Faculty: Rodney Cunningham, Joseph Farry, Scott Johnson, Philip Kronebusch, James Murphy, Manju Parikh, Gary Prevost, James Read, Daniel Ward, Robert Weber, Kay Wolsborn

The political science department provides all students a challenging, engaging curriculum to prepare them for living, working and participating actively as citizens in complex, modern technological societies.

The political science curriculum builds on a coherent structure whose core embodies the divergent perspectives of departmental faculty concerning knowledge, teaching, values, and scholarship. In addition to classroom courses, experiential learning opportunities are also encouraged including Model United Nations competition, summer experience in Washington, D.C., study abroad, and internships in legal and public sector settings.

Political science majors choose sequences of courses suitable to their interests, talents and prospective careers. Majors may choose to focus on political theory, pre-law, public policy, political institutions, foreign policy, comparative politics, international relations, international political economy and other areas as appropriate. All majors are encouraged to choose electives from cognate fields.

Students are prepared to understand contemporary politics, while developing their capacities to write critical essays and research reports, to evaluate competing political arguments, to express their judgments persuasively, and to become responsible citizens.

Graduates have pursued careers in law, public service, lobbying, non-profit management, journalism, education and business.

111, 121, 211, 221 (prerequisite for 211: 111 and 121, one of which may be taken the same semester as 211).

One or more of 222, 223, and 224.

Four (4) additional 300-level sequence courses and a Senior Research Seminar;

or five (5) additional 300-level sequence courses plus one (graded) Writing Module.

An internship for 4 or more credits may satisfy one 300-level course requirement. Programs of study are to be developed in consultation with a faculty adviser.

Comprehensive exam, senior year.

Individualized portfolio maintained by each student in the major.

111, 121, 211.

One of the following: 221, 222, 223, 224.

Any two of 300 level courses.

111 Introduction to U.S. Politics. (4)   [Top]

An introduction to the study, analysis and evaluation of U.S. political institutions, processes and policies. Subjects of the course include the structure of the federal government, the functions of political parties, interest groups, the media and individuals; and the process of democratic decision-making. Every semester.

121 International Relations. (4)   [Top]

Analysis of the fundamental structure of the international system, including power, development, war and peace and trade viewed from a political, economic and social perspective. Every semester.

176 January Term Topics. (0-4)  [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

177 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

211 Politics and Political Life. (4)   [Top]

Exploration of perennial issues of political life, including equality, rights, freedom, legitimacy, obligation, justice, revolution, war and peace. Students discuss, write about and struggle with these concepts using selections from drama, literature, films, scholarly essays and political philosophy. Prerequisites: sophomore standing, 111 and 121, one of which may be taken the same semester as 211. Fall and spring.

220 Data Analysis I. (1)  [Top]

Introduction to micro-computers and quantitative analysis using Lotus. Includes spreadsheets, preparation and management of data bases, and problem-solving. Examples drawn from government, politics and public finance. Fall and spring.

221 Political Theory: An Introduction. (4)  [Top]

Introduces students to the practice of thinking theoretically about politics. Readings will include classic works (such as Aristotle’s Politics, Hobbes’ Leviathan, Locke’s Second Treatise on Civil Government ) as well as some American and 20th-century political theory. The course stresses careful reading of texts, but also encourages students to theorize on their own about present-day political questions. Fall and spring.

222 Finding and Using Evidence in Political Science. (4)  [Top]

Students investigate and learn from scholarly work in all areas of political science. Students form hypotheses in response to political questions, use a variety of methods and tools to gather evidence, and identify criteria for evaluating the quality of evidence. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. Every year.

223 Comparative Politics. (4)  [Top]

The main theme of this course is to learn how politics is practiced in many different ways. Through examples of countries from Europe to developing world, this course will examine different forms of institutions, governmental decision-making and political revolutions. The course will highlight the significance of particular histories, the availability of economic resources for development, and the influence of distinct cultures and social traditions to explain why these countries reflect economic and political forms different from the United States. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Every year.

224 Courts, Law and Policy. (4)  [Top]

Introduction to the study of law and legal process with an emphasis on the relationship between courts and public policy. Federal and state courts systems will be studied, as well as issues in criminal and civil law. Other subjects include the role of courts as political institutions, the selection of judges, the impact of court decisions on public policy, prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases, and the reliability of juries. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Every year.

