Political Science Courses

Course Offerings Fall 2013

Course Code	Title/Instructor	Meets
POSC 120-01	American Government Instructor: David O'Connell Course Description: A basic introductory course in American federal government which emphasizes its structure and operation. Special attention is given to the executive, legislative, and judicial processes.	0830:MWF DENNY 313
POSC 120-02	American Government Instructor: Sarah Niebler Course Description: A basic introductory course in American federal government which emphasizes its structure and operation. Special attention is given to the executive, legislative, and judicial processes.	1130:MWF DENNY 203
POSC 170-01	International Relations Instructor: Andrew Wolff Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 170-01.	1030:MWF DENNY 211
POSC 170-02	International Relations Instructor: Kristine Mitchell Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 170-02.	1130:MWF DENNY 311
POSC 170-03	International Relations Instructor: Russell Bova Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 170-03.	1330:MR DENNY 203
POSC 170-04	International Relations Instructor: Edward Webb Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 170-04.	0900:TR DENNY 211
POSC 180-01	Political Philosophy Instructor: Jason Reiner Course Description: An introduction to the history of Western thought on the problems of the possibility of knowing political justice and creating a just polity. Major texts from the tradition will be discussed.	0930:MWF DENNY 110
POSC 208-01	Justice in World Politics Instructor: Jason Reiner Course Description: An examination of how states ought to make ethical decisions about policies of global scope. Should asylum seekers and economic migrants be granted access to social services? How must states fight wars? How ought resources to be distributed between countries? We will explore the philosophical underpinnings of the arguments that have been developed in response to at least two of these questions. Prerequisite: 170 or 180, or permission of the instructor.	1330:MW DENNY 211
POSC 239-01	Research Methods Instructor: Sarah Niebler Course Description: Helps the student answer (in the affirmative) the question, "Is political science a science?" Students will learn how to generate and test hypotheses through creating and executing research designs. Survey research, experimentation, content analysis, participant observation, and other methodologies will be studied. Although no prior knowledge of statistics is necessary, Math 120 and/or Math 121 are helpful. This class is especially recommended for prospective graduate students in the social sciences.	1500:MW STERN 11
POSC 246-01	The Legislative Process Instructor: Vanessa Tyson Course Description: Cross-listed with LAWP 290-01.	1330:MW DENNY 110
POSC 247-01	The American Presidency Instructor: David O'Connell Course Description: An in-depth analysis of the nature and significance of "the Man" and "the Office," including constitutional development, presidential roles and customs, the recruitment process, the executive branch, and the politics of the presidency. Prerequisite: 120, or permission of the instructor.	1500:MW DENNY 104
POSC 256-01	The City Instructor: David Strand Course Description: An introduction to urban politics from a broadly comparative vantage point. Topics include the socioeconomic and cultural bases of city politics, power struggles and policy making within urban political arenas, and the relationship between urbanization and political development.	1330:TR DENNY 110
POSC 258-01	Human Rights Instructor: David Strand Course Description: The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights embodies a global consensus on the fundamental importance of human rights as a political value. But the idea and its practical applications have provoked intense controversy around the world on issues such as freedom of expression, capital punishment and torture, gender and sexuality, religious freedom, social and economic justice, and cultural and minority rights. Prerequisite: one social science course or permission of the instructor.	1030:TR STERN 103
POSC 264-01	Pol, Soc, & Culture in Israel Instructor: Neil Diamant Course Description: Cross-listed with JDST 264-01 and MEST 264-01.	1330:MR STERN 103
POSC 271-01	Ethics & World Politics Instructor: Russell Bova Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 271-01.	1030:TR DENNY 313
POSC 277-01	Intl Pol of the Middle East Instructor: Edward Webb Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 277-01 and MEST 266-01.	1030:TR DENNY 203
POSC 280-01	Am Foreign Policy Since 1945 Instructor: Andrew Wolff Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 280-01.	1330:MR DENNY 304
POSC 280-02	Am Foreign Policy Since 1945 Instructor: Douglas Stuart Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 280-02.	0900:TR ALTHSE 109
POSC 281-01	Am National Security Policy Instructor: Douglas Stuart Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 281-01.	1030:TR ALTHSE 08
POSC 290-01	Comparative Law Instructor: Douglas Edlin Course Description: Cross-listed with LAWP 290-02. This course explores most of the major legal traditions of the world. We will begin by considering the concepts, functions and methods of comparative legal study. We will consider broad and specific distinctions between the common law and civil law traditions, with special emphasis on two common law systems (the United States and the United Kingdom) and two civil law systems (France and Germany). We then examine the EU legal system. We conclude by evaluating the historical and institutional development of legal cultures by considering the systems of Jewish, Islamic and Hindu law. Some of the questions we will try to answer are: Why did certain societies develop certain legal cultures? Are certain legal systems best suited to certain social arrangements? What is the relationship between religious law and municipal law? How do different legal traditions attempt to achieve the sometimes competing social, legal and governmental goals of order and justice? What role do constitutions and courts play in maintaining the rule of law?	0900:TR DENNY 110
