Introductory Courses
R Pos 101M American Politics (3)
General Education: SS
Introduction to the study of politics, focusing on American national government. Includes some discussion of theoretical questions (such as authority, representation and consent) and some illustrative examples from the area of comparative and international politics. R Pos 101G is a writing intensive version of R Pos 101M.R Pos 101G American Politics (4)
General Education: SS & WI
Introduction to the study of politics, focusing on American national government. Includes some discussion of theoretical questions (such as authority, representation and consent) and some illustrative examples from the area of comparative and international politics. R Pos 101G is a writing intensive version of R Pos 101M.R Pos 102M Comparative and International Politics (3)
General Education: SS
The characteristics and development of statehood and power; conditions of stability; constitutions and the comparative political processes; the international order and the nation-state system. R Pos 102G is the writing intensive version of R Pos 102M.R Pos 102G Comparative and International Politics (3)
General Education: SS, WI
The characteristics and development of statehood and power; conditions of stability; constitutions and the comparative political processes; the international order and the nation-state system. R Pos 102G is the writing intensive version of R Pos 102M.R Pos 103M Political Theory (3)
General Education: SS
An introductory course in the history of political theory with an emphasis on understanding political ideas and concepts and applying them to perennial issues of political life. R Pos 103G is a writing intensive version of R Pos 103M.R Pos 103G Political Theory (4)
General Education: SS & WI
An introductory course in the history of political theory with an emphasis on understanding political ideas and concepts and applying them to perennial issues of political life. R Pos 103G is a writing intensive version of R Pos 103M.
Survey and Topical Courses
R Pos 203 Political Thought (3)
Original works in the history of Western political thought, emphasizing the relevance of this material for understanding political concepts, reflecting on political problems, and critically analyzing contemporary political institutions and ideas.R Pos 204 Selected Problems in Political Science (3)
Selected problems pertaining to political science and/or public policy. May be repeated if the selected problem is substantially changed. R Pos 204Z is a writing intensive version of R Pos 204.R Pos 204Z Selected Problems in Political Science (3)
General Education: WI
May be repeated if the selected problem is substantially changed. R Pos 204Z is a writing intensive version of R Pos 204.R Pos 240 (= R Pub 240) Introduction to Public Policy (3)
Introduction to the theory and practice of public policy analysis. Emphasizes the theoretical questions surrounding the role of knowledge and intelligence in the formulation and implementation of public choices. The nature of choice and decision, the problems of control and prediction, the contradictions between rational decision and political action are among the topics considered. Only one of R Pos 240 and R Pub 240 may be taken for credit.R Pos 340 (= R Pub 340) Introduction to Policy Analysis (3)
Policy analysis involves advising policy makers about political, technical, and implementation feasibility of their options. This course will introduce students to different roles played by analysts, techniques of analysis, and to the range of generic policy implements. Only one of R Pos 340 & R Pub 340 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G.
Courses in American Politics
R Pos 303 (= R Pub 303 & R Pad 304) Public Policy in Theory and Practice (3)
Examines the theoretical foundations of public policy research, of alternative models of public policy formation, their methodologies, and the relationship between the theory and practice of the policy sciences. Inquiries into the practice of public policy; focuses on actual policies in a substantive area. Only one of R Pad 304, R Pos 303 and R Pub 303 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G or R Pos 240 or R Pub 240, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 320 American Federalism (3)
This course focuses on the theoretical, constitutional, and political dimensions of American federalism, including the tensions between the planes of government, interstate relations, and the problem-solving capabilities of the federal system. Particular emphasis is placed upon the formal powers of each plane of government and the limitations upon these powers. The reasons for and the political significance of the increasing use of preemption powers by the Congress will be examined. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 321 (= R Pub 321; formerly R Pos 205) State and Local Government (3)
Course focus is on intergovernmental relations; the interdependent roles of governors, legislatures, and courts in policy making and implementation; the organization, functions, and jurisdiction of local governments; interaction of political parties and interest groups with formal institutions and processes; and problems in selected functional areas. Emphasis will be placed upon socio-economic trends leading to change in state and local governments, consequent issues raised, and proposals made in response to such issues. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G. Only one of R Pos 321 and R Pub 321 may be taken for credit.R Pos 323 Urban Government (3)
Examines governmental patterns in major urban areas of the United States. Considers the nature of a municipal corporation, forms of government, state-local relations, and urban politics. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 325 (= R Pub 325) The Government and Politics of New York State (3)
Introduction to the major political governmental institutions in New York. Examines the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government; the nature of parties and election, and of selected policy questions. Only one of R Pos 325 & R Pub 325 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 205.R Pos 329 (= R Pad 329) Bureaucratic Politics (3)
