This course is designed to introduce students to key ideas, institutions, processes and actors in the political world. It is intended to be a general, not detailed, examination and attempts to encourage understanding, reflection and critical thinking. (3 crs.) Fall and spring.

A critical examination of contemporary issues and strategic players with an emphasis on policy outcomes.  (3 crs.) 

This course provides an introduction to the major institutions and processes in the American political system, and addresses how attitudes and beliefs impact elections and policy. (1 cr.)

This is an introductory course in American government focusing on the major institutions and processes in the American political system. Topics discussed in the course include separation of powers, checks and balances, civil liberties, political parties, the Congress, the President, the Supreme Court, federalism, and policy-making processes. (3 crs.) Fall and spring.

A comparative analysis of the institutions, processes and policies of the nations of Great Britain, France and Germany, and how these nations relate to the United States system. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

The operations of the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics include crime in American, the rule of law, the role of the police, the function of the prosecuting and defense attorneys, criminal courts and trial processes, sentencing, corrections, incarceration, probation and parole. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

Primarily in seminar fashion. Students present and discuss major ideas from assigned readings. Formal lectures are also scheduled when needed to present basic ideas and information. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A description, analysis and application of basic research tools in the discipline of political science. Prerequisite: POS 101 or 105. (3 crs.)

The interaction of politics and the mass media within American society are covered. Topics include media effects on political socialization, techniques of opinion manipulation, propaganda, press responsibility, public opinion polling and government control of the media. Special attention is devoted to the use of television as an instrument of communication. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

In this intensive examination of the legislative problems and procedures of Congress, students are introduced to such topics as the representational functions of Congress, the role of parties and leaders in Congress, the importance of the committee system, and the forces affecting congressional decision making. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A comparative study of the phenomenon of revolution, encompassing the causes, events and principal actors in those periods that culminate in the outbreak of violent political change. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

The course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the organizational forms of municipal governments, the process of decision making and implementation, and proposed solutions to problems of urban society. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

Intensive study of the American presidency, focusing on personality, organization of the office, use and misuse of power, and policy making. Recommended: POS 105. (3 crs.) Alternate fall.

An examination of the impact of the Internet on American democratic institutions and processes, focusing on campaigns and elections, civil liberties, law enforcement, national security, and public policies, including cyberdemocracy, cyberterrorism, law enforcement issues of wire tapping and encryption, education, taxes, entitlements, business, and medicine. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

This course will be concerned with understanding the politics of the world economy. The emphasis will be on the contemporary structure of the international political economy, how it emerged, and what actions and policy responses – by international institutions, governments, multinational corporations and labor unions – continue to shape its order. Students will also gain knowledge of how their lives are impacted by the world economy and what future opportunity exists there. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A study of the major provisions of the American Constitution and the growth of American constitutional law based on analysis and discussion of leading judicial decisions. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A study of the development and meaning of the rights and liberties guaranteed to persons under the Constitution of the United States. Special emphasis is placed on the antecedents of and the adoption of the Bill of Rights and a description of the court structure through which the meaning of civil liberties is determined in specific situations. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

Intensive study of the judicial process in the United States and the relationship between the judicial system and the larger American social system. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

This is a course on nonquantitative techniques used in decision making: case studies, field research (e.g., theoretical sampling and semi-structured interviews), nominal group technique, idea writing, future imaging, timelines, Delphi questionnaires and focus groups. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

This course examines the roles political parties and pressure groups play in electoral politics and policy making. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A course on political campaigns and elections that combines theory and practice. The emphasis is placed on campaign strategy. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

Policy objectives, patterns of decision making and U.S. foreign policy actions are covered. The roles of interest groups, public opinion, Congress and other external influences in U.S. foreign policy are also examined. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

This course will consider the nature and types of politics found throughout the Middle East. Consideration will begin with the diversity of peoples in this area, both in terms of religion and ethnicity, and how these were shaped by the Ottoman and European imperial systems of government. This will be followed by an examination of how contemporary Arab, Israeli, Turkish and Iranian governments have dealt with this legacy even as they respond to the challenges of the modern world. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A comparative analysis of institutions, processes and politics of Latin American countries and how these have been shaped by the international relations of the region. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

This course will consider the nature and types of politics found throughout Asia. Consideration will focus upon the major governments of China, Japan, India and Pakistan, how they emerged from various imperial forms of political order, what the legacy of this is. This will be followed by an examination of the various forms of contemporary governments, from parliamentary systems to dictatorships, and a judgment of how they meet or fail to meet the challenges of the changing modern world. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A comparative analysis of the institutions, processes and politics of selected African nations and their place in the international arena. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A general survey of the major political ideas and thinkers of the 20th century, drawing connections between these ideas and contemporary developments in philosophy, psychology, economics and sociology. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

Practical field experience to supplement academic work and develop professional competencies in research and communication skills. (Variable crs.) Fall, spring and summer.