271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)  [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

276 January Term Topics. (0-4)  [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

277 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

311 Classics of Political Theory. (4)   [Top]

Study of several especially interesting and important works of political theory from the ancient, modern and contemporary periods. The course examines historicist, feminist and postmodern interpretations of the works assigned. Since the course assumes some background in political theory, students will be able to consider more carefully and in greater detail the insights these works provide for the study of politics. Prerequisite: POLS 221, equivalent, or consent of instructor. Every year.

312 American Political Thought. (4)   [Top]

What is America? How have Americans thought about democracy, equality, power and justice through the last two centuries? This course focuses on the central questions that have shaped American politics by examining the primary texts written by men and women who have contributed to the continuing debates. Every year.

313 20th-Century Political Thought. (4)   [Top]

This course examines the political thought of the turbulent 20th century, with special attention to writers who theorize about justice and the struggle to achieve it. Topics covered may include: just and unjust wars, imperialism, economic justice, justice in relations between men and women and between members of different racial and ethnic groups. A careful study of the ideas of the 20th century will prepare students to face the new challenges of the 21st century. Every alternate year.

314 Feminist Political Theory. (4)   [Top]

If there is one common theme in feminist thought, it is a claim to equality that cannot be ignored. This course examines the many varieties of feminist political theory including liberal feminism, radical feminism and socialist feminism. Students will look at how feminism has dealt with gender, ethnicity, sexual preference and examine where feminist theory is going into the future. Prerequisite: POLS 221 or consent of instructor, POLS 311 is strongly recommended. Every alternate year.

323 Constitutional Law: Structure and Power. (4)  [Top]

Examination of constitutional interpretation and development in the United States with an emphasis on the role of the Supreme Court in the U.S. system of government. The course uses a combination of case, historical and political analysis to acquaint students with the power of the Supreme Court as an institution of government. Themes studied include the development of constitutional doctrines regarding the power relationship among the president, Congress, and the judiciary and between the federal and state governments. Every year.

324 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties. (4)  [Top]

325 Criminal Law. (4)

A critical examination of the criminal justice system of the United States. Basic principles of legal culpability, legal defense and due process will be studied. Other topics include the roles of the police, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges in the justice system, and the study of policy complexities surrounding the issue of the control of crime. [Not offered in 1998-2000].

326 Topics in Law. (4)  [Top]

A focus on the relationship between law, considered broadly as a socializing force, and society. Court topics will vary and may include the use of alternatives to courts for the resolution of disputes, challenges of legal authority, and the relationship between cultural pluralism and legal order. Every alternate year.

331 U.S. Political Parties. (4)  [Top]

Analyzes the arguments about and development of the U.S. party system. Students evaluate the means by which populations are connected to institutions of governance, specifically the role and significance of major parties, minor parties, interest groups, media technologies, movements and campaign organizations. Students compare the idea of a ‘two-party’ system to one-party and multi-party systems as organizers of government power. Every alternate year.

332 U.S. Congress. (4)  [Top]

Study of the legislative branch with emphasis on the concept of representation, internal organization, committees, party leaders and constituency influences on the Congressional process. Every year.

333 U.S. Presidency. (4)  [Top]

Analysis of the president, organizational aspects of the executive office and relationship with Congress, the bureaucracy, the media and public opinion. Every year.

334 Public Bureaucracy. (4)   [Top]

Explores public organizations that are charged with accomplishing the goals defined by public policy. Students analyze conflicting values and processes that influence public sector organizations; learn about the origin of, justification for, and the difficulties associated with the merit system of public service; and investigate the interconnections among public bureaucracies at the state and national levels and with institutions in the private for-profit sector and the private not-for-profit sector. Every alternate year.

335 Media and Elections. (4)   [Top]

An examination of how the media influence the behavior of candidates and voters, and vice versa, in political campaigns. Areas of study may include the production and influence of news reporting, polls, cartoons, talk shows, speeches, press conferences, debates and advertisements. The impact of issues, image, race, gender and third parties may also be discussed. Students will research presidential or state elections and may engage in volunteer work for a political campaign. Every alternate year. Cross-listed as COMM 335.

336 Political Participation and Behavior. (4)   [Top]

Analyzes the basis of behavioral choices related to politics. Students apply social science methods of investigation to research population preferences as a guide to choices about responsible citizenship, political leadership and election campaigning. [Not offered in 1998-2000].

