Courses in American Politics
R Pos 319 American Political
Development (3)
A study of the historical shaping
of American politics. Encompassing institutions, public policies, political
culture, and political economy, American Political Development uncovers
patterns of political stability and change. It explores critical episodes in
American political history in a theoretically-informed fashion.
Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101.
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.
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 policymaking 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. 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.
R Pos 324 (= A Lcs 375)
Latino Politics in the United States (3)
Examines Mexican, Puerto Rican,
and Cuban political participation, perspectives, and values. Each sub-group is
analyzed and compared to African Americans and whites. The approach of the
course is theoretical, historical, and interpretive.
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 321.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 101 or 101Z, one 300 course in American government,
junior class standing. Co-requisites: R Pos 342 and 495Z. Counts toward a
political science major or minor.
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.
R Pos 406Z (= R Pub 406Z)
Implementation and Impact (3)
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. [WI]
R Pos 410Z (= R Pub 410Z)
Minorities and the Politico-Legal System (3)
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. [WI]
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.
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.
R Pos 433Z (= A Wss 433Z) Women,
Politics, and Power (3)
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. [WI]
R Pos 435Z Congress and the
Presidency (3)
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. [WI]
R Pos 438Z Political Behavior (3)
Politically relevant behaviors are
discussed in terms of their psychological and sociological determinants.
Emphasizes manifest and latent political training in numerous contexts. [WI]
R Pos 439 Topics in American
Politics (3)
Special
topics course in American politics. Topics will vary from semester to semester.
R Pos 439Z Topics in American
Politics (3)
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.
[WI]
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
101 or 101Z, 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. [WI]
Courses in Global Politics
R Pos 349 (= A Lcs 349) Urban Politics in Latin America (3)
This course examines from a
theoretical and historical perspective the context and character of politics
and political participation in major Latin American urban cities.
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 101 or 101Z 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.
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.
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.
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). [GC]
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.
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.
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.
R Pos 361 Comparative Ethnicity
(3)
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 post-colonial nations of Asia,
Africa, and Latin America examined against a background of European, American,
and Russian experience. [GC WI]
R Pos
362 Nationalism and Nation-Building (3)
Classical and recent scholarly
debates regarding nationalism and nation-building: theoretical and historical
evolution of nationalism, nationalist movements, and nation-building; some of
the most salient contemporary issues related to the national question,
including the effects of globalization and the resurgence of nationalist
movements in the post-Cold War era.
R Pos
364 Building Democracy (3)
A key shift in politics around the
world has been the increasing number of democracies. This shift has important
implications for everything from human rights to economic policy. This course
will explore the causes and effects of democratization focusing on topics such
as political economy, international pressures, and coalition building.
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. [GC]
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. [GC]
R Pos 373 (= A Eac 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. [BE]
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.
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-�-vis the
United States, the Soviet Union, Western Europe, Japan and an array of
developing countries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 101 or 101Z 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
450Z Theory and Research on Global Politics (3)
The course will focus on how
comparative and international politics is researched. The theories of one
global politics topic will be studied in depth (the topic will change each
semester). Students who successfully complete the course will be eligible to do
independent studies as research assistants for Global Politics faculty. [WI]
R Pos 452Z Communist and
Post-Communist Political Systems (3)
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. [WI]
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)
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. [WI]
R Pos 472Z International Conflict
and Resolution (3)
An inquiry that includes strategic
studies, arms control, foreign policy, and super power relations in the global
threat system. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101 or 101Z, 102, 370 or 371, and junior
or senior class standing. [WI]
R Pos 473Z Economic Relations in
the Global System (3)
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 101 or
101Z, 102, and junior or senior class standing. [GC WI]
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)
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. [WI]
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. [EU]
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. [EU]
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. [HU]
R Pos 307 American Political
Theory (3)
The
development of political thought and action in the American experience.
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.
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.
R Pos 314 Problems of Political
Inquiry (3)
Introduction to the discipline of
political science and contemporary approaches to the study of politics.
R Pos 419Z Seminar in Political
Theory (3)
Special topics in political theory
and philosophy. Prerequisite(s): two courses in political theory or permission
of instructor. [WI]
Courses in Public Law
R Pos 328 (=
R Pub 328) Law and 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.
R Pos 330 Law, Courts and
Politics (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.
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.
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.
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.
R Pos 346
(= A Wss 346) Law, Civil Rights, and Sexual Orientation (3)
The course
will examine relevant court cases as well as local, state, and federal laws
that define the boundaries for legal recognition of sexual orientation and
personal sexuality in the 20th Century.
R Pos 363
(= R Crj 353) American Criminal Courts (3)
Examines the organization and
operations of state and local criminal court systems from the perspective of
social science research and public policy analysis. Major issues include: the
role of courts in American society; bail and pre-trial procedures; the roles
and decisions of prosecutors, judges and the defense bar; selection and
operation of grand juries and trial juries; sentencing of criminal defendants;
and others. The operations of juvenile and adult courts are compared, and
efforts directed toward court reform are assessed. Prerequisite(s): junior or
senior class standing.
R Pos 426Z American Constitutional
Law (3)
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. [US* WI]
R Pos 427Z American Constitutional
Law (3)
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. [WI]
R Pos 428 Comparative Legal
Systems (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.
R Pos 437Z Law and Society
(3)
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). [WI]
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)
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. [WI]
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 101 or 101Z, 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 101 or 101Z and 102, 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)
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. [WI]
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 101 or 101Z Pos 102, 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)
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 101 or 101Z and R Pos 102, or junior or senior class
standing, and permission of instructor and department chair. S/U or A-E
graded. [WI]
R Pos 499Z Honors Thesis (4)
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 101 or 101Z, R Pos 102or
102Z, R Pos 103 or 103Z, Honors Student Status and permission of instructor or
Department Chair. [WI]