Political Science

16upper-levelcredits. To be distributed across three of the four subfields in the discipline. 16 credits taken on campus. A maximum of 8 departmental internship course credits may be counted towards the major.

PSCI 200 - Internship in Political Science (2-4)

Students desiring an internship experience and wanting credit toward the political science major or minor must enroll in the practicum. The internship should be selected in consultation with the practicum director and must conform to all CLA and department requirements for a four-credit or a two-credit internship. The practicum will meet periodically during the semester to: 1) evaluate the internship work experience, 2) discuss links to related course theory, 3) receive training in applied field research, and 4) write a significant paper linking theory and internship learning.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Not normally repeated for credit.

Offered: every semester.

Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in an appropriate upper level political science course.

PSCI 211 - Law, Politics, and Society (4)

The course gives an overview of the entire legal system, the interaction between the different legal and political institutions and some of the more controversial issues in law and politics. There are four main parts of the course. The first part of the course deals with jurisprudence (theories of law); the second part focuses on legal institutions, namely courts, legal education, lawyers and juries; the third part identifies certain key issues and debates that have pervaded the legal lives of U.S. and non U.S. societies; and the fourth section concerns an assessment of the role of law and courts in politics and society.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 212 - Public Policy and Administration (4)

An examination of the public policy process in the United States, including agenda setting, program adoption, and program implementation. Emphasizes how national political institutions-Congress, the presidency, the federal judiciary, and the bureaucracy-shape policy outcomes.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 213 - Congress (4)

An analysis of the beliefs, attitudes, and behavior of legislative actors. Explores the role conception of legislators and the patterns of interaction in which they engage, following an examination of the legislative recruitment process. Special attention is given to the committee system, leadership structure, and decisional activity of each house of Congress.

Offered: alternate years.

PSCI 214 - American Political Campaigns (4)

An examination of the place of campaigns in American politics, analyzing the factors that shape their content and outcome and considering their effect on the structure of the political process and on public policy. Possible reforms to the process are also a main consideration of the class.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 215 - The American Presidency (4)

Seeks to understand the development of the role of the presidency and to evaluate its importance in the modern American political system. Major issues considered include the nature of presidential leadership, the relationship of the presidency to other branches of government, public expectations of the president, and the effect of individual presidents.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 216 - Urban Politics (4)

An analysis and examination of urban problems and policy making with particular attention to formal and informal power structures in the urban political environment.

Offered: fall semester.

PSCI 285 - Internship Project in Washington (8)

An educational experience that allows students to test classroom hypotheses in a "real world" political environment. Students work in an approved government or government-related office. Evaluation of work performance is made by a field supervisor, and students are required to write one or more analytical papers related to the experience. Required readings in the academic literature provide a foundation for understanding and interpreting the internship experience.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

PSCI 301 - Civil Liberties (4)

An intensive investigation of the struggle within our legal system over the interpretation of the Bill of Rights. Reviews relevant cases and resulting opinions. Examines the behavior of the justices as well as issues involving the impact of and compliance with the court's decisions.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 302 - Criminal Justice (4)

An examination of the three major criminal justice institutions-police, courts, and prisons. Emphasizes how our major cities are dealing with the problem of crime as well as the discretionary powers of critical actors within the justice system.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 303 - Constitutional Law and Civil Rights (4)

This course examines the structure and functioning of the United States Supreme Court the theories about judicial decision making, and legal and political debates on civil rights. Following the discussions on judicial review, federalism and separation of powers, the course will look historically on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the equal protection clause in relation to race, gender, culture, and immigration among other issues. Discussion will focus not only on landmark cases in constitutional law but also on the ways in which other legal actors, such as lawyers and interest groups, play a role in determining the nature and outcome of cases. We will look throughout at the relationship between law and politics as well as at the socio-cultural context in which judicial decisions are made.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 306 - American Political Parties and Interest Groups (4)

This course examines the origins, structure and political functions of political parties and interest groups in the U.S. Topics include strategies and influence of interest groups in American politics, the development and significance of the two-party system in the U.S., and recent changes in both types of political institutions and their relationship to each other. This is a writing intensive seminar and students should be prepared to write a significant number of papers of varying length and will be expected to extensively revise their work.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 309 - Seminar on Public Policy (4)

An examination of public policy issues in terms of the criteria typically used in policy analysis, e.g., political dynamics, costs and benefits, decision making, administration, and budget implications. The specific issues vary according to the material available on them and their timeliness. Thus, in some years, the focus might be trade policy or economic policy more generally, while in other years, domestic social policy could be the focus. The central goal of exploring the issue using policy analysis criteria remains constant. The course is intended to be a research seminar with students producing and presenting a major project at the end of the term.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 311 - Seminar on American Political Participation (4)

An examination of the various forms of American political participation. The course focuses on such activities as elections, social movements, civil disobedience, and political violence. The class also examines the causes and effects of non-participation. A central goal is to investigate the democratic theories that underpin American politics.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: fall semester.