POSC 290-02	China's Foreign Relations Instructor: Neil Diamant Course Description: Cross-listed with EASN 206-02. This course examines China's relationship to the major world powers, regions and international roganizations. Beginning with a consideration of Chinese traditions of dealing with foreign countries, we will then examine the revolutionary legacy of Mao Zedong and the reorientation of foreign policy under Deng Xiaoping after 1978. The course will focus on the role of ideology, history, culture, interests, and leadership in China's foreign relations.	1030:TR DENNY 104
POSC 290-03	Europe in Crisis Instructor: Kristine Mitchell Course Description: Cross-listed with INST 290-01.Permission of Instructor Required As a region, Europe faces a number of challenges to its distinct political model: economic recession and an unfavorable demographic situation challenge the social model at the heart of the European welfare state; immigration and the rise of extremist groups and parties challenge the liberal political system; and an apparent decline in support for European integration challenges the future of the European Union. This class will examine the nature and significance of these and other challenges facing European countries and evaluate current and potential responses. Emphasis will be on challenges that face many, if not all, European countries rather than on country-specific situations. Students with no prior coursework on Europe should consult with the instructor before enrolling.	1330:TF DENNY 203
POSC 290-04	International Terrorism Instructor: Anthony Williams Course Description: This course will cover the global war on terrorism, its origins, its characteristics, and the ends, ways and means of the participants. We will begin by seeking to arrive at a working definition of terrorism. We will examine various historic case studies in an effort to identify common characteristics of terrorist activity, terrorist motivations, the origins of today's terrorist movements, and a general typology of terrorism. We will focus on specific "types" of terrorist activity as those types manifest themselves in the global war on terrorism. We will address the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001 and their impact on the national security of the United States. Finally, we will examine the current strategy of the United States in the global war on terrorism, and its implications and challenges.	1500:MR DENNY 103
POSC 290-05	Policy Practicum: Amer Dream Instructor: Joseph Sestak Course Description: The objective of this course is to examine what it will take to restore the American Dream -- how the next generation can have the opportunity to do better than their parents and present it as a viable political platform. We will explore the best options for an economy that not only grows but provides for real growth in family income through quality jobs, while meeting other national challenges. And we will look at how ethical political leadership deals with the operational and organizational challenges in achieving public support for its agenda. Some of the issues we will consider and our objectives -- are: 1. What are the best economic options that can be pursued in a globally competitive world 2. What is governments role federal, state, local -- in economic growth, particularly as government must address its debt and deficit challenges 3. What are the roles of large and small businesses, investment capital, and tax and regulatory policies 4. How can we best prepare our people for a competitive economy, beginning with the importance of education and training 5. How does one best address health security and energy/environmental regards for a competitive economy 6. What is the relationship of leadership in terms of character and trust across the spectrum of civil institutions, from industry and government to civic, workforce and political leaders, to this restoration of the American Dream. 7. How does an ethical political leader gain the support needed for an effective campaign, and then govern to accomplish the restoration of the American Dream.	1330:M WESTC 1
POSC 390-01	The Debate over U.S. Decline Instructor: Russell Bova Course Description: Both scholarly publications and the popular media have been devoting much attention to the question of a relative decline in US global dominance. This seminar will examine that debate by focusing on three main questions: 1) is American hegemony ending? 2) if so, what (or who) will replace it? 3) what are the implications for peace and order in the twenty-first century world? Note that while the core of the seminar focuses on this question of US decline, it will inevitably involve consideration of the possible rise of other actors and the larger implications for the world as a whole. Thus, this is a seminar not just about the US but also about the overall shape of the 21st century international system.	1330:T ALTHSE 08
POSC 390-02	Gender and Politics Instructor: Vanessa Tyson Course Description: This course will explore the effect of gender and sexuality on the political environment in the United States. The course will be divided into three main segments: theory, representation in government and policy effects and implementation. The course will include issues of sexual identity, sexual orientation and discrimination manifested historically and in current forms. Other topics include women's rights, gay rights and the public/private domain.	1330:T STERN 7
POSC 390-03	Compar Political Corruption Instructor: J Mark Ruhl Course Description: The comparative political corruption seminar will focus on embezzlement, bribery, and other abuses of public office for private material gain. After a general introduction to the subject (definition, measurement, consequences), we will investigate why the level of political corruption varies so widely from country to country (from endemic in Nigeria to almost non-existent in Singapore). Six case studies (United States, Israel, Italy, China, Russia, India, Angola) will help us to isolate the most important factors that explain this variation. The seminar will conclude by considering alternative reform strategies for reducing corruption. Readings will include Robert Klitgaard's classic book "Controlling Corruption," Chinua Achebe's novel of political corruption in a new nation, "No Longer at Ease," and other texts.	1330:W DENNY 15