337 Theory of Public Policy. (4)   [Top]

An explicit examination of the normative nature of public policy making. The principles of public policy analysis are examined. Course focuses on the place of equality, efficiency, justice, authority, community, and other principles in the practice of policy making. Policy examples are taken from education, health care, poverty, housing, crime, employment and other areas. Every year.

338 Public Sector. (4)  [Top]

Examines the effect of classical delivery systems on the quality of public goods and services. Traditional governmental agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and privatization alternatives are analyzed. Course takes a broad view of the public sector, including philanthropy, taxation, and fees as funding sources and contracting, grants and direct expenditures as outlays. Every year.

339 Gender and Public Policy. (4)   [Top]

Analyzes public policy processes and decisions as they influence and are influenced by men and women differently. Students investigate criteria for gender-neutral policies, and evaluate the likelihood and usefulness of such policy approaches. Every alternate year.

340 Comparative Government and Politics of the Caribbean. (4)  [Top]

Analysis of domestic and international environments within which the trade, finance and development policies of selected Caribbean states are implemented. Focus on the relationships between economic ideology, development strategy and national development experience. Taught in the Bahamas Extension Program, Nassau.

341 European Politics. (4)  [Top]

Examines comparatively the political systems of Europe with particular emphasis on the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden and Spain. In light of events at the end of the Cold War, the course includes the study of Eastern Europe including the Balkans. European integration through the European Union will be a major focus of the course. Issues of political and social change will be explored including a study of violence in Northern Ireland and the former Yugoslavia. (Offered only in Salzburg/Madrid.)

342 Socialist Nations in Transition. (4)  [Top]

Focuses on former Communist bloc (China, USSR, Eastern Europe, and Cuba) and the different transitions that are underway in the 1990s. In the cases of Russia and Poland, the transition is to capitalism while in Cuba and China it is the attempt to formulate socialism. The case of Yugoslavia highlights the role of nationalism in political breakdown. [Not offered in 1998-2000].

343 Revolutions. (4)  [Top]

Analysis of revolutions as a political, economic and sociological phenomenon. Focuses on writing by both political actors and social scientists. Case studies include Iran, Nicaragua, South Africa, Ireland and the Black Power Movement in the United States. Every alternate year.

344 Middle East Politics. (4)   [Top]

A study of the current political conflicts in the Middle East region with particular emphasis on the Arab- Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Also emphasized will be the role of Islam and the political economy of oil. Every alternate year.

345 Developing Nations. (4)  [Top]

A broad understanding of important aspects of politics, economics, relevant historical experiences and the culture of developing nations of Asia, Latin America and Africa. The course explores how these nations have sought to solve their major problems of using different theories and approaches to political, economic and social development. Each student will be expected to assess the achievements and/or shortcomings of a project in a research paper on a developing country of their choice. [Not offered in 1998-2000].

346 Asian Politics. (4)  [Top]

This course examines the politics and economics of three Asian countries, namely India, China and Japan. Contemporary politics is examined through a broad understanding of history, cultural and social traditions, and economic conditions. The U.S. relationships with each of these nations are also studied in light of distinct foreign policy approaches. Every alternate year.

347 Latin American Politics. (4)   [Top]

Comparative analysis of Latin American politics focusing on the themes of the military in politics, economic dependency, reform and revolution, and agrarian reform. Case studies include Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Nicaragua and Cuba. Every alternate year.

348 African Politics. (4)  [Top]

This course examines politics and economics in sub-Saharan Africa. Topics will include different kinds of governments in the region, the relationship between economic development and political change, and social patterns that shape the political process. Every alternate year.

349 South African Politics. (4)  [Top]

This course presents students with a historical and contemporary overview of the South African political situation. The following topics and issues are explored: The Apartheid paradigm; major actors, parties, movements and institutions; constitutional development in South Africa; colonial and post-colonialism; economic system; and South Africa’s international relations. Offered on South African Study Abroad Program Only. [Pending course approval].

351 U.S. Foreign Policy. (4)  [Top]

This course is an examination of American foreign policy. The course focuses on key players as well as institutions and unofficial individuals or groups involved in the making of American foreign policy. Case studies will be used to bring a ‘real-life’ element to the class. Every year.

352 Global Gender Issues. (4)   [Top]

Gender is now regarded as a fundamental variable in analyzing and understanding social, political and economic developments around the world. In this course, the focus is to identify the significance of gender at a global level. Examination of gendered division of labor in industrialized and developing societies, in particular, gendered discourses in development policies and gender-based economic strategies of modernization and restructuring. Beyond the economic realm, the course will also deal with other issues, such as wars, peace movements and concerns over military spending, which show remarkably similar patterns in terms of gender differences over policies. Every alternate year.