PSCI 313 - Gender and U.S. Politics (4)

An analysis of the relationship between gender and politics from various theoretical perspectives. Focuses on the multiple ways that gender, race, and class have influenced political participation and political institutions at the at the grass roots, state, and national levels. Explores the construction of women's political interests and how those interests are, and have been, represented in political life in the United States.

Offered: spring semester.

PSCI 314 - American Political Economy (4)

This course explores the relationship between politics and economics in the U.S. The course begins with a theoretical exploration of the relationship democracy and capitalism and examines the differences between government and market solutions to collective action problems. The second component of the course examines the political practices of business, labor, and other political actors. The last part of the course builds on the first two in an assessment of a range of public policies in the U.S. including, for example, economic policies, industrial relations, and employment policy.

Offered: in alternate years.

Prerequisite: PSCI 103 recommended.

PSCI 317 - Education Policy and Politics (4)

This course will analyze both the politics and the policy of schooling in the United States. On the political side, we will explore the debate over the purposes of public education and the use of education as an electoral issue, as well as the individuals, groups, and institutions that compete to control schools, and how and where they seek to advance their different interests and values. On the policy side, we will analyze the impact of democratic control, federalism, and checks and balances on the provision of education in the U.S. and how and why school governance has evolved over time. The course will also examine the debates over specific school reforms such as: standards and testing, equalization of school finance, school choice, and the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as the unique challenges facing urban schools.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 318 - Race and Politics (4)

This course will examine the role of race in American politics and its contemporary significance to the nation's citizens, politicians, and governmental institutions. Questions will include: What are the primary intra- and inter-group dynamics that shape contemporary minority politics? How do the politics of race intersect with the politics of class and gender? What opportunities and challenges exist in mobilizing the members of minority groups for political action in the U.S.? What role have racial issues and attitudes played in the electoral strategies of political parties and candidates and in the electoral choices of voters? How do the structures and processes of American political institutions affect the efforts of minority groups to secure political influence? How has the rise to power of minority politicians-particularly in many urban areas-affected policymaking? How successful have minority groups been in their quest to use government to expand economic and educational opportunity? How are demographic forces likely to reshape the politics of race and -American politics more generally- in the 21st century?.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 319 - Selected Studies in American Politics and Administration (4)

Topics vary as the department may direct. Topics have included state politics, policy analysis, media and politics, and politics and culture.

May be repeated for credit as topic changes.

Offered: Offering to be determined.

PSCI 385 - Policy Making in Washington (4)

A seminar focusing on the interactions among individuals and institutions that characterize the policy process in Washington. Includes meetings with active participants in the policy process: members of Congress and officials of the executive branch, the judiciary, political parties, interest groups, and the press. Seminar meetings are built around discussion of current policy issues but also include instruction in research methods that aid students in successfully pursuing the research project required under PSCI 386.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: spring semester.

PSCI 386 - Research Projects: Washington (4)

Preparation of research projects to develop research techniques in the area of American politics.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: spring semester.

PSCI 225 - European Politics (4)

A study of the political systems of selected European countries within a comparative framework. Topics may include political culture, party systems, ideology, parliamentary systems, and public policies.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 226 - Russian Politics (4)

A survey of the democratization of Russia by examining the Soviet legacy and recent developments in the political, social, and economic order in Russia since the collapse of communism.

PSCI 227 - Latin American Politics (4)

An examination of the political process in Latin America, focusing on the impact of political culture, the role of social organization, and problems of political and economic development. These issues are examined both generally and in the study of particular Latin American political systems.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 228 - Chinese Politics (4)

China, the world's largest country and one of the few remaining nominally communist nations, is undergoing unprecedented social, economic, and political chance. This course surveys China's contemporary political history, the reform movement, and China's transition from communism.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 229 - Middle East Politics (4)

A comparative study of the political process in the Middle East and North Africa, exploring the political foundations of the traditional societies, the political bases of social change, and political development.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 230 - East Asian Politics (4)

