Political Science

This course studies (i) the current state of American politics, including the leading issues of the day, (ii) the historical and constitutional foundations of the national government, and (iii) the major institutions of the federal government, including Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary. In depth-analysis of the Congress probes policy-making and organization of the Congress and it evaluates the performance and functioning of Congress as a representative institution. Additional segments of the course deal with public opinion, the media, and American political economy.

This course provides a basic understanding of core concepts of politics, institutions and behaviors, as well as an overview of the political systems of key contemporary European states. The course will focus on the functions, structures and types of behavior and activity that are common to them and to all states, and will also address the historical, cultural and other factors that lead to divergence among them.

How nations and transnational actors interact in the international arena and why they behave the way they do with reference to power, balance of power, deterrence, imperialism, diplomacy and negotiations, international law, international organization, collective security, war, and the interrelationship between international economic issues and international politics.

This course is required for all political science majors, usually in their senior year. Students focus on a major sub-field of political science that varies from year to year. A major research paper and oral presentation are required. Prerequisite: senior status or permission of instructor.

A survey of political theory from ancient Greece to the nineteenth century. Students read, analyze, and discuss the writings of approximately ten major political theorists.

This course is a historical introduction to major ideas and theories in American politics. These are presented through a variety of sources including foundational documents, pamphlets, speeches, articles, Supreme Court decisions, and books. Students learn about the context in which the ideas develop and analyze their suitability to solve contemporary political problems. 3 credits. Offered biannually.

In the first semester of this two-term course required for honors majors, students identify a topic, conduct research, and prepare an annotated bibliography and literature review. Prerequisite: Senior Status.

In the second semester of this two-term course required for honors majors, students write and revise an extensive paper and present it orally to a panel of political scientists. Prerequisite: Senior Status and successful completion of POLN 495.

Basic concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, including measurement scales, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and distribution, correlation coefficients, linear regression, probability theory, binomial distribution, and parametric and nonparametric tests of significant differences. Introduction to hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: MATN 111 or examination.

Knowledge of American law is important to everyone living in the United States, and this course provides an introduction to areas of law that most people will encounter in their daily lives. This course begins with an examination of the U.S. court system and the role of lawyers in the United States. Next it covers criminal law and criminal procedure. Several classes cover various aspects of civil law such as consumer law, contracts, torts, and family law. The course concludes by studying constitutional law and employees’ rights in the workplace.

The nature and functions of international organizations with special reference to the achievements, problems, and prospects of the United Nations and its specialized agencies. Attention is also given to the impact of regional organizations such as the Common Market. Prerequisite: POLN 103.

A case study approach to the nature, role, and function of international law. Special attention is given to the origins and sources of international law and to its role in the contemporary international relations.

This course examines how federal, state, and local governments provide services in the United States. Students learn how the tasks a government agency performs influence its organizational structure and culture, and why work incentives differ among government employees. The course also examines the constraints that the judicial and legislative branches place upon government administration, as well as restrictions imposed by ethics laws. The course concludes with examination of privatization of government services, leasing of infrastructure, and innovative public-private partnerships.

A study of executive power and the role of the President under the United States Constitution. Special attention is given to the role of the Supreme Court in framing presidential powers. Prerequisite: POL 101 or permission of instructor.

An examination of the United States Congress and its role in the political process. Topics studied will include the relations between congressmen and their constituencies, congressional elections, the internal formal and informal structure of Congress, and the nature of congressional decision-making in various policy areas. Prerequisite: POLN 101 or permission of instructor.

The structure and operation of American political parties, with emphasis on their organization, leadership and political role. The course will also examine electoral strategies, the use of polls and the media, the effects of issues and personalities, and recent campaign financing laws. Prerequisite: POLN 101 or permission of instructor.

The judicial branch of American government as a policy-making institution. The course studies how judges use their power to influence the outcomes of trials and other legal proceedings and how they reinterpret laws and regulations through judicial review. The course also examines how judges influence the processes that guide government agencies, and on occasion directly determine both the policies and the procedures of certain agencies.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the political system of the modern State of Israel. Areas to be studied include the ideological foundations of the state, its political culture and environment, its political, governmental and socioeconomic institutions and processes, and the impact of demographic and religious issues. This course may be taken either for Political Science credit or for Judaic Studies credit, but not for both.

