Courses

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. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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). May not be offered in 2006-2007. [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. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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. May not be offered in 2006-2007. [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 367 Politics of the Middle East (3)
This class will cover selected topics in relation to the political development of the Middle and near East, an area loosely defined to cover the region from Morocco to Afghanistan and including modern Turkey and the Caspian littoral states. Topics will vary. Examples will include, but are not limited to, the classic British Imperial period, revolutions, the oil industry, regional conflicts such as the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980’s , and the tensions between secular modernization and Islamic systems of government.

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 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. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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)

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)