A comparative study of the political process in East Asia, exploring the political foundations of the contemporary Chinese, Japanese, and North and South Korean systems, the social dynamics of change in those countries, and the relationship between the state and the private sector in East Asia.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 343 - Comparative Political Parties (4)

This course introduces political parties in advanced liberal democracies from a comparative perspective. Issues to be examined in the course include the origin and function of parties, party organization, the social and economic basis for parties, the impact of issues and ideologies, the party system and its evolution, radical left and right parties, and the decline or adaptation of parties.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 346 - Comparative Political Economy (4)

This course covers key issues of comparative political economy in advanced liberal democracies, including welfare states development and decline, labour markets, income distribution, inequality, social risks and exclusion as well as the role of gender in the welfare state.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 381 - Contemporary British Politics (4) (Same as: HIST 381.)

A discussion and an analysis of current issues in British politics with an emphasis on the impact these issues have on the functioning and development of the British political system. Explores such topics as the roles of Parliament, cabinet government, the prime minister, political parties, and interest groups. Outside speakers who are active politicians and field trips to political institutions and events are an integral part of this course. Required of all students and offered in the London program.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: fall semester.

PSCI 382 - The History of Modern Britain (4)

A study of the historical and practical forces that have shaped today's Britain, with primary emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. The course focuses on various themes-the evolution and role of the monarchy, the emergence of the welfare state, the rise and fall of the Empire, the relationships between Britain and America as well as Britain and Europe.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Same as: HIST 382.

Offered: fall semester.

PSCI 241 - Global Feminisms (4)

This course examines women's movements internationally and globally. It explores the variations in constructions of sex, gender and gender difference as well as the range of feminisms and women's movements that have emerged from these differing cultural, exonomic and political situations. Such topics as women and development, the sexual division of labor, health, the environment, the international traffic in women and human rights may be among those explored in the course.

Same as: WGST 201.

Offered: fall semester.

PSCI 242 - International Organizations (4)

The theory and practice of international organizations (IOs) is a dynamic and increasingly important dimension of world politics. Scholars debate whether IOs serve as venues in which learning processes can occur and expectations about norms of international interaction can be created and reinforced, or whether they are merely another venue in which states pursue their national interests. This course will provide an introduction to the field, focusing on the role of IOs in three principal areas: peace and security, human rights, and humanitarian and development assistance. It will serve as a particularly relevant class for students who may want to participate in the UN or Brussels semesters, as it will provide a grounding in various theories of IOs and their value in the international system.

PSCI 243 - Terrorism (4)

Americans have paid closer attention to terrorism after the September 11, 2001 attacks. However, terrorism is neither new nor a distinctive threat to the United States. In fact, terrorist attacks have been commonplace since 1945. This course presents an overview of terrorism's evolution in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. This course is divided into four parts. Part one provides a historical overview of terrorism and distinguishes it from other forms of political violence. Part two compares and contrasts ethno-nationalists and religious terrorist organizations, showing that both groups, while informed by different mindsets, use terrorist tactics in an attempt to achieve clear political ends. Part three examines the evolving strategic logic of suicide terrorism. Part four shows how the forces of globalization are changing the scope and strategies terrorist groups employ.

PSCI 283 - UN Community Internship (2-8)

All students are encouraged to work at an internship with one of the many organizations associated with the UN. Internships substantially enrich your UN semester academic experience, often provide greater access to the related workinds of the UN itself, and provide you with a usefel firsthand view of careers related to the UN and the broader international community of organizations. This practicum helps students evaluate the work experience through a reflective paper and journal, and identify appropriate links with related course concepts and theory.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: annually.

Prerequisite: PSCI 104.

PSCI 329 - Principles of International Law (4)

This course introduces the student to the main principles, key texts and most famous cases of the international legal system. Aimed specifically at the liberal arts context, the course approaches these legal materials historically and geographically. The first half of the semester sets out the ramifications of the equal sovereignty of nation- states in this state-centered system. The second half explores the reach of these sovereign states into other states' territories, into the oceans around us, and the universe beyond. The tensions between this system of sovereignty and recent developments in international commercial, environmental and human rights law are a recurring theme of the course.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 333 - International Human Rights (4)

An interdisciplinary study of international human rights norms in national and international contexts. Topics are selected from the following list: universalism and cultural relativism, the correlation of rights and duties, civil and political rights, economic and social rights, intergovernmental and nongovernmental institutions, universal and regional regimes, human rights and foreign policy, democratization, women's rights, individual criminal responsibility, development, and the transformed conceptions of statehood and sovereignty.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 340 - Political Change and Development (4)