353 International Law and Organization. (4)  [Top]

Examines the historical and current development of international law and the emergence of different forms of international organization. There will be a special emphasis on the post-WWII period when there was a virtual revolution in international law, as reflected in the Nuremberg trial, Geneva conventions, the end of Colonialism and the International Declaration on Human Rights. Cross-listed as PCST 349. Every alternate year.

354 Global Environmental Politics. (4)  [Top]

Explores the nature of the environment as an international political issue. Specifically, topics to be covered include: transnational environmental movements, North-South issues, restrictions on national sovereignty, the environmental impacts of international monetary and trade organizations, and the effectiveness of global conferences. Cross listed as PCST 354. Every alternate year.

355 International Political Economy. (4)   [Top]

Focus on international economic linkages that will play a significant role in defining relations between states in the post-cold war world. While security has been perceived primarily in military terms, in the new world it is the economic conditions which will establish the ranking among nations. Recent agreements establishing European Economic Community, North American Free Trade Agreement, and General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) are symbolic of the significance of global economic concerns. The course will deal with national and international responses to the challenge of global economic competition. Every alternate year.

361 Senior Research Seminar in Public Affairs (4)  [Top]

This research seminar is designed for majors with course sequences in public policy. Students prepare 35-50 page research papers, using the standard scholarly research literature and primary source materials. Topic areas include but are not limited to health care, education, welfare, poverty, economic development and crime. Research projects focus on definition of a public policy problem, a review of existing alternative policy options for addressing the problem, and a recommendation for a preferred course of public action. Especially useful for students pursuing careers in public policy and public or non-profit management.

362 Senior Research Seminar/Law (4)   [Top]

Provides a framework for student preparation of the senior thesis in the area of law and law-related fields. Students will learn how to research using legal materials and tools and how to organize and draft a legal writing project. Students will make an in-class presentation on their writing process and write a thesis. Every year.

363 Senior Research Seminar/Political Institutions (4)  [Top]

Provides a process and structure for writing and presenting a senior thesis in an area related to U.S. political institutions and policies. Students work individually and collaboratively to plan and execute successfully their extended research projects. The resulting theses demonstrate students’ abilities to synthesize their course work preparation in the major, to apply their skills and knowledge to research important political questions, and to communicate their analyses and recommendations to appropriate audiences. Every year.

364 Senior Research Seminar/International Relations and Comparative Politics. (4)  [Top]

Provides a framework for student participation of the senior thesis in the areas of international relations and comparative politics. Students will study different research methodologies and share the results of their research with other seminar participants. Assigned reading, seminar discussions and individual research project in international relations or comparative politics. Every year.

365 Senior Research Seminar/Political Theory. (4)  [Top]

This course will provide students with an interest in political theory the opportunity to explore in-depth the work of particular theorists (Hobbes, Locke, Madison, Mill, Marx, for example) or particular themes in political thought (such as freedom, justice, power). It will also provide students interested in constitutional law an opportunity to study/investigate law from a political-theory aspect. Every year.

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)  [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Projects are understood to be part of a student’s concentration area work. Not available to first-year students.

375 Supervised Study. (0-4)  [Top]

Full-time learning experience during the January Term done under the direction of a faculty moderator, often in conjunction with an off-campus supervisor. Separate sections for judicial workshops, legal and public policy internships. Requires permission of instructor. Not available to first-year students.

376 January Term Topics. (0-4)  [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

377 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

395 Model United Nations Seminar. (0-2)   [Top]

Prepares students for participation in a national Model United Nations Conference, usually held in New York City or Boston during the spring semester. Covers the structure and functions of the United Nations, plus selected international issues such as the environment, terrorism and human rights. Prerequisite: POLS 121 or permission of instructor. Every year.

396 Washington, D.C., Summer Study. (8) 

Students spend eight weeks in Washington, D.C., working for members of Congress, committee staffs, federal agencies, media or lobbying organizations. Includes evening seminars and guest speakers. Every summer.

397 Internship. (4-8)  [Top]

Experiential learning in the field, including work with faculty researchers, elected officials, other public officials, lawyers and judges.

398 Honors Senior Project. (4)  [Top]

Required for graduation with "All-College Honors" and "Departmental Distinction in Political Science." Prerequisite: HONR 396 and approval of the department chair and director of the honors program. For further information see HONR 398.