Examination of political behavior within and among administrative agencies, focusing on the sources of power in the bureaucracy and the ways in which agencies use their political resources to shape public policy. Only one of R Pos 329 and R Pad 329 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 331 American Legislatures (3)
Examination of the legislative function in the American political system. Inquiry into the sources of legislative power, the institutions involved in formulating legislation, and the people who participate in the legislative process. This course is recommended for students contemplating a legislative internship. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 332 The Presidency (3)
The principal institutions, functions and problems of the executive branch of government. Emphasizes the President as political leader, head of state, and administrator, as well as on his relations with Congress. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 334 American Political Parties and Groups (3)
Examination of the theory, organizational forms and dynamics of political group formation and activity, with special attention given to the political party system, interest groups, political leadership and electoral behavior. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 337 Campaigns and Elections in U.S. (3)
This course will examine how people run for office in the United States. We will examine elections for the presidency, Congress, etc. Topics will include the decision to run prenomination and general election campaigns; the role of parties; interest groups; media; campaign finance; advertising and other campaign techniques. The assignments also include historical comparisons to consider what makes some elections more significant than others. We need to ask what elections really decide besides who holds office. Ultimately; the basic issue is whether the structure and content of U.S. elections fosters or distorts democratic representation.R Pos 339 Political Socialization (3)
Political socialization and its relationship to the development of political attitudes, political participation, and the maintenance and change of political systems. Both theoretical and empirical works are considered. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 341 Washington in Perspective (3)
A course using current government and politics to evaluate political science treatments of the subject. Offered as part of the department's spring Washington Semester program. Admission by application. Preference given Pos Honors students; other majors and nonmajors admitted up to enrollment cap. Brochures, applications, informational meeting dates, available from department. Deadlines and interviews in the early fall. Prerequisites: R Pos 101M or 101G, one 300 course in American government, junior class standing. Co-requisites: R Pos 342 and 495Z. Counts toward a political science major or minor. A-E graded.R Pos 365 Government and the Mass Media (3)
Study of the relation of the mass media to the American political process, including an examination of the effect of the mass media on legislative actions, the executive, voting behavior and the bureaucracy. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 406Z (= R Pub 406Z) Implementation and Impact (3)
General Education: WI
Examination of the process by which policies are put into effect, alterations during that process; effects, intended and unintended; and feedback into further policy making. Implementation and impact of legislative, administrative and judicial policies, in particular policy areas. Only one of R Pos 406Z & R Pub 406Z may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and R Pos 240 or R Pub 240.R Pos 424 Community Politics (3)
Examines the bases of power at the local level. Political power, social stratification and technology are discussed within a historical and contemporary context. Recommended: prior course in state and local government. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 430 Founding the American National Government (3)
Many contemporary disputes in American politics reflect ongoing debates that were first articulated clearly during the drafting and ratification of the Constitution in 1787. (Some examples: war powers, small versus large government, governmental concern with character formation or morality, factions and the common good, direct democracy versus representation, the role of "elites", etc.) This course will examine the founding debates closely, linking specific decisions to some of the broad themes just mentioned. It will also use student papers to carry the disputes through the early years of the government. The course will require interpretive papers based on assigned reading, and one research paper based on primary source documentation. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing.R Pos 433 (= A Wss 433) Women, Politics, and Power (3)
Examines the role of women within American society; identifies the systematic factors that have contributed to women's sociopolitical exclusion; and investigates selected contemporary ideologies that posit a redefinition of the power relationships within society as the primary political objective. R Pos 433Z & A Wss 433Z are the writing intensive versions of R Pos 433 & A Wss 433; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 433Z (= A Wss 433Z) Women, Politics, and Power (3)
General Education: WI
R Pos 433Z & A Wss 433Z are the writing intensive versions of R Pos 433 & A Wss 433; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 435Z Congress and the Presidency (3)
General Education: WI
An examination of the dynamic political inter-relationship between the elected branches of government. Specific topics may vary from year to year, but typical ones would include: the President's legislative role; Congress's role in foreign and national security policy; the budget as a vehicle for interbranch conflict; and proposals for institutional reform. Short, theme papers and a longer research paper will be required. Some previous course work on Congress or the Presidency is recommended. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 438Z Political Behavior (3)