A survey of the literature on political development and social change with case studies drawn from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 343 - Comparative Political Parties (4)

This course introduces political parties in advanced liberal democracies from a comparative perspective. Issues to be examined in the course include the origin and function of parties, party organization, the social and economic basis for parties, the impact of issues and ideologies, the party system and its evolution, radical left and right parties, and the decline or adaptation of parties.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 344 - Torture:Pain, Body, and Truth (4)

Torture has become a subject of much debate in the post-9/11 world. In this course, we start with this fascination with the subject to historically, philosophically, and conceptually analyze the debates on torture. The aim is to analyze the different dimensions of torture: its existence in different societies, its nature, its relationship with pain and truth, its impact, and finally the control of the state over bodies and lives in modern society.

PSCI 346 - Comparative Political Economy (4)

This course covers key issues of comparative political economy in advanced liberal democracies, including welfare states development and decline, labour markets, income distribution, inequality, social risks and exclusion as well as the role of gender in the welfare state.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 361 - Latin America and U.S. Foreign Policy (4)

An examination of current relations between the United States and Latin American states, as well as the history, doctrines, institutions, objectives, and interests that shape these relations.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 362 - International Political Economy (4)

An examination of the relationship between international politics and international economics with emphasis on the impact of market phenomena on the politics of an increasingly complex and interdependent state system. An examination of the ways that states use economic means to achieve international political ends.

Offered: annually.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

PSCI 364 - Collective Conflict Management (4)

An examination of international techniques for the mitigation of interstate and intrastate conflict. A research seminar that analyzes and evaluates contemporary cases of peacekeeping; military, economic, and/or diplomatic sanctions; humanitarian intervention; etc.

Offered: annually.

Prerequisite: PSCI 104 or equivalent; junior or senior standing.

PSCI 367 - Seminar on Gender and International Politics (4)

An analysis and examination of gender issues in international politics with either a regional or thematic focus. The central goal of the course will be to explore how gender, race, class, nation and sexuality are core components of the discourse and practice of international politics. Such topics as gender and Latin American politics, gender and international political economy, international women's organizing, and gender and postcolonial theory will be among those regularly presented.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 369 - Strategies of War and Peace (4)

This class examines how and why states have worked throughout history to wage both war and peace. Although it is often assumed that peace exists when there is an absence of war, closer inquiry shows that real peace is the product of effort and planning rather than a default status. Moreover, war is often not the result of purposeful policy, rather an accident of misperception, error, and ambiguity. The class will examine a wide variety of time periods, ranging from ancient Greece to current events in the Middle East, with special emphasis on understanding the objectives of and motivations for war as well as the requirements for peace. One question the class will pose is whether war leads to peace, as we might expect, or perhaps, paradoxically, whether peace can lead to war. It will also look at the contemporary challenge of terrorism and how that may change state behaviors.

PSCI 371 - Peacemaking and Peacekeeping in the 21st Century (4)

This course examines approaches to maintaining international peace and security and how they may have changed in the twenty-first century. It addresses peacemaking in the context of both intra and interstate war, although it focuses particularly on the challenge of resolving civil conflict. Various approaches to mediation and their effectiveness will be addressed, as will the sustainability of negotiated versus military settlements and the effectiveness of peacekeeping and peace building. The course will also consider philosophical debates on the propriety of intervention in light of traditional norms of international relations, particularly sovereignty and noninterference, and the difficulty of reconciling humanitarian interests with the rules governing state behaviors.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 383 - The United Nations System and the International Community (4)

On-site exposure to the realities of international politics in the United Nations context. An examination of the evolution of the United Nations and the network of international institutions associated with it. An analysis of the role played by the United Nations in the larger international community. Classes are conducted at the Drew University facilities near the U.N. in New York City.

Offered: annually.

Prerequisite: PSCI 104.

PSCI 384 - Research Seminar on the United Nations (4)

Students conduct research on selected topics related to the United Nations and its role in the larger international system. Assignments include the preparation of a major research paper designed to develop techniques appropriate to the analysis of international affairs. Classes are conducted at the Drew University facilities near the U.N. plaza in New York City.

Offered: annually.

Prerequisite: PSCI 104.

