Department of Political Science —

Cross-listed Courses

Courses preceded by an “L” are cross-listed with another department or program, as indicated by the parentheses in the course title: for example “POLSCI L250 (ENVSTY L250),” which is cross-listed with the Program in Environmental Studies.

Courses

POLSCI G110
Controversial Political Issues

POLSCI G113
Issues of Political Identity at the Turn of the Century

POLSCI G120
Political Controversies

POLSCI G230
Globalization and Its Discontents

POLSCI G240
Politics, Probability, and Human Health

POLSCI G245
Reading the Newspaper

POLSCI Q221
Introduction to Quantitative Methods

For a complete description of these courses, see the “First-year and Intermediate Seminars” section of this publication.

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POLSCI 101
An Introduction to Politics and Political Science

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.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Distribution II Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 102
Government and Politics of the United States

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.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Distribution II Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 123
Political Ideas of the Twentieth Century

Major political viewpoints of the present, including Conservatism, Liberalism, Marxism, and Fascism.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 180
Special Topics Mini-Course in Political Science

Short courses in political science on topics of current interest, offered on a one-time basis.
1-2 Lect Hrs, 1-2 Credits

POLSCI 201
Comparative Politics of Industrialized Societies (C)

Introductory survey of political systems in the industrialized world, including the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson, Mr Vannicelli, Mr Weiner

POLSCI 202
Comparative Politics of Transitional Societies (C)

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.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Hartford, Mr Langley, Mr Spence, Mr Vannicelli

POLSCI 203
Public Policy (A)

The process of policy making and the manner and effects of policy implementation in states and localities.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Cnudde, Mr Cunningham, Mr Ferguson

POLSCI 220
International Relations (B)

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.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson, Mr Langley, Mr Vannicelli, Mr Watanabe, Mr Weiner

POLSCI 224
The Political Novel (D)

This course studies some of the best novels concerning political conditions, ideas, and passions in our time. Franz Kafka, André 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.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley

POLSCI L250 (ENVSTY L250)
Introduction to Environmental Policymaking

This course provides an overview of environmental policymaking in the US and to a lesser degree internationally. Students learn 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.
Prerequisites: ENVSTY 101 or an equivalent introductory course, or POLSCI 101,102.
Distribution I Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 251
Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (D)

The origins and the early development of the main political ideas of the West. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Schotten, Mr Ward

POLSCI 252
Modern Political Thought (D)

The history of Western political ideas from the time of Machiavelli to that of Marx and Nietzsche.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Schotten, Mr Ward

POLSCI L265
World War II Internment of Japanese Americans (A)

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.
Distribution I Area: Historical and Cultural Studies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Watanabe

POLSCI 305
Images of World Politics in Film and Literature (B)

Examination of political symbolism, both as an approach to political analysis and as a source of information on non-American political systems. Films and related readings on visions of past, present, and future politics.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Diversity Area: International.
Mr Langley

POLSCI 306
Political Socialization (C)

Analysis of the various institutions that act as socializing agents in the political culture. Focus is on family, race, class, political parties, ethnicity, gender, government, and education.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 307
Political Change and Group Identity (C)

The course is concerned with the impact of group identity—racial, religious, ethnic, gender, sexual, class, national—on political systems.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 308
The View from Below (C)

This course approaches nagging contemporary political issues from the perspective of those whose opinions are least considered: those who possess, or feel they possess, less power, who are politically estranged, or who are peripheral to the mainstream of politics. From this perspective, the course considers such issues as whether the American political process is democratic and whether the federal government governs well; and such topics as social change in the United States, and the role of the United States in the world.
Prerequisites: POLSCI 122 and 123.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 309
Political Behavior (C)

Introduction to the study of political behavior, including relationships between characterological elements and political attitudes and actions, processes by which societies teach members to behave politically, and national differences in political socialization.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson

POLSCI 311
Political Parties (A)

The American political process, with emphasis on political parties, pressure groups, and public opinion.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson, Mr Ward

POLSCI 312
Political Economy (D)

