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Introduction to Political Science introduces students to the specialties within political science, outlines the academic emphases within the major and associated requirements, and explores public and private sector opportunities in the field of political science.
An introductory course covering the history, structure and functioning of American national government and its relation to state and local government.
The central concern of this course is to provide the student an awareness of the political development of racial and ethnic minorities in today's political arena. It will compare and contrast the development of the white ethnic communities of the 19th and 20th centuries with our modern day racial and ethnic minorities. (Offered jointly with race & ethnic cultures).
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the development of law and legal practices from a political science perspective. Special emphasis will be paid to the political factors in our society that shape law. The manner in which law affects the politics of our society will also be stressed.
An examination of selected major issues and crises confronting the American political system today. Both domestic and foreign policy issues are analyzed. Attention also will be given the political response to these issues and crises as reflected in recent policies and policy proposals of the national government. Repeatable one time (different topic) for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree, but not repeatable for general studies credit.
An introduction to Western political thought, the role of ideology in politics, and perennial questions in political philosophy.
This course compares the political systems of five or six countries, reflecting the range of political institutions and political behavior around the world. Students will learn to develop explanations for similarities and differences in the political life of countries around the world, e.g. why are some countries democratic and others authoritarian?
The course examines the African-American experience of race, ethnicity, class, and gender within the context of American political landscape. It will therefore explore the unique history, content and forms of African-American political participation as well as their struggle for freedom and equality as full citizens in the workings of various American political institutions.
This course examines the definitions, sources, patterns, and ideologies of modern terrorism. It then analyzes the objectives of various terrorist organizations as well as their operations, including strategies, tactics, weaponry, financing and state sponsorship. The course concludes by assessing the various counterterrorist measures, with special emphasis on U.S. counterterrorism policy.
This course explores political issues confronting Asian Americans in the United States. The course makes in-depth analysis of political aspects of Asian Americans as voters, as candidates, as activists and as contributors in the political process.
The course offers a sophisticated depiction of systemic urban inequality that constrains the lives of the urban poor. The readings will feature academic books and research articles that describe and analyze the politics and life experiences in inner-city neighborhoods.
Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Prereq: 3 credits of Political Science, Sociology, Global Perspectives, Individual and Society and consent of instructor.
An introduction to basic research methods in political science. Topics will include various data collection and analysis techniques on the U.S. Presidency, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, political socialization, political parties, interest groups, civil violence, rebellion, and revolution. Students will obtain "hands-on" experience with computer software designed specifically for political science and the social sciences. This is not a statistics course, and no previous knowledge of statistical methods is assumed.
This course will allow students to improve their analytical and writing skills through various writing assignments involving different formats. Some of the assignments will involve multiple drafts, based on peer and instructor feedback.
This course will examine the principles of media and politics, and how the media impacts American public's political attitudes and behaviors. Topics will include campaign advertising, alternative media, public space, bias, and persuasion.
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the roles of women in political life. Topics include effective civic participation, women's issues and the women's movement.
This course examines the administrative process within the criminal justice setting. Both administrative theories and principles as well as applications to the criminal justice system will be covered.
The study of the organization and functioning of the legislative bodies, with particular attention to Congress: functions, membership, committee system, executive-legislative relations, pressure groups, lobbying, movement for reform.
Analysis and discussion of the various roles of the President regarding his constitutional status and powers, nomination and election, administrative responsibilities, legislative and political leadership, and his role in the conduct of foreign relations.
This course will examine the development, organization, and functions of political parties and elections in the American political system. Topics include the nature and function of political parties, nominations and elections, political campaigns and campaign finance, voting behavior and party realignment issues, and the role of the party in government policy-making. Graduate students will be required to complete and additional paper.
A course to introduce students to the concepts and problems of public policy and administration. Emphasis will be given to the role played by individuals and groups in large organizations; theories of organization will be set forth and operations of governmental administrative agencies in the political world will be examined.