This broad survey of contemporary Politics of the Arab Middle East studies the historical, religious, geopolitical, cultural, and socioeconomic forces that shape the region’s development. The course also presents an overview of contemporary Middle East states and regional rivalries within the context of the international system.

The emergence of the developing nations as significant members of the international system will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the conflicting goals and interests of the developed and developing nations. Prerequisites: POLN 103 or permission of instructor.

Examines the nature of terrorism and insurgency, with an emphasis in their causes. This focus is designed to increase understanding of how to counter terrorism and insurgency or to resolve the issues that give rise to them. Consideration is also given to methods and politics of threat assessment. Prerequisite: POLN 101, POLN 102, POLN 103, or permission of instructor.

This course examines how the Supreme Court has determined the extent to which individual rights and liberties are protected by the Constitution. Most readings are taken from Supreme Court opinions that explain how provisions in the Bill of Rights affect government regulation of individual behavior. Prerequisite: POLN 101 or permission of instructor.

The role of the Supreme Court in the American system of government. A study of major constitutional problems that have arisen in the light of representative Supreme Court decisions. Prerequisite: POLN 101 or permission of instructor.

This course examines whether the law is or should be guided by moral principles and, if so, what these principles ought to be. It considers the ideals of punishment and whether punishment should be devised so as to provide retributive justice or to advance social utility and deterrence. Students are introduced to some of the major schools of legal thought and to principles underlying some of the major bodies of law or constitutional law, in particular the relationship between democracy and constitutional law. Prerequisite: POLN 101 or permission of instructor.

This course explores the making of U.S. foreign policy, covering historical and contemporary challenges. It analyzes the sources of American foreign policy, incorporating realism and liberalism perspectives. The course examines Cold War impacts on state-building and their consequences today. Pivotal events, actors, and nuclear weapons are explored, along with post-Cold War issues like NATO expansion and humanitarian intervention. Current challenges, including China's rise, privatized military force, and the role of government branches in foreign policy, are addressed. The focus is on understanding how the U.S. engages globally, including the president, Congress, and public opinion. 3 credits.

This course explores the evolution and development of political scandals, the impact of major political scandals on American politics, and their role as catalysts for reform of the political system. Among the topics addressed are Teapot Dome, Watergate, Iran-Contra, presidential impeachments & trials and others. Eligible for History credit. Prerequisite: POLN 101 or HISN 220 or HIST 221 or permission of instructor.

This course offers an overview of the interrelationship between psychology and politics and the impact of key concepts in both disciplines on the political system, political behavior and the political process. Among the areas to be studied are value formation, perception & reality, rationality & decision-making, leadership & authority, persuasion, measurement & evaluation, and political violence. Prerequisite: POLN 101 or PSYN 101.

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the interplay of media and politics in the United States and the methods by which politicians, candidates and others seek to influence the public. Students develop and refine skills in written, verbal, and visual communication using traditional and social media.

Women comprise over half the population of the world, yet exercise far less political power than men. This course examines the factors that contribute to women’s involvement (or lack thereof) in politics, as well as the consequences of their representation and participation. The course will examine whether and how women’s voting behavior and policy preferences are distinct from those of men. It will also explore women’s political candidacies for office, including the roles of ideology, parties, and media coverage. This will include a review of how women’s political involvement varies globally and conclude by considering future trends in women’s political participation.

This course will examine important questions related to the emergence and evolution of social and political movements and revolutions, including: What are the defining features and driving forces of a social movement? What social and political factors shape their successes (or failures)? The class will examine major analytic topics concerning social movements, including recruitment, participation, strategy, leadership, organization, repression, diffusion, mass media, and outcomes. The course will cover an array of social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Iranian Revolution, the anti-nuclear movement, student movements, and the pro-democracy movement in China.

This course teaches students to debate current issues in public policy with reference to the underlying values of American law and government. Through the format of competitive Lincoln-Douglas debating, students develop affirmative cases that are linked to these values. Students also learn argumentative strategies and cross-examination skills. 3 credits. Offered biannually.

Select students work as supervised interns in local Congressional and state legislative offices. Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

Students work as supervised interns in selected community agencies. Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

Students work as supervised interns in the executive or judicial branches of federal, state, or local government. Prerequisite: Departmental permission.