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson

POLSCI 313
Topics in Political Economy (C)

This course is a continuation of POLSCI 312. Using the theoretical perspectives explored in the first semester it focuses on several substantive areas of political economy, including education, trends in wages and income, global market competition, and industrial and trade policy.
Prerequisite: POLSCI 312 or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson

POLSCI 315
American Political Behavior (A)

A close examination of the major areas of theory and research on American political behavior: public opinion and political attitudes; political participation; elections and voting; and political socialization. Both social-psychological and structural and institutional factors are emphasized.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson, Mr Watanabe

POLSCI 318
The Legislative Process (A)

The function of national and state legislatures, and the role played by political parties and interest groups in legislatures.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Cnudde, Mr Ferguson

POLSCI 324
The American Presidency (A)

The powers, the limitations, and the organization of the Presidency in the American system of government.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Cunningham, Mr Ferguson

POLSCI 325
Public Administration (A)

A study of the bureaucratic process, emphasizing organizational behavior, changes in administrative institutions and theories, and the political role of bureaucracy.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Cnudde

POLSCI 329
American Constitutional Law and Theory (A)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Bussiere

POLSCI 330
Presidential Elections (A)

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson, Mr Watanabe

POLSCI 332
Civil Liberties in the United States (A)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Bussiere

POLSCI 335
Law and Public Policy (A)

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Bussiere

POLSCI 338
Massachusetts Politics (A)

A study of state and local government and politics in Massachusetts, emphasizing its unique features as well as its similarities to other state systems.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Cunningham

POLSCI 340
Boston: Cooperation and Conflict in the

Urban Environment (A)
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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.
Diversity Area: United States.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 341
Metropolitan Politics (A)

Municipal politics, organization, and functions; special attention to the impact of recent social and economic changes on cities; and to suburban and intergovernmental politics in metropolitan regions.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 344
Problems of Urban Politics (A)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 347
Politics, Social Choice and Public Policy (D)

Social choice theory is concerned with the ways in which individual values and choices are connected with collective choices. It is an important theoretical focus in contemporary political science which has generated an expanding research literature on such topics as public policy, parties, elections and interest groups. This course presents the central concepts of social choice theory, examines theoretical and empirical applications, and concentrates on the study of public policy. Both the uses and limitations of social choice theory are explored.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ward

POLSCI 348
Science and Public Policy (A)

Although few politicians have a scientific background, they are increasingly confronted with issues that are scientifically and technically complex. This course examines how policy makers and the general public cope with such issues of high scientific and technological content and how politicians and their advisors try to control the scientific enterprise; how scientists try to defend their autonomy; and the conflicts between scientific expertise and the democratic control of science.
Prerequisite: One natural science course from chemistry, biology, environmental studies, geography, or physics.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 349
Cities and World Development (C)

This course explores comparatively the development of urban areas within the industrialized and developing worlds in the context of theories of world development. Material is covered in four sections: an historical introduction to the birth of the modern city; urbanization in industrialized countries; urbanization in the developing or “third” world; case studies in the recomposition of cities: New York, London, Paris, Mexico City, Rio, Bombay, Hong Kong.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 351
The Politics of National Development (C)

The extent to which elements of the Third World have progressed from statehood to nationhood during the decades following the great anticolonial revolution.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley

POLSCI 353
European Political Development (C)

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.
Prerequisite: Any course in modern European history.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson, Mr Weiner

POLSCI 354
Postwar European Problems (C)

A comparative review of postwar problems in Europe—postwar recovery, parties and institutions, defense, multinational corporations, and political opposition.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ferguson, Mr Vannicelli, Mr Weiner

POLSCI L355 (IR L355 )
The European Union (B)

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Vannicelli

POLSCI 357
Food: Politics and Policy (C)

The course examines the determinants of food policy and the politics of food. Topics include: the historical evolution of world food systems, farm and food consumption policies in the US and developing countries, and food aid. Special attention is given to international agricultural development aid, the role of agribusiness corporations, and the magnitude of the hunger problem in the US and in the Third World.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Hartford