An advanced course in political theory: the major political ideas and controversies that are associated with the development of American political thought. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

The legal structure and political environment within federal administrative agencies in the United States that formulate public policy. Emphasis is given to the growth of the administrative state within the United States, the necessity for the delegation of legislative authority to administrative agencies, and the need for judicial control of the bureaucracy. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

An analysis and evaluation of the United Nations and other international organizations, and of some of the theoretical concepts and practical problems involved. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

This course will explore how the organization and evolution of international order has been influenced and determined by empires and imperial political systems from the classical era to the contemporary age. The student will study not only the structure and practice of imperial institutions and patterns of international order, but their impact upon the social, economic and cultural life of those who lived within their authority. The nature of empires will also be considered according to the nature of their political legitimacy, from royal legitimacy to the development of trade to more modern ideological manifestations. The course will conclude with a treatment of the prospect and validity of empire and imperial organization in our own time. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

A treatment of the organization, powers, functions and problems of state and local governmental units. Emphasis is placed on the growing complexity of relationships among the various levels of government as a result of the technological developments and the growth of metropolitan areas. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

This course considers the nature of world politics and how it has evolved. Emphasis will be on the nature of power in international relations, and why this often leads to conflict, from war to economic competition. Following this, the student will consider what measures and institutions have been created to deal with such issues, from diplomacy to international organizations like the United Nations to the emergence of international human rights law and citizen advocacy groups. There will also be consideration of careers available in international relations, and the students will be exposed to this through playing the role of a diplomat in an international relations simulation or game. (3 crs.)

This course will consider the content and evolution of political thought from the world of ancient Greece and Rome through the medieval period. Emphasis will be on reading and understanding the actual writings of political thinkers from Plato and Aristotle to Julius Caesar and Tacitus to the writers of medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire. The subjects considered will be the nature and forms of government, what political values are, and how these values and forms of government, such as democracy or monarchy, or freedom and stability, continue to influence the world of contemporary politics. (3 crs.)

This course will consider the content and evolution of political thought from the world of the Renaissance and early Italian city states, such as Florence, to the advent of our own times, with the beginnings of modern mass democracy and the administrative and social security state. Emphasis will be on reading and understanding the actual writing of political thinkers from Dante and Machiavelli through the advocates of parliamentary government, such as John Locke, to modern thinkers, such as Alexis De Tocqueville. The subjects considered will be the nature and forms of government, what political values are, and how these values and forms of government, such as classical republicanism or parliamentary democracy, or natural rights and social welfare, continue to influence the world of contemporary politics. (3 crs.)

Primarily an introduction to the study of American public administration, this course seeks to achieve several broad objectives. First, it conveys an understanding of the significant role played by administration in present-day American government and of the implications of the role for a democratic society. It has the further purpose of providing insight into the specific relationships between administration and the broad political environment from which it arises and in which it operates. Finally, and mainly, the course offers opportunity for consideration of those more specialized and technical factors, such a public organization, public personnel, budgeting and executive leadership, that are involved in the formulation and administration of public policy. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

This course will be concerned with understanding the classical and royalist patterns of Islamic politics and how these have been an enduring and formative influence in contemporary Islamic thought and practice. The emphasis will be on the arrangement of Islamic political and religious power and how these are reflected in public architecture and art. The student will also gain knowledge and familiarity with the Umayyad, Tuqluq, Timurid, Fatimid, Safavid, Ottoman and Mughal cultures and empires and how these continue to have resonance and meaning for today’s Muslims. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

Topical historical studies determined by departmental faculty. (3 crs.)

Students will use the knowledge gained in this course to describe and forecast trends in public opinion, compare and contrast public opinion across demographic groups, analyze changes in public opinion over time, critically evaluate polling methodology, and use and apply discipline-specific methods to the study of public opinion and political behavior. Students will be able to use these skills in almost any career path they choose. Recommended: POS 100 or POS 105. (3 crs.)

The seminar is designed to provide an intensive examination of a specific and narrowly focused area in government and politics. The course is research-oriented and consists of individually prepared contributions by all participants, which are discussed and critically appraised by all members of the class. Prerequisite: Students taking this course must be seniors majoring in political science. (3 crs.)