Political Science Courses

Political Science 151. Introduction to Global Politics
Four Credits Beard, Dandavati, or Toppen Both Semesters

This is an introductory survey course in the study of Global Politics. It will focus on the twin themes of Globalization and Democratization. While critically examining these dominant phenomenon, students will examine the roles of security for governmental and non-governmental actors, human rights, the environment, ethnic conflict, role of religion in politics and culture, international political economy, and movements for change.

This course fulfills the GLobal Learning International requirement.

Political Science 160. Global Feminisms
Four Credits Dandavati Both Semesters

The purpose of this course is to examine the politics of women's location in various parts of the world. It will examine women both in emerging and developing countries. We will look at many different perspectives and viewpoints that determine women's status in society today. Students will become familiar with various/alternative views of women specifically in the third world.

Political Science 201. Political Geography
Four Credits Staff Both Semesters

This course presents both the basics of world geography and American and third world geo-political interests while keeping students abreast of current events in different regions of the world. A three- or four-hour project is available to political science and education majors.

Political Science 251. International Relations
Four Credits Dandavati or Holmes Both Semesters

This course is an introduction to, and an examination of, the major problems confronting the peoples and nations of the modern world. Units include modernization, ideologies, military power management, diplomatic games, and international law and organization. Material on the international political economy also is covered.

This course fulfills the Global Learning International requirement.

Political Science 262. Latin American Politics
Four Credits Dandavati Once a Year

The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the politics and culture of Latin America and in the process provide a base of knowledge from which analyses and comparisons can be made. The course is essentially comparative in orientation. The primary focus is on understanding problems of economic and political development and studying institutions such as the state, the military, and the Church in order to provide a basis for identifying similarities and appreciating differences within

Political Science 305. African Politics
Four Credits Beard Spring Odd Years

This course provides an introduction to contemporary African politics. The core questions that motivate the course are: (i) Why are state structures weaker and political development more tenuous & prone to violent upsets in Africa than elsewhere? (ii) What accounts for Africa's slow economic growth and how does this relate to the political situations in Africa? (iii) What roles do such cultural aspects as gender, religion, & ethnicity play in Africa's political realities? With a focus on sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), we will study individual

cases as well as general themes that span SSA countries in their political and economic development. We will also keep an eye on current events across Africa, including countries north of the Sahara, to investigate the themes and issues of politics in the African context.

This course fulfills the Global Learning International requirement.

Political Science 303. Asian Politics
Four Credits Dandavati Once a Year

This course will focus on the economic, political, social, and cultural processes in Asia with a particular emphasis on China, India, and Japan. The students will become familiar with the interplay between these dominant Asian economies and the U.S. Issues of security, foreign policy, and globalization and its impacts will be discussed. This course fulfills the Global Learning International requirement.

Political Science 351. International Law, Organization, and Systems
Four Credits Holmes, Spring Semester

This course examines the formal and informal organizational structure of the international community, as well as international legal norms, customs, and practices. Contemporary international systems and organizations are studied as part of an extensive Model United Nations simulation. A lab culminating in a Model United Nations is completed before spring break. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Political Science 352. Global Political Economy
Four Credits Staff Once A Year

An exploration of the impact of development and economic globalization after World War II. Students will be introduced to the role of transnational and multinational corporations, as well as international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. The course will examine the importance of economic integration and regionalism. It will also explore topics including international trade and its impact, and the role of the World Trade Organization. Prerequisite: POL 151 or approval of the instructor.

Political Science 378. American Foreign Policy
Four Credits Holmes Fall Semester Odd Years

American foreign policy is examined in global terms with emphasis on alternative political moods of the public, processes by which policy is formulated and executed, its current substance, and challenges of international politics. Open to qualified sophomores.