PSCI 255 - Classics in Political Theory (4)

An investigation of the philosophical and historical foundations of some of the major contemporary political ideologies. Though the emphasis may change from offering to offering, the following belief systems are most likely included: anarchism and utopianism, communitarianism and nationalism, liberalism and libertarianism, fascism and racism, socialism and communism, Catholicism and fundamentalism, liberation ideologies and human rights. The course requires the reading of classic texts in the various ideologies selected for study, and it seeks to foster critical thinking about what is involved in the adoption of a political ideology.

Offered: Every semester.

PSCI 305 - Political Sociology (4)

For course description, see Sociology listings.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of instructor.

PSCI 307 - Research Methods in Politcal Science (4)

An overview of basic research methods used in political science. Emphasizes research designs and statistical methods appropriate to political and public policy problems. With the help of the instructor, students develop and implement their own research designs on relevant political topics.

Offered: Offering to be determined.

PSCI 312 - Democratic Theory (4)

Democratic theory is one of the most important themes of contemporary political science. Democratization is a vital phenomenon studied by political scientists and the health of established democracies is an ongoing point discussed within the discipline. This course examines the historical debates that have animated political theory for over two thousand years and helps place those debates in a contemporary context. After providing that background, students are introduced to many 20th and 21st century theorists and the theoretical discourse as it has developed in the last 50 years.

PSCI 315 - Contemporary Theories of Liberalism and Conservatism (4)

This is a course on contemporary theories of liberalism and conservatism. Two of the most important philosophies of politics of the 20th century and the 21st century, particularly in the United States, are variations of liberalism and classic conservative thought. This course introduces students to those debates via direct readings of major 20th century or contemporary political theorists. The course also includes various counter theorists in the Marxist, post-modernist and feminist traditions who critique the dominant philosophies of the era. This is a writing intensive seminar and students should be prepared to write a significant number of papers of varying length and will be expected to extensively revise their work.

PSCI 330 - Philosophy of Law (4) (Same as: PHIL 330.)

A critical appraisal of various theories of law: the theory of natural law, legal positivism, legal realism, and the recent critical legal studies movement. An investigation of the limits of the authority of society over the individual, including the issues of paternalism and privacy. A study of different theories of punishment and the scope of responsibility for criminal behavior.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 333 - International Human Rights (4)

An interdisciplinary study of international human rights norms in national and international contexts. Topics are selected from the following list: universalism and cultural relativism, the correlation of rights and duties, civil and political rights, economic and social rights, intergovernmental and nongovernmental institutions, universal and regional regimes, human rights and foreign policy, democratization, women's rights, individual criminal responsibility, development, and the transformed conceptions of statehood and sovereignty.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 344 - Torture:Pain, Body, and Truth (4)

Torture has become a subject of much debate in the post-9/11 world. In this course, we start with this fascination with the subject to historically, philosophically, and conceptually analyze the debates on torture. The aim is to analyze the different dimensions of torture: its existence in different societies, its nature, its relationship with pain and truth, its impact, and finally the control of the state over bodies and lives in modern society.

SOC 315 - Political Sociology (4) (Same as: RLSOC+115.)

A presentation of the main themes and the dominant theoretical perspectives involved in the study of political processes and political institutions. Topics include politics, elections, nation building, national elites and public policy making, parties, and social movements.

Offered: spring semester.

Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of instructor.

Students in this concentration will be introduced to a variety of theoretical and juridical perspectives such as rights and responsibilities, justice, equality, freedom, democracy, and other types of governance.

PSCI 211 - Law, Politics, and Society (4)

The course gives an overview of the entire legal system, the interaction between the different legal and political institutions and some of the more controversial issues in law and politics. There are four main parts of the course. The first part of the course deals with jurisprudence (theories of law); the second part focuses on legal institutions, namely courts, legal education, lawyers and juries; the third part identifies certain key issues and debates that have pervaded the legal lives of U.S. and non U.S. societies; and the fourth section concerns an assessment of the role of law and courts in politics and society.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 255 - Classics in Political Theory (4)

An investigation of the philosophical and historical foundations of some of the major contemporary political ideologies. Though the emphasis may change from offering to offering, the following belief systems are most likely included: anarchism and utopianism, communitarianism and nationalism, liberalism and libertarianism, fascism and racism, socialism and communism, Catholicism and fundamentalism, liberation ideologies and human rights. The course requires the reading of classic texts in the various ideologies selected for study, and it seeks to foster critical thinking about what is involved in the adoption of a political ideology.

Offered: Every semester.