General Education: WI
Politically relevant behaviors are discussed in terms of their psychological and sociological determinants. Emphasizes manifest and latent political training in numerous contexts. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 439 Topics in American Politics (3)
Special topics course in American politics. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.R Pos 439Z Topics in American Politics (3)
General Education: WI
R Pos 439Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 439; only one may be taken for credit. Special topics course in American politics. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.R Pos 495Z Research and Writing in Washington (4)
This is the term paper research and writing component of the department's spring Washington Semester program. Admission by application. Preference given Pos Honors students; other majors and nonmajors admitted up to enrollment cap. Brochures, applications, informational meeting dates, available from department. Deadlines and interviews in the early fall. Prerequisites: R Pos 101M or 101G, one 300 course in American government, junior class standing. Co-requisites: R Pos 341 and 342. Counts as an honors seminar or writing intensive course toward a political science major or minor. A- E graded.
Courses in Global Politics
R Pos 350 (= R Pub 350) Comparative Public Policy (3)
Comparison of the processes, content and impact of public policy in both developed and underdeveloped, socialist and nonsocialist countries. Only one of R Pos 350 & R Pub 350 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G or R Pos 240 or R Pub 240, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 351 European Politics (3)
Politics and political change in contemporary Europe, as reflected in ideology, organization and leadership. Both Western and Eastern Europe are treated in a common, comparative framework. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 352 Politics of France: Ancien Regime to Present (3)
A broad survey of French politics from the revolution to the present. Historical, economic, literary and political themes will be addressed. Comparative political topics also will include revolution, class conflict, multiparty systems, urban-rural conflict, industrialization, corporatism, religious conflict, and international power struggles among nations. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M.R Pos 353 Developing Political Systems (3)
A study of political development and modernization in The Third World of Asia, Africa and Latin America; the meanings and measurement of the concepts; groups involved in the process such as the military, bureaucracies, intellectuals, minorities and charismatic leaders. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 354 Russian Domestic Politics (3)
In-depth study of Russian and Soviet internal politics, 1861 to the present. Emphasizes the activities of the Communist party of the Soviet Union-political, economic and ideological-and changing characteristics of the Soviet political system. Equal attention to the origins of the Communist party and to the Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, Andropov, Gorbachev and Yeltsin eras. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 355 Government and Politics in Sub-Saharan Africa (3)
The relationship between ideologies, institutions and individuals in African political systems. Examines implications of these factors for African political behaviors (domestic and international). Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 356 Russian Foreign Policy (3)
Survey of Soviet and Russian activities in international relations, 1917 to the present. Attention is focused on the Soviet Union's relations with Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, the developing nations, and the United States, and contemporary Russian policy. Previous study of Soviet internal politics is desirable, but not a prerequisite. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 357 (= A Lcs 357) Latin American Politics (3)
The domestic political institutions, the forces which shape the quest for power, and the processes by which public policies are determined in Latin America. Only one of R Pos 357 & A Lcs 357 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 359 (= A Jst 359) Israeli Politics (3)
In-depth study of the political system of Israel: its history, social and political cleavages, governing institutions and persistent problems. Only one of R Pos 359 & A Jst 359 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 370 International Relations: Theory (3)
The uses of theory in observing the interaction patterns found in the international system. Examines concepts of equilibrium, conflict and nationalism. Theoretical propositions about power, war and diplomacy are tested and counter-theories formulated. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 371 International Relations: Practice (3)
Fundamental procedures of interstate and transnational relations. The historical evolution of the international system, statecraft, the use of force, negotiation and diplomacy, alliance formation, and nationalism and imperialism. Note: R Pos 370 is not a prerequisite for R Pos 371. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 373 Government and Politics in the People's Republic of China (3)
Examination of the origins of the Communist movement in China against the backdrop of the decline of dynastic rule and the era of Western imperialism. The implications of ideology, institutions, and individuals of ideology, institutions and individuals for public policy in the People's Republic of China. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 375 International Organization (3)
The structure and processes of the United Nations evaluated in terms of its historical antecedents and the challenges that face it. The operational foundations of the specialized agencies and such other governmental organizations as are universal in character. Close attention to the forces and interest groups of international scope to which the United Nations and related organizations respond. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 376 The Foreign Policy of the People's Republic of China (3)