POLSCI 360
The Government and Politics of Britain (C)

Political institutions in Great Britain. Comparisons with those in other Western democracies.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Weiner

POLSCI 361
The Politics of Eastern Europe (C)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Weiner

POLSCI 363
Politics and Society in Present-Day Russia (C)

After a brief examination of the Soviet political system, this course focuses on contemporary Russian politics and society. Topics include the struggle to transform an authoritarian state into a pluralistic democracy; the transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy; the role of the military; and social problems such as crime, alcohol abuse and the special difficulties experienced by women.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 365
The Politics of Communication (C)

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.
Distribution II Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Hartford

POLSCI 366
Media and International Affairs (B)

Study and analysis of the ways in which the news media define, interpret and convey international developments. Both western and non-western news sources are examined.
Prerequisite: POLSCI 220.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Spence, Mr Vannicelli, Ms Hartford

POLSCI 367
Politics by Internet (A)

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Hartford

POLSCI 370
Darwinian Revolution

The course examines the development, reception, and impact of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection—a theory that has profoundly affected not only science but religion, philosophy, literature, society, and politics. This course situates Darwin’s theory in its Victorian context, analyzes the ways in which social class, politics, religion, and gender influenced its reception and impact, and tries to account for the controversy the theory continues to engender.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 371
Latin American Politics (C)

An analysis of social structure and political behavior of various groups in Latin America, of a variety of forms of political participation at grass roots and national levels, and of the influence of technologically advanced countries on the politics of Latin America.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Spence

POLSCI 372
Central American Politics (C)

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.
Prerequisite: POLSCI 123.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Spence

POLSCI 375
Third World Development (C)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Diversity Area: International.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Spence, Mr Vannicelli

POLSCI 376
Religion and International Relations

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley

POLSCI 377
Special Topics in Politics

Intensive study of topics in politics. Course content varies each semester.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI L380/RELSTY L380
Religion and Imperialism

Critical consideration of the ways that imperialism impacts religion and religion affects imperialism, with attention to historical cases such as the pax Romana and early Christianity, and focusing mainly on contemporary cases such as the Western European and American impact on the Middle East and Islam and Islam-inspired resistance in Iran and Palestine.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing, 30 credits, or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 387
The Government and Politics of China (C)

A study of the influences shaping contemporary Chinese politics, both domestic and international, including revolutionary origins, the struggle for development, ideology, political structures, and ongoing social change.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Hartford

POLSCI 391
The Government and Politics of Africa (C)

African government and politics with emphasis on stability in African political systems and on the role of tribes, political parties, armies, and government bureaucracies.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley

POLSCI 399
Conservative Political Thought

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?
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ward

POLSCI 400
Leadership (C)

This course introduces readings and films from which the class identifies patterns of leadership behavior permitting plausible generalizations. It examines the behavior of persons in formal and informal leadership roles, different bases of authority, the interaction between leaders and followers, the relationship between means and ends, and the role of leaders in establishing purpose and as agents of change.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 402
World Politics and World Order (B)

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.
Prerequisite: POLSCI 220 or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley, Mr Vannicelli

POLSCI 410
The Politics of International Economic Relations (B)

The 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 sociopolitical choices which support the development and operation of such transnational institutions as the World Bank, the IMF, multinational corporations, cartels, and trading systems.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Alamgir, Mr Langley

POLSCI 411
International Organizations I (B)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley, Mr Weiner

POLSCI 412
International Organizations II (B)

Continuation of POLSCI 411 emphasizing regional, political, and economic organizations, and the administration of international relations.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley, Mr Weiner

POLSCI 415
Law and International Relations (B)

An examination of the primary functions of law in international relations, and the way in which law operates in international practice. Major issues covered include the role of law in the control of the use of force by nations, both historically and in relation to the current international scene, and the changes in law relating to private economic activity such as the law of the sea, responsibility for the protection of the environment, and national control of corporations. Course work based on both casebook and text materials.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley

POLSCI 420
Imperialism (B)