PSCI 301 - Civil Liberties (4)

An intensive investigation of the struggle within our legal system over the interpretation of the Bill of Rights. Reviews relevant cases and resulting opinions. Examines the behavior of the justices as well as issues involving the impact of and compliance with the court's decisions.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 302 - Criminal Justice (4)

An examination of the three major criminal justice institutions-police, courts, and prisons. Emphasizes how our major cities are dealing with the problem of crime as well as the discretionary powers of critical actors within the justice system.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 303 - Constitutional Law and Civil Rights (4)

This course examines the structure and functioning of the United States Supreme Court the theories about judicial decision making, and legal and political debates on civil rights. Following the discussions on judicial review, federalism and separation of powers, the course will look historically on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the equal protection clause in relation to race, gender, culture, and immigration among other issues. Discussion will focus not only on landmark cases in constitutional law but also on the ways in which other legal actors, such as lawyers and interest groups, play a role in determining the nature and outcome of cases. We will look throughout at the relationship between law and politics as well as at the socio-cultural context in which judicial decisions are made.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 312 - Democratic Theory (4)

Democratic theory is one of the most important themes of contemporary political science. Democratization is a vital phenomenon studied by political scientists and the health of established democracies is an ongoing point discussed within the discipline. This course examines the historical debates that have animated political theory for over two thousand years and helps place those debates in a contemporary context. After providing that background, students are introduced to many 20th and 21st century theorists and the theoretical discourse as it has developed in the last 50 years.

PSCI 315 - Contemporary Theories of Liberalism and Conservatism (4)

This is a course on contemporary theories of liberalism and conservatism. Two of the most important philosophies of politics of the 20th century and the 21st century, particularly in the United States, are variations of liberalism and classic conservative thought. This course introduces students to those debates via direct readings of major 20th century or contemporary political theorists. The course also includes various counter theorists in the Marxist, post-modernist and feminist traditions who critique the dominant philosophies of the era. This is a writing intensive seminar and students should be prepared to write a significant number of papers of varying length and will be expected to extensively revise their work.

PSCI 329 - Principles of International Law (4)

This course introduces the student to the main principles, key texts and most famous cases of the international legal system. Aimed specifically at the liberal arts context, the course approaches these legal materials historically and geographically. The first half of the semester sets out the ramifications of the equal sovereignty of nation- states in this state-centered system. The second half explores the reach of these sovereign states into other states' territories, into the oceans around us, and the universe beyond. The tensions between this system of sovereignty and recent developments in international commercial, environmental and human rights law are a recurring theme of the course.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 330 - Philosophy of Law (4) (Same as: PHIL 330.)

A critical appraisal of various theories of law: the theory of natural law, legal positivism, legal realism, and the recent critical legal studies movement. An investigation of the limits of the authority of society over the individual, including the issues of paternalism and privacy. A study of different theories of punishment and the scope of responsibility for criminal behavior.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 331 - Seminar in Political Philosophy (4)

A study of a movement, problem, or thinker in political theory. Examples are the communitarian critics of liberal democratic theory, John Rawls, personality structure and polity, religion and the state, Kant's political philosophy, the death penalty, anarchism, altruism, the future of socialism, recent conservatives.

May be repeated for credit as topic changes.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 332 - Selected Studies in Political Theory (2-4)

A study of topics in political theory, varying from semester to semester as the department may direct.

May be repeated for credit as topic changes.

Offered: Offering to be determined.

PSCI 333 - International Human Rights (4)

An interdisciplinary study of international human rights norms in national and international contexts. Topics are selected from the following list: universalism and cultural relativism, the correlation of rights and duties, civil and political rights, economic and social rights, intergovernmental and nongovernmental institutions, universal and regional regimes, human rights and foreign policy, democratization, women's rights, individual criminal responsibility, development, and the transformed conceptions of statehood and sovereignty.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 344 - Torture:Pain, Body, and Truth (4)

Torture has become a subject of much debate in the post-9/11 world. In this course, we start with this fascination with the subject to historically, philosophically, and conceptually analyze the debates on torture. The aim is to analyze the different dimensions of torture: its existence in different societies, its nature, its relationship with pain and truth, its impact, and finally the control of the state over bodies and lives in modern society.

PSCI 365 - Seminar on Human Rights (4)

An in-depth study of one or several of these problems in the philosophy of human rights: human rights and rationality, human rights and religion(s), human rights and the problem of implementation, social and economic human rights, human rights and education, human rights and moral development, human rights and the rights of peoples, human rights and cultural relativism.

May be repeated for credit as topic changes.

Offered: annually.

