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UGRD > POLSCI
Political Science
POLSCI 101 Intro To Politics
Description:
This course introduces and explores the conceptual vocabulary of politics. Though concerned with problems of political theory, it is designed not for theorists but for anyone who thinks, talks, or worries about the public world. A series of brief case studies is used to show how real-world outcomes are affected by our political ideas and assumptions. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 102 Government and Politics of the United States
Description:
An introduction to the structures, processes, and results of the American governmental system. The course focuses on the national government and national political behavior, although state, regional, and local structures and issues are also introduced. Topics include institutions of government, political principles and ideologies, public opinion, political socialization, political parties, mass media, elections, interest groups, civil rights and civil liberties, public policies and policy making. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 103 Introduction to Political Theory
Description:
This course will be an introduction to the tools of critical thinking and argumentative analysis, via an engagement with a variety of relevant issues in contemporary politics and media. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 113G Issues of Political Identity at the Turn of the Century
Description:
This course addresses the question of how and to what ends people choose a political identity, what it means to them, and what kinds of political commitments follow from it. Drawing on readings from across the disciplines, from fiction and the press, it examines political identity and some of the conflicts it can produce. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 201 Comparative Politics of Industrialized Societies (C)
Description:
Introductory survey of political systems in the industrialized world, including the United States, Europe, and Japan. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 202 Comp Pol 3Rd Wrld Cn
Description:
Introductory survey of political systems in non-industrialized nations, drawing on examples from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Course content focuses on the nature of the development process and the evolution of political institutions and practices. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 203 Public Policy (A)
Description:
The process of policy making and the manner and effects of policy implementation in states and localities. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 220 International Relations (B)
Description:
This course focuses on basic patterns and concepts which explain interactions among nations. Special attention is given to the role of ideologies, international organizations, conflict resolution, the impact of multinational corporations, underdevelopment, the international dimension of human rights, ethnic, "racial," religious, and gender differences, and the dynamics of globalization. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 224 The Political Novel (D)
Description:
This course studies some of the best novels concerning political conditions, ideas, and passions in our time. Franz Kafka, Andr Malraux, Arthur Koestler, George Orwell, and Ignazio Silone are among the novelists whose works are read. Such writers depict the plight of human beings; their works are broad in scope and philosophical in mood. Consequently they offer a superb opportunity for reflection and discussion concerning human nature, the human situation today, and the political possibilities and responsibilities that these put before us. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 245G Reading the Newspaper
Description:
The newspaper is the most familiar and widely used of all complex printed texts. It plays a critical role in a democratic society by supplying information citizens need in order to understand and make competent judgments about the world. By examining how a world-class newspaper goes about its business, the course seeks to help participants become more skillful, rigorous, efficient, and critically self-aware readers. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 250L Environmental Policymaking
Description:
This course provides an overview of environmental policymaking in the US and to a lesser degree internationally. It examines how environmental knowledge is turned into laws, regulations, management practices, and social behavior. Through case studies and role-playing, students experience the dynamic interplay of science, interest group politics, economic and institutional constraints, and value-based social movement organizing. ENVSTY 250L and POLSCI 250L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 251 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (D)
POLSCI 252 Modern Political Thought (D)
Description:
The history of Western political ideas from the time of Machiavelli to that of Marx and Nietzsche. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 265L World War II Internment of Japanese Americans (A)
Description:
The US Government in 1942 commenced the internment of 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry. This course considers political, economic, legal, sociological and historical matters in the examination of this chapter in American life. The course encompasses experiences beyond the internment, including early Japanese immigration, the battle for redress and reparations, and the current status of Japanese and Asian Americans. ASAMST 265L and POLSCI 265L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 280 Special Topics
Description:
This course offers study of selected topics within this subject. Course content and credits vary according to topic and are announced prior to the registration period. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 307 Political Change and Group Identity (C)
Description:
The course is concerned with the impact of group identity-racial, religious, ethnic, gender, sexual, class, national-on political systems. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 311 Political Parties (A)
Description:
The American political process, with emphasis on political parties, pressure groups, and public opinion. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 312 Political Economy I