The post-1949 foreign policy of the People's Republic of China, especially vis-à-vis the United States, the Soviet Union, Western Europe, Japan and an array of developing countries. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 380 Basics of International Law (3)
Analytical survey of the precedents and limitations of world law. The uses of law for the pacific settling of disputes and wars using varied texts, cases and documents. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 383 American Foreign Policy (3)
An examination of the patterns of American foreign policy in economic and security issues from the turn of the century through the end of the Cold War. This analysis provides the basis for discussion of the prospects for American foreign policy as we move into the 21st century. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 384 Formulation of American Foreign Policy (3)
Introduction to the political institutions and values of the American foreign policy process. Issues considered: American national character; the search for national interests; the role of interest groups and public opinion; the Congress; the presidency; the military-industrial complex; the policy system in times of peace and Cold War. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 385 Vietnam: The Politics of Intervention (3)
This course will examine the war in Vietnam from 1954-1975 in light of general theories of intervention. It will focus both on the general difficulties often posed by small wars, and on the particular problems that arose in the U.S./Vietnamese context. Particular emphasis will be placed on initial involvement of the U.S., the prospect of nation building in Vietnam, American military strategy, alternative strategies, and the diverse and sometimes ironic consequences of the war. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing.R Pos 395 (= R Pub 395) International Political Economy (3)
Examines world trade conflicts and impact of economic nationalism on global economy. Emphasizes U.S. policy formulation in recent decades and trade protection and economic nationalism as exercised in U.S. domestic and foreign policy. Only one of R Pub 395 & R Pos 395 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G or R Pos 101M or R Pub 240, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 396 (= R Pub 396) Energy Policy, Domestic and International (3)
Analyzes present and future shortfall of energy supplies, availability of fuel sources to replace imported oil or U.S. energy production, and conflicts between OPEC, OECD consumers, and U.S. government. Projections of future conflict over energy controls within and between nation states. Only one of R Pub 396 & R Pos 396 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G or R Pos 240 or R Pub 240, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 398 (= R Pub 398) Comparative National Security Policy (3)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major theoretical explanations for the foundation and implementation of national security policy. The course will focus on two central questions. First, what determines the basic security strategy of different states? Second, once this strategy is mapped, how do different states translate strategy into particular defense policies? A variety of historical cases will be used to determine which theories best answer these questions. Only one of R Pos 398 & R Pub 398 may be taken for credit.R Pos 452Z Communist and Post-Communist Political Systems (3)
General Education: WI
The characteristics of East European regimes in the modern world: the role of the political parties; the state and bureaucracy, mostly after World War II and in the aftermath of the collapse of communism; relations of these states in the world political system. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 461Z Comparative Ethnicity (3)
General Education: WI
The composition and problems of various ethnic and religious minorities: their origins, characteristics, political mobilization, and degree of integration into the social and political systems of the new nations of Asia, Africa and Latin America examined against a background of European, American and Soviet experience. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 469 Topics in Comparative Politics (3)
Special topics course in Comparative Politics. R Pos 469Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 469; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): two courses in Comparative Politics or permission of instructor.R Pos 469Z Topics in Comparative Politics (3)
General Education: WI
Special topics course in Comparative Politics. R Pos 469Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 469; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): two courses in Comparative Politics or permission of instructor.R Pos 472Z International Conflict and Resolution (3)
General Education: WI
An inquiry that includes strategic studies, arms control, foreign policy, and super power relations in the global threat system. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G, 102M, 370 or 371, and junior or senior class standing.R Pos 473Z Economic Relations in the Global System (3)
General Education: WI
An inquiry into international trade relations, energy and foreign economic policies adopted by industrial and developing nations, and the exchange relations that govern the course of transnational politics. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G, 102M, and junior or senior class standing.R Pos 479 Topics in International Relations (3)
Special topics course in International Relations. R Pos 479Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 479; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): two courses in International Relations or permission of instructor.R Pos 479Z Topics in International Relations (3)
General Education: WI
Special topics course in International Relations. R Pos 479Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 479; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): two courses in International Relations or permission of instructor.