This course will examine the interest group system in the United States by examining the history, roles, strategies, successes, and failures of interest groups in the American political system.
A systematic introduction to the study of public policy issues through a public policy/issue analysis and problem solving approach. It will also examine and explore other analytical models and approaches in the study of public problems and policy issues.
This course focuses on the comparative analysis and contending interpretations of development in the developing countries. Emphasis will be given to the role of the state intervention and the coalitional politics of dominant class factions in capital accumulation and allocation of surplus for development. The analysis also includes the influence of international economic system as exercised through direct foreign investment and commercial lending institutions. Special attention will also be paid to the impact of militarism on the Third World countries and the problems of environment and sustainable development.
This course introduces students to important issues and policies that influence urban schools. It provides a deeper understanding of the difficulties schools, parents, children, and teachers face in making American schools a truly equitable institution. The course is suitable for future teachers and policy professionals interested in the social, political and economic factors that shape urban schooling.
This course will explore opportunities and constraints in the development of environmental policy in the United States.
A study of modern American state and local governments, their evolution from colonial beginnings, their problems and their potential. Topics include constitutional revision, the role of governors, legislatures and courts, forms of urban and rural government, and state-local relations.
This course offers a critical and comparative exploration of orgins, operation, and significance of federalism in a variety of countries.
The course will explore theoretical perspectives as well as the expanding roles of international organizations in the context of global politics. Since the end of the Cold War, the United Nations and other regional organizations have played an enhanced role in global governance. It will, therefore, provide an overview of the United Nations system, a number of regional ogranizations and their contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security.
A study of international law, its sources, development and content. Selected readings on theory, and form decisions and opinions of the Permanent Court of International Justice and the International Court of Justice.
An introductory survey of political relations among nation-states, including the topics of war and peace, nationalism, elements of national power, conventional and nuclear weaponry, diplomacy, economic interdependence, the Third World, and international and regional organizations.
Comparative analysis of politics in contemporary Europe. Topics covered include the political institutions and political cultures of major states in Europe, nationalism and regionalism in Europe, and the institutions of the European Union.
An analysis of the impact of social cleavages and cohesion on the operation of political institutions; the composition and behavior of power elites; the social base of political power; the social functions of electoral behavior.
An examination of public opinion in the United States as it concerns political and social behavior. Major topics are the acquisition of beliefs, leadership and opinion formation, voting behavior, and propaganda.
This course will utilize a Pan-African approach to provide an organized and systematic pattern of social and political ideologies/thought put forth by Black publicists and theorists concerning the organization of their society. As such, it will survey the principal personalities and major protest movements that have emerged in the Diaspora African Community, as well as pay special attention to selected African ideologies and personalities involved in shaping Black political and social thought.
An introduction to the principal political concepts and ideas of the modern period, including the writings of Machiavelli, Luther, Calvin, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Hegel, Burke and others.
A study in depth of certain selected topics of contemporary importance, such as the resolution of power conflicts, the theory and practice of nonviolence, and the existentialist dilemma.
A study of judicial review, its meaning and nature. The development of constitutional relationships between the national government and the states as well as among the branches of the national government is considered.
A course focusing on the constitutional development of of the freedoms of individuals and the limitations upon the powers of government, both state and national.
This course examines the role of the major participants in the criminal justice system-defendants, police, prosecutions, courts, and corrections-and the development of constitutional law regulating their behavior.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE CONSTITUTION - WAIVER BY EXAM
This course focuses on the development of constitutional law in the area of equal rights protections offered by the Fourteenth Amendment and civil rights protections guaranteed by the national government.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to research and writing in the field of public law. Students will learn how to use a variety of legal resource materials and how to cite the materials appropriately. Students will also demonstrate a mastery of these skills by completing homework assignments and by writing two major papers.