Description:
This course is designed to introduce the undergraduate student to competing paradigms in economic thought and public policy. The course begins with a brief overview of the historical, philosophical, and psychological roots of political economy. It continues with an inquiry into conservative, liberal, and radical political economic perspectives. It concludes by applying these three perspectives to policy questions concerning economic development and income distribution. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 318 The Legislative Process (A)
Description:
The function of national and state legislatures, and the role played by political parties and interest groups in legislatures. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 320 Women, Politics, and Policy
Description:
This course exposes students to the field of women and politics in U.S. American politics. It investigates what a gender perspective adds to evaluations and understandings of politics and policy as well as ways in which gender influences policy outcomes, political perspectives, and political experiences. Collective action for, and on the behalf of, groups of women is a major focus as is the perspective of women of various races, social classes, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. The course covers: baseline trends and debates related to women and politics; gender movements and womens organizing from a historical perspective; political participation and public opinion; and, public policy. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 321 Diversity and American Public Policy
Description:
This course offers a survey of key public policy issues related to diversity and American public policy. It investigates theoretical perspectives on the role of group bases analysis for understanding public policy as well as specific public policy domains. Policy issues most relevant to race and ethnicity, social class, and gender and sexual orientation are systematically explored as well as a policy issue that works at the intersection of these group cleavages. The course provides the foundation from which to analytically engage the major policy issues of the day as they relate to diversity in the United States. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 322 Politics of Poverty and U.S. Social Welfare Policy
Description:
This course offers a survey of social welfare policy and the politics of poverty in the United States. It investigates the scope and frequency of poverty in the U.S., who is most likely to be poor, what has typified American responses to poverty, and the various explanations for why these conditions exist. Addressing these issues means that the potential role of group cleavages like race ethnicity, gender, and social class for determining public opinion and policy toward the poor is a central theme. The difficulties and relative efficacy of various forms of political action by the poor, on behalf of the poor, and against the poor are also considered. The course relies on empirical evidence, from authors across the ideological spectrum, to evaluate claims about the poor, poverty politics, policymakers, power, and social welfare policy. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 324 The American Presidency (A)
Description:
The powers, the limitations, and the organization of the Presidency in the American system of government. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 325 Public Administration (A)
Description:
A study of the bureaucratic process, emphasizing organizational behavior, changes in administrative institutions and theories, and the political role of bureaucracy. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 329 American Constitutional Law and Theory (A)
Description:
The development of the United States Constitution, chiefly through decisions of the Supreme Court. Emphasis on the origin and nature of judicial power, the way it inhibits and facilitates operation of the political process, and the search for standards by which to judge the judges. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 330 Presidential Elections (A)
Description:
The course examines systematically the process by which the President of the United States is chosen. Presidential recruitment, campaign financing, delegate selection, electoral procedures, media use and involvement, conventions, strategies and tactics, and other aspects of the presidential election process are covered. Most of these discussions take place within the context of recent elections. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 332 Civil Liberties in the United States (A)
Description:
An analysis of the constitutional rules governing civil liberties in the American system, primarily through decisions of the Supreme Court. Emphasis on five areas: freedom of the press and speech, freedom of religion, criminal procedure, reproductive rights, and school desegregation. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 335 Law and Public Policy (A)
Description:
The main objective of this course is to expose students to (1) different theoretical perspectives on law and public policy (concentrating on law and the courts), (2) some important substantive areas of law and public policy, and (3) broader questions regarding the study and practice of public policy in the United States. Although the focus is on "judicial" policymaking, the broader phenomenon of institutional development and interaction with societal forces is of special concern in this course. Class discussion and assignments are geared toward developing students' analytical skills so that they are able to examine policy issues from multiple theoretical angles and, thereby, to gain a critical perspective. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 338 Massachusetts Politics (A)
Description:
A study of state and local government and politics in Massachusetts, emphasizing its unique features as well as its similarities to other state systems. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 340 Boston: Cooperation and Conflict in the Urban Environment (A)
Description:
The course helps students become familiar with the historical backgrounds of Boston's social systems, which leads to investigation and discussion of the city's contemporary political and social problems. The materials for this course consist of scholarly writings, journalists' reports, government documents, judicial opinions, biographies, films, and slide lectures, all focused on Boston and the metropolitan region. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 344 Problems of Urban Politics (A)
Description:
Some of the issues raised by urbanization-are cities necessary? and is the relatively democratic structure of the American cities responsible for some of their problems? and has there been a revolution of rising expectations in urban life?-considered in historical and comparative perspectives. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 350 Political Research Methods
Description:
This course provides exposure to the major approaches to studying politics and is designed so that participants develop the skills necessary to both conduct their own research and critically evaluate the research of others. To facilitate these goals, the course is divided into four sections: (1) the politics and ethics of research; (20 conceptual issues in research ; (3) quantitative data collection and analysis; and (4) qualitative data collection and analysis. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 353 European Political Development (C)
Description:
An examination of the effects of revolution, industrialism and social and cultural change on the political institutions of England, France and Germany in the nineteenth century. The modernization of government and administration, electoral reform, and class and party politics, are among the topics considered from the perspective of their contribution to the establishment of democracy. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 355L The European Union (B)
Description:
This course focuses on the political, economic, and social trends affecting national and intra-regional developments within various countries, as well as on the institutions and processes of the European Union as an emerging supranational entity. Also covered: The European Union's external relations, with particular attention to US-European issues. IR 355L and POLSCI 355L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 361 The Politics of Eastern Europe (C)
Description:
This course focuses upon such issues in Eastern Europe as political leadership, political legitimacy and stability, the leading role of the Communist Party, the relationship between political culture and change, and Eastern Europe-Soviet relations. It explores the revolutions of 1989 and the post-communist political order. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 365 The Politics of Communication (C)
Description:
What is the difference between the evening news on television and the entertainment programming that follows it? How, if at all, have propaganda techniques changed from "Triumph of the Will" (a film made for Hitler more than 50 years ago) to contemporary political campaign spots? Why does the word "America" appear in so many commercial messages? Why does a dark blue suit carry authority, and why don''t men wear high-heeled shoes? Questions such as these (and others that are even weirder) go to the heart of the politics of communication-the study of the many ways in which the daily sending and receiving of messages serves not only to tie us together but also to establish and maintain social relations of domination. This course examines these matters from a variety of different theoretical perspectives and with the aid of all the communicative resources that can be mustered, including speech, print, films, slides, and video. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 367 Politics by Internet
Description:
An exploration of the political uses, abuses, and implications of the Internet and of the national information infrastructure of which it forms a part. Lecture and laboratory topics include national, state and local infrastructure; policy and policy reform; constitutional and legal protections and issues. The course also includes instruction in requisite skills for Internet use. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 369 Politics of the Middle East
Description:
This course traces the creation and transformation of Middle Eastern states, focusing on the development of their political systems and on their transition towards democracy. It explores the diversity of Middle Eastern states and analyzes the factors that contribute to the predominance of authoritarian regimes among them. In this respect, it examines the role of ideologies, -in which Islam and nationalism play key roles-, the nature of the party and family politics, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the ways in which economic developments impact political structures. It also focuses on the domestic, regional and international forces pushing for democracy in the region, central among which is the role of civil society and the changing pattern of foreign intervention in the region. The course pays attention to central themes such as modernization, development, democratization, state/society., state/military relations, all of which are key to any course in comparative politics and political development, two core categories in any political science program More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 371 Latin American Poltc
Description:
An analysis of social structure and political behavior of various groups in Latin America, of a variety of political participation at grass roots and national levels, and of the influence of technologically advanced countries on the politics of Latin America. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 372 Central American Politics (C)
Description:
The study of the political and economic antecedents of the political situation in Central America, with emphasis on Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. The foreign policy of the United States and of other Latin American states toward the region is discussed, but emphasis is given to domestic politics. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 375 Third World Development (C)
Description:
Investigation of theories of interdependence, dependency, and neocolonialism. Special attention to North/South relations, various approaches to development and forms of assistance provided by the industrial countries, resource problems, and other political and developmental issues facing North and South. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 376L Religion and International Relations