Courses in Political Theory
R Pos 301 History of Political Theory I (3)
An examination of classical texts in political theory from ancient Greece to the 15th century. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 302 History of Political Theory II (3)
An examination of classical text in modern political thought from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 306 Contemporary Democratic Theory (3)
An historical and analytical examination of modern conceptions of democracy. .The course will focus on the meaning of democracy, the justifications for democratic self- governments and the variety of models that have been offered as the realization of a democratic society and their forms of democratic legitimization.R Pos 307 American Political Theory (3)
The development of political thought and action in the American experience. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 308 Theorists and Theorizing (3)
This course will focus on the work of a single political theorist. Students will become acquainted with the major writings of one theorist who has been chosen both for the historical and contemporary significance of his/her thought and for the purpose of learning the value of in-depth study of works that have such a significance. Along with studying the work of a major theorist, students may examine the different interpretations of that work and the conflicts and problems that arise in the practice of interpretation. May be repeated for credit if topic varies.R Pos 310 Contemporary Political Philosophy (3)
Analysis of selected perspectives in the political and social thought of the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 313 Feminist Social and Political Thought (3)
The major documents of American, English and Continental feminist thought. Emphasizes chronological development and continuity and change in feminist theory. Particular attention to the directions feminism has taken since the 1960's. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 314 Problems of Political Inquiry (3)
Introduction to the discipline of political science and contemporary approaches to the study of politics. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101 and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 419Z Seminar in Political Theory (3)
General Education: WI
Special topics in political theory and philosophy. Prerequisite(s): two courses in political theory or permission of instructor.
Courses in Public Law
R Pos 328 (= R Pub 328) Law and Public Policy (3)
Examination of the role of the of the courts in the public policy process and in substantive policy fields; integrates the literature of law and policy and applies it to such areas as mental health care, corrections, human resources, education, and housing policy. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 240 or R Pub 240 or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 330 The American Judiciary (3)
The structure and function of the courts in the American political system with special attention to staffing, the decision-making process, judicial policy making, and checks upon judicial power. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 333 (= A Wss 333) Women and the Law (3)
Examination of the various specific ways in which the law affects women by discriminating on the basis of sex and of the relationship between law and social norms regarding sex roles. Only one of R Pos 333 & A Wss 333 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 335 The American Supreme Court (3)
The role of the Supreme Court in American political life. Topics include: access to the court; the nature of Supreme Court decision making; the selection of Supreme Court justices; the relationship between the Supreme Court and the executive and legislative branches of government; and the major substantive issues with which the Supreme Court has been concerned. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 336 Civil Liberties (3)
The ways in which the courts have interpreted the Constitution with respect to individual freedoms. Examines a range of source materials to assess the role of the judiciary in arbitrating between the individual and the state, and its implications in American political life. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 410Z (= R Pub 410Z) Minorities and the Politico-Legal System (3)
General Education: WI
Selected minority problems that appear in connection with the politico-legal system. Considers legislative, administrative and judicial responses and explores alternative public policy options. Only one of R Pos 410Z & R Pub 410Z may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 426Z American Constitutional Law (3)
General Education: WI
Examination of basic cases in their historical settings and analysis in terms of legal or constitutional issues and judicial doctrines, including judicial review, separation of powers, division of power, interstate relations, the power to tax and spend, war powers and treaty powers. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 427Z American Constitutional Law (3)
General Education: WI
Examination of basic cases in their historical settings and analysis in terms of legal or constitutional issues and judicial doctrines, civil and political rights, the privileges and immunities of citizenship, due process and equal protection. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 428 American Constitutional Law (3)
Examination of basic cases in their historical settings and analysis in terms of legal or constitutional issues and judicial doctrines in the area of criminal justice, including search and seizure, self- incrimination, the right to counsel, and the right of a fair trial. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 429Z Administrative Law (3)
General Education: WI
Study of the law governing administrative agencies providing the basis of their authority and limits on their activities. Considers the foundations of administrative justice, formal administrative procedure, and the law and politics of regulation. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 437Z The Legal Process (3)
General Education: WI
Examination of central aspects of the legal process, focusing primarily on Anglo-American common law. Attention to the meaning of law and law's functions; legal education and practice; basic procedural matters, and exposure to the law of manufacturer's liability, contracts and labor management relations (injunctions and administrative law). Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 449 Topics in Public Law (3)
Special topics course in Public Law. R Pos 449Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 449; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): two courses in Public Law or permission of instructor.R Pos 449Z Topics in Public Law (3)
General Education: WI
Special topics course in Public Law. R Pos 449Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 449; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): two courses in Public Law or permission of instructor.
