Political Science

Courses

PO 110: Introduction to Politics

Credits 3
An introduction to the basic elements of modern politics. There are two main focuses of the course. The first is on the forces which impact on politics generally: the global system, economic factors, ideology, and culture (i.e., symbols, belief systems, norms, and values). The second is on domestic institutional and organizational arrangements: constitutional structures, legislatures, executives, bureaucracies, judiciaries, and elections.

PO 111: American National Government

Credits 3
A study of the democratic principles and constitutional foundation of the American political system: the principles and practice of federalism; the powers and structures of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the national government; the role of political parties; pressure groups, public opinion, and voting behavior in the formation of public policy; and the basic domestic political problems confronting the nation today.

PO 112: State and Local Government

Credits 3
A study of the structures, powers, administration, and major policies and problems of state and local governments. Legal, political, and economic relationships between state and local governments with an emphasis on socioeconomic programs will be explored.

PO 221: American Political Parties

Credits 3
This course examines American political parties in terms of their composition and philosophies, and in terms of the framework within which they operate. Particular attention is paid to the emergence of the two-party system, American political culture, how candidates are chosen and elected, party affiliation, voting patterns in the electorate, campaign finance, and the extent to which American parties actually function as parties. Comparison is made periodically with party systems in other countries for the purpose of achieving a wider perspective.

PO 222: American Presidency

Credits 3
A study of political leadership as it relates to the American Presidency. Discussion will focus on the institution of the Presidency, decision-making processes, the exercise of power, theories of presidential personalities, the historical evolution of the office, and the importance of the Presidency to American politics and society. General issues that will be addressed are: the electoral process, voter perceptions, how the system limits the type of candidates who run, and the relationship between the President and her/his party.

PO 270: Civil Law

Credits 3

A study of the manner in which civil conflicts are resolved in the legal system, the roles various parties play, and the issues that study the underpinnings of this system, most notably the values upon which it is built. Included will be an assessment of the proper roles of lawyers in society and the rules by which attorneys and judges are governed. Discussion will also address the alternative ways of resolving civil disputes and the benefits which they represent. 

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors only.

PO 300: Messages of War: Propaganda in 20th Century Conflict

Credits 3
This course explores the role of popular media in the production and circulation of knowledge about modern war. Since the early 1900's, propaganda has been an essential element in influencing and manipulating public opinion. Drawing on the news and entertainment media, this course examines how public opinion of 20th century wars was shaped; how the media was a propaganda tool for mythmaking and martyrdom; and the role of media in creating national myths and recollections of war.

PO 320: Global Interdependence

Credits 3

The general theme in this course is that of the interdependence of the world’s people, ecology, economy, political systems, and technical systems. The major focus is on the interdependence of the United States and the Third World. Sociology, as well as concepts from history, economics, political science, anthropology, and geography will be used to understand the roots and contemporary status of global interdependence. 

PO 330: Origins of Modern Africa

Credits 3
This course gives a broad-based introduction to the history, politics, and societies of sub-Saharan Africa. Through a combination of historical narrative and detailed studies of particular African countries, students will learn about pre-colonial African societies, the various slave trades, colonialism, African struggles for independence, and the challenges faced by sovereign African countries. For the post-independence period, the major topics will be economic development, state-building (the development of bureaucratic capacity and governmental institutions), and nation-building (attempts to forge solidarity among the citizens of a multi-ethnic country).

PO 331: The Constitution, Crime and Civil Rights

Credits 3

This course provides a comprehensive examination of those provisions of the American Constitution having the greatest impact on criminal justice. Issues surrounding the rules of search and seizure, the protections against self-incrimination, and the right to counsel, among others, are discussed in light of landmark cases. In this context, the course also explores the relationship between larger societal changes and the evolution of the Supreme Court’s understanding of the Constitution, together with the debates that continue over interpretations of the Bill of Rights.

PO 332: Gender and Politics

Credits 3
This course explores the importance of culture in defining gender roles, the division of political power between women and men, women’s changing political roles in the U.S., and the impact of those changes on governmental processes and public policy outcomes. The course includes discussion of how women of color have both affected and been affected by these changes. Other themes are the history of women’s political participation, gender differences in political participation and behavior, and the challenges and opportunities for women as candidates and officeholders. Extensive attention is given to policy issues such as education, health care, reproductive rights, employment, family law, and criminal justice.

PO 333: The Supreme Court and the Constitution

Credits 3
This course traces the origins, functions, and transformation of the Supreme Court from the somewhat unwanted stepchild of government to the supreme arbiter of constitutionalism that it has become. Topics covered include constitutional doctrines, the political elements of the Supreme Court, separation of powers, federalism, the nationalization of the Bill of Rights, freedom of expression, privacy, and equal protection under the law. Both scholarly analysis and Supreme Court decisions are used to elaborate concepts and issues.

PO 334: The Medieval World

Credits 3
An examination of various aspects of life in western Europe during the middle ages. Using ongoing comparisons and contrasts with the modern era, this course looks at issues such as who held political power and the basis on which they ruled; which salient social divisions existed; what people believed (or at least claimed they believed); and what forces of change were transforming the European world.

PO 336: Ancient Political Thought: The Search for Justice

Credits 3
An analysis of the political thought of Ancient Greece in the 5th century B.C. with an eye to its relevance to contemporary societies. Within the central focus of exploring issues of what a just society is and how one might be achieved, specific topics are: the aims of the state; the concept and practice of democracy; tyranny and totalitarianism; and the nature and objectives of power, class structure, and justice. Special emphasis will be placed on a comparison of the political ideas of Plato and Aristotle with those of more modern political philosophers such as Niccolo Machiavelli, John Locke, Edmund Burke, and John Stuart Mill.

PO 337: World Politics

Credits 3
The intention of this course is to enable students to understand more fully the global environment within which the United States operates. After establishing an understanding of basic concepts such as state, nation, anarchy, and power, the course reviews issues such as the global system, the extent to which and the ways in which certain countries dominate the system, warfare, international law, the United Nations, world trade, and economic development.

PO 339: Latin American Politics and Economics

Credits 3
A survey of the historical, political, and economic background of Latin American institutions. The role of the military, land reform, and nationalism will also be discussed. The function of O.A.S. and the inter-American relations, especially vis-a-vis the U.S., will also be analyzed. A special emphasis will be given to Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina in relation to the problem of debt.

PO 443: American Diplomatic History

Credits 3
In examining the historical debate surrounding American foreign policy issues since 1890, this course provides students with various frames of reference for evaluating American diplomacy, past and present. The impact of the policy-making process, group interests, and values on decision-making will be explored.