Description:
The course seeks to acquaint students with the roles of religion in the interactions of states. These roles include the states' sense of self and "other," the construction and subversion of international norms, the shaping of human consciousness for domination (oppression) and liberation, and in the fashioning of visions and processes by which human communities have sought to journey from local to more universal associations. IR 376L and POLSCI 376L and RELSTY 376L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 377 Special Topics in Politics
Description:
Intensive study of topics in politics. Course content varies each semester. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 387 The Government and Politics of China (C)
POLSCI 399 Conservative Political Thought
Description:
This course examines conservative political thought, with emphasis on its origins, development, variety, premises, aims, arguments, and public policy implications. Readings include major figures in the history of conservative political thought as well as recent and contemporary conservative writers. Students are required to make extensive use of resources available on the World Wide Web. While the focus of the course is largely on American conservatism, some attention is given to other varieties of conservatism as well. Issues include: How and why did conservatism emerge? What are conservatives for and what are they against? Does conservatism have an essential core of ideas, or does the content of conservatism vary according to historical conditions? Does conservatism require a belief in religion? How do contemporary conservatives understand important political controversies? What do conservatives propose as solutions to important problems in modern society? What might the future of conservatism be? More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 402 World Politics and World Order (B)
Description:
The study of recent developments in international law and organization, regionalism, the politics of economic interdependence, and arms control, with emphasis on the United Nations systems and the European communities. Examination of strategies for dealing with international conflict. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 404 The Politics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Description:
This course examines the Arab-Israeli conflict from a national and international perspective. It considers the competing historical and moral claims to the land, the creation of political facts, the rise of national consciousness and institutions, the influence of regional politics and the role of international forces in shaping the nature of the conflict and the means to resolve it. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 410 Pol Intrnatnl Econ
Description:
This course studies the relationship between the structure of the international political system and the structure of the international economic system, examines the reciprocal links between domestic political and economic policies of governments and their international behavior, and analyzes the socio-political choices which support the development and operation of such transnational institutions as the World Bank, the IMF, multinational corporations, cartels, and trading systems. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 411 International Organizations I (B)
Description:
The development of international organizations as a response to the needs of the international community, and as a functional approach to world peace. Emphasis on the United Nations and its specialized agencies. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 420 Imperialism (B)
Description:
This course is designed to examine the various purposes (economic, political, social, cultural) served by policies of imperialism, in both its overt and ambiguous forms, as an aspect of international relations in the nineteenth and twentieth and twenty-first centuries--eras marked economically by an international process of industrialization and globalization. Course material consists of analyses and explanations of the imperialist phenomenon advanced by both theoreticians (liberal, Marxist, realist) and practitioners. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 421 War (B)
Description:
An advanced course in international relations exploring the problem of war from many points of view, theoretical and practical. These include the history, nature, and causes of war, strategy in the course of war, legal and ethical questions, as well as proposals to avoid war (arms control, disarmament, social revolutions, etc.). More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 422 Nationalism (C)
Description:
The politics of nationalism viewed through a theoretical examination of its origins and development; focus on nationalism and patriotism, political violence, national character, nation, communications and state. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 424 American Foreign Policy (B)
Description:
Examines United States foreign policy in the post-World War II period. Focuses on both historical and institutional matters. Current issues are also given ample consideration. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 430 Russian Foreign Policy
Description:
Topics include continuity and change in Russian and Soviet foreign policy, the role of ideology, and national interest, the origin of the Cold War, and Sino-Soviet dispute and Soviet-East European relations. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 451 Queer Political Theory
Description:
This course will examine two questions: (1) how, in what way, or to what degree is sex/uality political? And (2) What does the answer to this question entail for something called queer political? We will begin by reading and evaluating a handful of classic feminist critiques of sexuality, and then consider the response to this critique by pro-sex or sex radical feminists. From here we will consider the emergence of specifically queer voices articulation historical, sociological, medical, and biological critiques of the presumed naturalness or universality of categories like sexual orientation, sexual dimorphism, and gender identity and expression. Finally, we will address the second question of the course, the question of politics. Is being queer political? What is being challenged in asserting queerness, and what kind of political values, commitments, and goals follow from that understanding of gender and sex/uality? More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 452 Feminist Political Theory