Courses in Empirical Methodology
R Pos 416Z Research Methods in Political Science I (3)
General Education: WI
Introduction to research design, statistics, and computer usage in political science and public affairs with an emphasis on the interpretation of results. Students examine experimental and quasi-experimental and nonexperimental research designs, summarize and present univariate distributions, perform bivariate and multivariate analyses including simple cross-tabulations and multiple regression analysis, and learn to use a computer to perform statistical and data management operations. Required for public affairs majors. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, or junior or senior class standing.R Pos 417Z Research Methods in Political Science II (3)
General Education: WI
Continuation of R Pos 416Z. It is expected that students will have taken R Pos 416Z during the first semester of the current academic year in which they enroll for this course. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 416Z.
Independent Study, Tutorials, Seminars, and Internships
R Pos 300 Honors Tutorial in Political Science (1)
A one-credit honors tutorial accompanying a 300-level political science course. Open only to students in the Political Science Honors Program. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.R Pos 338 Political Internship (3)
Active participation in the political process through working in a staff position of recognized political organizations or institutions. Interested students should contact the coordinator of undergraduate studies in Political Science. Internships are open only to qualified juniors and seniors who have an overall grade point average of 2.50 or higher. May be taken only once for credit. S/U graded.R Pos 342 Washington Internship (8)
This is the internship component of the department's spring Washington Semester program. Admission by application. Preference given Pos Honors students; other majors and nonmajors admitted up to enrollment cap. Brochures, applications, informational meeting dates, available from department. Deadlines and interviews in the early fall. Internships are open only to qualified juniors and seniors who have an overall grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G, one 300- level course in American government. Co- requisites: R Pos 341 and 495Z. Does not count toward a political science major or minor. S/U grading.R Pos 399 (= R Pub 399) Selected Topics (3)
Investigation of selected topics in political science and/or public policy. Specific topics selected and announced by the instructor when offered. May be repeated once if the selected topic is substantively changed. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and 102M, and permission of instructor.R Pos 400 Honors Tutorial in Political Science (1)
A one-credit honors tutorial accompanying a 400-level political science course. Open only to students in the Political Science Honors Program. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.R Pos 496Z Great Ideas in Political Science (4)
General Education: WI
This course is designed to provide students beginning the Honors Program with a high level seminar on the major theories, approaches and issues in the field of Political Science. It will concentrate on the most prominent and challenging ideas in Political Theory, Global Politics, American Politics, Public Law, and Public Policy. There will be extensive reading and the writing assignments will meet University requirements for a writing intensive course.R Pos 498 Independent Study (1-6)
Reading, research and intensive writing course work in a one-on-one relationship with a faculty member. To be overseen by the Chair of the Department. R Pos 498Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 498. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and R Pos 102M, or junior or senior class standing, and permission of instructor and department chair. S/U or A-E graded.R Pos 498Z Independent Study (1-6)
General Education: WI
Reading, research and intensive writing course work in a one-on-one relationship with a faculty member. To be overseen by the Chair of the Department. R Pos 498Z is the writing intensive version of R Pos 498. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G and R Pos 102M, or junior or senior class standing, and permission of instructor and department chair. S/U or A-E graded.R Pos 499Z Honors Thesis (4)
General Education: WI
Reading, research and intensive writing course work for an Honors Thesis, under the direction of an individual faculty member, as part of the Honors Student Program. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101M or 101G, R Pos 102M or 102G, R Pos 103M or 103G, Honors Student Status and permission of instructor or Department Chair. A-E graded.