This concentration exposes students to the concepts, institutions, issues, policies and actors shaping the terrain of global political life. It offers a rich array of thematic courses that afford a student the opportunity to study the theory, the politics and political behavior of states and nations across the globe. The goal of the Global Politics concentration is to provide the student with an opportunity to study both major themes that cut across nation and region as well as in depth study of politics in the regions of the world. Students may combine courses from the Global Politics menu in a variety of ways. Students with specific regional or thematic interests should discuss combinations with their advisor.

At least 20 credits must be at the upper level, chosen from the following courses with at least one from each of the 4 groupings: International Institutions, Thematic, Regional, and Foreign Policy courses.

This concentration will introduce students to the meaning and consequences of American Politics and public policy with a particular emphasis on citizenship and the practice of Politics in democracy. Students will explore and develop an in-depth understanding of political behavior, formal institutions of government and the public policy process.

PSCI 200 - Internship in Political Science (2-4)

Students desiring an internship experience and wanting credit toward the political science major or minor must enroll in the practicum. The internship should be selected in consultation with the practicum director and must conform to all CLA and department requirements for a four-credit or a two-credit internship. The practicum will meet periodically during the semester to: 1) evaluate the internship work experience, 2) discuss links to related course theory, 3) receive training in applied field research, and 4) write a significant paper linking theory and internship learning.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Not normally repeated for credit.

Offered: every semester.

Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in an appropriate upper level political science course.

PSCI 211 - Law, Politics, and Society (4)

The course gives an overview of the entire legal system, the interaction between the different legal and political institutions and some of the more controversial issues in law and politics. There are four main parts of the course. The first part of the course deals with jurisprudence (theories of law); the second part focuses on legal institutions, namely courts, legal education, lawyers and juries; the third part identifies certain key issues and debates that have pervaded the legal lives of U.S. and non U.S. societies; and the fourth section concerns an assessment of the role of law and courts in politics and society.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 212 - Public Policy and Administration (4)

An examination of the public policy process in the United States, including agenda setting, program adoption, and program implementation. Emphasizes how national political institutions-Congress, the presidency, the federal judiciary, and the bureaucracy-shape policy outcomes.

Offered: Annually.

PSCI 213 - Congress (4)

An analysis of the beliefs, attitudes, and behavior of legislative actors. Explores the role conception of legislators and the patterns of interaction in which they engage, following an examination of the legislative recruitment process. Special attention is given to the committee system, leadership structure, and decisional activity of each house of Congress.

Offered: alternate years.

PSCI 214 - American Political Campaigns (4)

An examination of the place of campaigns in American politics, analyzing the factors that shape their content and outcome and considering their effect on the structure of the political process and on public policy. Possible reforms to the process are also a main consideration of the class.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 215 - The American Presidency (4)

Seeks to understand the development of the role of the presidency and to evaluate its importance in the modern American political system. Major issues considered include the nature of presidential leadership, the relationship of the presidency to other branches of government, public expectations of the president, and the effect of individual presidents.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 216 - Urban Politics (4)

An analysis and examination of urban problems and policy making with particular attention to formal and informal power structures in the urban political environment.

Offered: fall semester.

PSCI 285 - Internship Project in Washington (8)

An educational experience that allows students to test classroom hypotheses in a "real world" political environment. Students work in an approved government or government-related office. Evaluation of work performance is made by a field supervisor, and students are required to write one or more analytical papers related to the experience. Required readings in the academic literature provide a foundation for understanding and interpreting the internship experience.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

PSCI 301 - Civil Liberties (4)

An intensive investigation of the struggle within our legal system over the interpretation of the Bill of Rights. Reviews relevant cases and resulting opinions. Examines the behavior of the justices as well as issues involving the impact of and compliance with the court's decisions.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 302 - Criminal Justice (4)

An examination of the three major criminal justice institutions-police, courts, and prisons. Emphasizes how our major cities are dealing with the problem of crime as well as the discretionary powers of critical actors within the justice system.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 303 - Constitutional Law and Civil Rights (4)

This course examines the structure and functioning of the United States Supreme Court the theories about judicial decision making, and legal and political debates on civil rights. Following the discussions on judicial review, federalism and separation of powers, the course will look historically on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the equal protection clause in relation to race, gender, culture, and immigration among other issues. Discussion will focus not only on landmark cases in constitutional law but also on the ways in which other legal actors, such as lawyers and interest groups, play a role in determining the nature and outcome of cases. We will look throughout at the relationship between law and politics as well as at the socio-cultural context in which judicial decisions are made.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 306 - American Political Parties and Interest Groups (4)

This course examines the origins, structure and political functions of political parties and interest groups in the U.S. Topics include strategies and influence of interest groups in American politics, the development and significance of the two-party system in the U.S., and recent changes in both types of political institutions and their relationship to each other. This is a writing intensive seminar and students should be prepared to write a significant number of papers of varying length and will be expected to extensively revise their work.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 308 - Urban Policy Research (4)

An analysis of the major political and social problems facing urban governments. Examples of policy issues studied are education, housing, crime, and transportation. Students conduct empirical research examining a selected policy issue.