Description:
Understood as a political theory, feminism consists of two basic principles: freedom and equality. It is feminist because it is believed that these political principles must be realized within the context of gender the human categories men and women. In this course, we will critically interrogate the principles of freedom and equality, and what they mean within the terms of gender. The notions of women and men will also come in for critical scrutiny. Finally, we will consider the practical applications of these ideas in areas like politics, race, class, marriage, motherhood, family, work, rape, sexual harassment, sex work, the body, desire and sexuality. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 453 Democratic Theory (D)
Description:
This course explores ancient and modern theories of democracy in historical context. Topics include theories about leaders and their ends; the bases of representative democracy; the linkages between democracy and revolution; the relationship of democracy and economics; the issues related to democracy and difference; and the challenges for democracy in the twenty-first century. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 454 Recnt&Cntmp Pol Tght
Description:
A study of twentieth century political and social thought with incidental attention to certain influential thinkers of the nineteenth century. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 455 Problems of Political Theory (D)
Description:
A non-chronological study of the perennial questions dealt with by political philosophers. This course is concerned primarily with developing the students' capacity to think politically rather than with the history of ideas. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 456 Political Thought of Lincoln
Description:
This course will explore the intellectual journey of Abraham Lincoln and place him in the ranks of serious philosophers on the nature of man, God, and government. We will examine Lincoln's assertion that his entire political philosophy could be traced to the Declaration of Independence and its doctrine of natural law, consider his desire to preserve the Union in light of his conception of the immorality of slavery, and explore his constitutional understanding. Our reading will include a close examination of Lincoln's speeches and writings, as well as secondary sources. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 459 Karl Marx's Marxism (D)
Description:
An investigation of the origins of modern critical social theory through extensive readings from Marx's entire body of writings. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 468 American Political Thought (D)
POLSCI 470 Christianity and Politics (D)
Description:
Reflections on political problems as seen from various Christian standpoints. Current problems and contemporary Christian thinkers are emphasized. Particular attention is paid to the diversity of insights that Christianity makes available and to the occasions for critical reflection that are thus provided. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 478 Independent Study
POLSCI 479 Independent Study
Description:
A course of reading and investigation designed to supplement regular departmental offerings. Topics are worked out by instructor and student. Regular papers are required. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 480 Special Topics
Description:
This course offers study of selected topics within this subject. Course content and credits vary according to topic and are announced prior to the registration period. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 488 Field Work in Politics
Description:
Carefully supervised field work, available only to a limited number of qualified students in any one semester. Written prospectus of the project, periodic conferences with a faculty advisor, and appropriate written work required. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 489 Field Work in Politics
Description:
Carefully supervised field work, available only to a limited number of qualified students in any one semester. Written prospectus of the project, periodic conferences with a faculty advisor, and appropriate written work required. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 490 Special Issues
Description:
Guided readings in special areas of politics. May be used for honors thesis. By invitation of department. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 491 Special Issues
Description:
Guided readings in special areas of politics. May be used for honors thesis. By invitation of department. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
POLSCI 492 Directed Readings in Politics
Description:
Reading of four to six books on a special topic and preparation of a 10-15 page critical analysis. Lists of topics and pertinent readings are prepared by individual faculty members. Upon completion of a project, students submit the required paper for departmental evaluation (on a pass-fail basis only). Limited to one project per academic year. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 495 Field Practicum in Politics
Description:
Full-time work in a government or political agency to help students integrate course work with practical training. More Info
Offered in:POLSCI 499L Seminar in International Relations (B)
Description:
A research seminar designed for two categories of students: a) political science majors with an interest and strong background in international relations; and b) students completing the International Relations Program (for whom the seminar will provide the context and guidance to carry out a "Senior Project" aimed at integrating their study of international relations). In either case, students spend most of their time researching, writing, and presenting a substantial paper. IR 499L and POLSCI 499L are the same course. More Info
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