Political Science Minor

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

This course surveys major features of the modern study of democracy, using both empirical and theoretical modes of analysis, which describe the nature of democratic systems and set out its defining characteristics, respectively. It examines the gap between the actual distribution of power and democratic ideals, as well as other problematic features of pluralist democracy. Also considered are normative approaches that identify democratic ideals and that explore the relationship between democracy and social justice. Finally, the course examines the historical development of existing democracies and their possible evolution into more advanced forms in the future. Prerequisite: POL 101, POL 201, or permission of instructor.

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.

Studies major works of political theory since 1900, including Hayek, Arendt, Rawls, Nozick, Sandel, Foucault, Walzer, and Nussbaum. Topics include libertarianism, totalitarianism, distributive justice, communitarianism, and innovative conceptions of rights. Prerequisite: POLN 201 or permission of instructor.

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.

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.

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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.

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The study of the relationships among various components of government on the national, state, and local level, including the examination of the state legislature, the governor, state administrative organization, the state judiciary, rural local government, municipal government, state and local relations, metropolitan areas, and state and local finances. Prerequisite: POLN 101 or permission of the instructor.

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