issue in depth by writing an extended paper under close supervision and defending it before the Department. This class, while generally useful, is essential for students planning to attend graduate school.
Junior Standing
This course is an extension of GOVT 390 for students desiring Departmental Honors designation.
GOVT 390
Students may take internships in governmental agencies or political organizations in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the major. Specific arrangements pertaining to course number, title, and amount of credit will be determined according to the individual merits of each proposed intern project. No more than 3 credit hours will be counted toward the major. Grading system: S/U only
Students may take internships in governmental agencies or political organizations in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the major. Specific arrangements pertaining to course number, title, and amount of credit will be determined according to the individual merits of each proposed intern project. No more than 3 credit hours will be counted toward the major. Grading system: S/U only