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 centuries—that is, the era marked economically by an international process of industrialization. Course material consists of analyses and explanations of the imperialist phenomenon advanced by both theoreticians (Marxist and liberal) and practitioners.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Vannicelli

POLSCI 421
War (B)

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.).
Prerequisite: One international relations course.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley, Mr Vannicelli

POLSCI 422
Nationalism (C)

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 424
American Foreign Policy (B)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Watanabe

POLSCI 430
Russia and the Other Successor States After the Cold War (B)

This course deals with Russia and the other countries that emerged from the breakup of the USSR. While the primary focus is on Russia, the largest and most influential of the Soviet successor states, attention is also given to Ukraine, the Baltic states, and other post-Soviet republics. Among the issues to be examined are arms control; economic relations; relations between Russia and the other successor states; the significance of the Commonwealth of Independent States; and the political debate in the United States over whether to aid Russia and the other CIS states.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 444
Cooperative Education Field Experience in Political Science

Through the cooperative education/internship program political science majors are placed in paid work assignments which give them first hand political or public administrative insight and experience. Students meet on a regular basis with a sponsor from the department faculty. Please see the “Academic Resources Beyond the Classroom” section of this publication.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits

POLSCI 453
Democratic Theory (D)

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 454
Recent and Contemporary Political Thought (D)

A study of twentieth century political and social thought with incidental attention to certain influential thinkers of the nineteenth century.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Schotten, Mr Ward

POLSCI 455
Problems of Political Theory (D)

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Schotten, Mr Ward

POLSCI 456
Political Thought of Lincoln

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.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Cunningham

POLSCI 459
Karl Marx’s Marxism (D)

An investigation of the origins of modern critical social theory through extensive readings from Marx’s entire body of writings.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 468
American Political Thought (D)

An analytical and historical study of the development of American political thought and institutions.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Cunningham

POLSCI 470
Christianity and Politics (D)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ward

POLSCI 472
The Political Philosophy of Hegel (D)

The course is an inquiry into the presuppositions, intentions, contents, and implications of Hegel’s political philosophy. The course is concerned with links between Hegel’s political philosophy and his general philosophy, relations between it and its ancient and modern predecessors, and the legacy of Hegelian thought. Close reading of selected Hegelian texts is coupled with attention to Marxist, non-Marxist, and anti-Marxist readings of Hegel.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ward

POLSCI 478, 479
Independent Study

A course of reading and investigation designed to supplement regular departmental offerings. Topics are worked out by instructor and student. Regular papers are required.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits

POLSCI 480
Seminars

Intensive studies in various important fields in politics. Emphasis on independent research.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 486
Seminar: Africa and World Politics I (C)

Intensive study of the newly independent states of Africa and their impact on world affairs.
Prerequisite: POLSCI 391 or 392 or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley

POLSCI 487
Seminar: Africa and World Politics II (C)

A continuation of POLSCI 486, this seminar concentrates on regional African groupings, the concept of African unity, the impact of multi-national corporations, and the effect of foreign aid and technical assistance.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Langley

POLSCI 488
Field Work in Politics

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.
Prerequisites: Completion of a relevant course, and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 489
Field Work in Politics

See POLSCI 488.

POLSCI 490
Special Issues

Guided readings in special areas of politics. May be used for honors thesis. By invitation of department.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits

POLSCI 491

See POLSCI 490.

POLSCI 492
Directed Readings in Politics

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of department.
3 Lect Hrs, 1 Credit

POLSCI 493
Directed Readings in Politics

See POLSCI 492

POLSCI 495
Field Practicum in Politics

Full-time work in a government or political agency to help students integrate course work with practical training.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 9 Credits

POLSCI 498
Senior Capstone Seminar

The capstone seminar offers an intensive and integrative examination of major issues in political science; specific topics vary by instructor. The seminar culminates in a significant student research paper, which the student will present to his or her classmates in the seminar.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of a minimum of five political science courses.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

POLSCI 499
Seminar in International Relations (B)

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.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
Mr Langley, Mr Vannicelli, Mr Watanabe