A study of the American judicial system as a part of the larger framework of the political, social and economic systems of the nation. Emphasis will be on topics such as the judicial role, judicial organization and jurisdiction, judicial power, and the decisional process rather than legal cases.
THE JUDICIAL PROCESS - WAIVER BY EXAM
A study of the fundamental political ideas of America and the political philosophers who espoused them from colonial times to the present.
A critical study of problems of public personnel, with particular emphasis on the process of recruiting and managing people in the public services.
This course will examine the major public policy problems facing the United States today and the political processes seeking to resolve these problems. Special emphasis to be given to governmental cooperation in seeking to resolve these problems. An additional research paper will be required for the graduate students.
A course designed to introduce the students to the study of criteria for what services or functions should be undertaken by government and in what amounts; analyzing the effects that government spending and taxes have on the behavior of the private sector of the economy and on the political system, and evaluating the problems and solutions for allocating tax burden equitably among different groups in the society.
A treatment of social, economic and political forms, structures, processes and behavior in metropolitan communities. Ideas concerning the power structure and decision-making process, the role of the citizen, and the complex whole of metropolitan life will be discussed.
This is a survey course of Latin American government and politics. Major concepts and principles of comparative politics are reviewed and applied to the Latin American context. Country studies may include Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, and Venezula.
An analysis of the forces and institutions involved in the establishment of American foreign policies. Emphasis is placed on the effect of the growth of American power and responsibility upon the development of foreign policies.
A comparative study of the political structures, institutions, and processes of the nations of Asia.
The course will critically analyze the political events, major problems, processes and trends in Sub-Saharan African politics and society. It will also attempt to examine the prospects for economic development and democracy in contemporary Africa. Some African countries will be selected for special attention.
Provides students with the analysis and critical understanding of the policy issues surrounding historical and current social welfare programs, of new social welfare issues and of policy decisions that lead to changes in programming. Community organization, as an intervention approach, will be explored.
The course will critically analyze the political events, major problems, processes and trends in international and regional conflicts. It will examine the prospect for peaceful negotiation among states and international organizations to solve international crises.
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study and analyze international relations from a multi-disciplinary perspective. It will examine current understandings of the causes, processes and structures of international relations, violent conflict, as well as resolution of those conflicts and peace within the context of Feminist theories. The goal is to examine the role of women in international relations, international security, conflict and peace through different approaches to the study of conflict and how it is understood. The course will consider both the strength and limitations of various disciplinary approaches. The traditional approaches to international relations, international security, international conflict and peace reflect viewpoints consistent with masculine perspectives on power and security. The goal is to consider how the limitations of the approaches can be effectively challenged and what alternatives might be offered. Themes for discussion will include gender, race, ethnicity, nationalism, state, community, conflict and peace.
An intense investigation of the social, economic, and political conditions of Islamic, Arab and non-Arab countries of the Middle East. Topics include basic tenets of Islam: political culture, formation of nation states, political systems (monarchies and republics), consequences of political development and modernization, and the role of the Middle East in international politics.
This course exposes students to the breadth of Chinese government and politics. It briefly overviews the traditional Chinese system, its breakdown, and the rise of communism. It also overviews a more detailed treatment of the characteristics and major events of the communist era.
This course will present a historic and thematic overview of political development in contemporary Japan. It consists of analysis of japanese postwar politics, government decision-making stuctures and processes, foreign affairs and political economy.
A study of the complex aspects of administrative organization, behavior and decision-making in the area of public policy through the examination of a variety of pertinent cases.
Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.
Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques.
Study and work with a government unit or in some area of public affairs under the direction of a faculty supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to combine academic learning with practical experience in government and politics. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits in major/degree.
Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.
Variable topics. See Schedule of Classes.
Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits in major/degree. Department Consent required.
Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits in major/degree. Department Consent required.
Individual research for majors writing thesis for honors degree; emphasis upon depth, scope and individual research on approved topics under the supervision of a member of the faculty.