Offered: in alternate years.

Prerequisite: PSCI+128.

PSCI 309 - Seminar on Public Policy (4)

An examination of public policy issues in terms of the criteria typically used in policy analysis, e.g., political dynamics, costs and benefits, decision making, administration, and budget implications. The specific issues vary according to the material available on them and their timeliness. Thus, in some years, the focus might be trade policy or economic policy more generally, while in other years, domestic social policy could be the focus. The central goal of exploring the issue using policy analysis criteria remains constant. The course is intended to be a research seminar with students producing and presenting a major project at the end of the term.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: in alternate years.

PSCI 311 - Seminar on American Political Participation (4)

An examination of the various forms of American political participation. The course focuses on such activities as elections, social movements, civil disobedience, and political violence. The class also examines the causes and effects of non-participation. A central goal is to investigate the democratic theories that underpin American politics.

Course may be repeated.

Offered: fall semester.

PSCI 313 - Gender and U.S. Politics (4)

An analysis of the relationship between gender and politics from various theoretical perspectives. Focuses on the multiple ways that gender, race, and class have influenced political participation and political institutions at the at the grass roots, state, and national levels. Explores the construction of women's political interests and how those interests are, and have been, represented in political life in the United States.

Offered: spring semester.

PSCI 314 - American Political Economy (4)

This course explores the relationship between politics and economics in the U.S. The course begins with a theoretical exploration of the relationship democracy and capitalism and examines the differences between government and market solutions to collective action problems. The second component of the course examines the political practices of business, labor, and other political actors. The last part of the course builds on the first two in an assessment of a range of public policies in the U.S. including, for example, economic policies, industrial relations, and employment policy.

Offered: in alternate years.

Prerequisite: PSCI 103 recommended.

PSCI 317 - Education Policy and Politics (4)

This course will analyze both the politics and the policy of schooling in the United States. On the political side, we will explore the debate over the purposes of public education and the use of education as an electoral issue, as well as the individuals, groups, and institutions that compete to control schools, and how and where they seek to advance their different interests and values. On the policy side, we will analyze the impact of democratic control, federalism, and checks and balances on the provision of education in the U.S. and how and why school governance has evolved over time. The course will also examine the debates over specific school reforms such as: standards and testing, equalization of school finance, school choice, and the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as the unique challenges facing urban schools.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 318 - Race and Politics (4)

This course will examine the role of race in American politics and its contemporary significance to the nation's citizens, politicians, and governmental institutions. Questions will include: What are the primary intra- and inter-group dynamics that shape contemporary minority politics? How do the politics of race intersect with the politics of class and gender? What opportunities and challenges exist in mobilizing the members of minority groups for political action in the U.S.? What role have racial issues and attitudes played in the electoral strategies of political parties and candidates and in the electoral choices of voters? How do the structures and processes of American political institutions affect the efforts of minority groups to secure political influence? How has the rise to power of minority politicians-particularly in many urban areas-affected policymaking? How successful have minority groups been in their quest to use government to expand economic and educational opportunity? How are demographic forces likely to reshape the politics of race and -American politics more generally- in the 21st century?.

Offered: annually.

PSCI 319 - Selected Studies in American Politics and Administration (4)

Topics vary as the department may direct. Topics have included state politics, policy analysis, media and politics, and politics and culture.

May be repeated for credit as topic changes.

Offered: Offering to be determined.

PSCI 385 - Policy Making in Washington (4)

A seminar focusing on the interactions among individuals and institutions that characterize the policy process in Washington. Includes meetings with active participants in the policy process: members of Congress and officials of the executive branch, the judiciary, political parties, interest groups, and the press. Seminar meetings are built around discussion of current policy issues but also include instruction in research methods that aid students in successfully pursuing the research project required under PSCI 386.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: spring semester.

PSCI 386 - Research Projects: Washington (4)

Preparation of research projects to develop research techniques in the area of American politics.

Signature of instructor required for registration.

Offered: spring semester.