Political Science Courses

A study of the United States federal government. (Credit, full course.) (A) Brockett or Schneider

An introduction to the comparative study of politics, employing a conceptual or thematic approach. Selected countries' political systems are examined with a focus on major features, including their governmental institutions, political parties, and political culture. (Credit, full course.) (C) Staff

This course examines the ways in which the political theories that have shaped the modern world have addressed perennial questions of politics — such as the reconciliation of individual and society; the meaning of justice, equality, and power. Theories considered include liberalism, socialism, conservatism, fascism, communitarianism. (Credit, full course.) (T) McKeen, Pearigen

An introduction to the study of international relations concentrating on perspectives and policies of major countries, principal institutions, international law and international organization, and selected topics — for example, arms races and arms control, economic and political integration, disparities of income, problems of food and population, and human rights. Course requirements may include simulation. (Credit, full course.) (W) Dunn

This seminar, which is limited to freshmen, focuses on major concepts and developments concerning relations among states of the world as well as issues that cross state boundaries. Topics include theories of international politics, north/south issues, law, diplomacy, conflict, and inter-governmental organizations. Guest speakers also participate from time to time. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

What is peace? How do you get it? How do you keep it? Why make war? Can you do it without destroying everything? And what is war? Questions such as these have provoked serious searching and thinking for centuries. It is not expected that all questions will be answered or all arguments settled, but through reading, writing, and discussing the class addresses the questions of peace and war and the means used to pursue both. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

A study of the office and powers of the president, presidential leadership, and the relations between the chief executive, Congress, and the executive agencies. (Credit, full course.) (A) Brockett

The composition, organization, procedure, and powers of legislative bodies in the United States and abroad. (Credit, full course.) (A) Staff

An examination of U.S. judicial process with particular emphasis on the federal court system in the context of the American political process. The central focus is on judicial selection and socialization, the decision process, and the impact of judicial decisions. (Credit, full course.) (A, L) Staff

An introduction to concepts used in public policy research by focusing on the political factors that shape the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies. The course focuses on social welfare policies drawn from America, Western Europe, and the developing world. This course is offered Advent Semester of 2008 only. (Credit, full course.) (C) Ayyangar

This course attempts to develop an understanding of both Africa's position in world politics and the effect of international factors on African nations, focusing on the period since 1945. Africa's relations with the major powers, as well as interaction with other states of the developing world, are explored. The vehicle of international organization through which much of Africa's diplomacy is conducted is emphasized. (Credit, full course.) (W) Dunn

An exploration of the historical backgrounds, political institutions and processes of Nigeria and South Africa. Emphasis is on Nigeria's difficult transition to accountable government and on post-Apartheid consolidation in South Africa. (Credit, full course.) (C) Dunn

Beginning in the third century B.C.E., China began construction of its Great Wall, an attempt to keep out “barbarian invaders.” Since that time, China has had an uneasy relationship with foreign powers. Students analyze early Chinese conceptions of its proper relations with foreign powers, contemporary relations with Japan and the United States, and attempts by foreigners to change Chinese politics, culture, and economy. Readings emphasize Chinese notions of nationhood and the dynamics of globalization. (Credit, full course.) (W) Wilson

The course surveys the political economy of Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea since the 1930s. Students read and discuss dependency, statist, and cultural theoretical approaches to the political economy of the cases. What explains the dynamic growth of this region of the world during the postwar period? (Credit, full course.) (C) Wilson

A comparative study of the ways in which socio-economic cleavages, ethnicity, policy, and other circumstances shape the political arenas of India and Latin America. Students study the political atmosphere of countries like Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, and Mexico, in juxtaposition with that of India, through cross-cutting themes such as social reform, religion, state-led industrialization, party systems, and voter mobilization. This course is offered Easter Semester of 2009 only. (Credit, full course.) (C)  Ayyangar

This course focuses on the trends of political relations among European countries since 1945. The principal topic is political and economic integration as seen in the development of the European Union. Other topics include the Atlantic relationship as seen in NATO, the institutionalization of a human rights regime, the dynamics of East-West relations, and the international issues facing the former communist states of the East. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

The development of political thought in the West from the Greeks to the mid-seventeenth century. (Credit, full course.) (T) McKeen

A continuation of Political Science 301 from Locke to the twentieth century. Prerequisite: PolS 105 or instructor permission. (Credit, full course.) (T) McKeen

A study of leading women political theorists (and, thereby, major currents of contemporary social thought as well) including liberalism, socialism, and post-modernism. The reading list includes selections from authors beginning with Mary Wollstonecraft, but focuses primarily on late twentieth-century writers such as Heidi Hartmann, Monique Wittig, Luce Irigary, Carole Pateman, Alison Jaggar, and bell hooks. (Credit, full course.) (T) McKeen

This course traces the emergence of different strands in American political thought, beginning with the rival interpretations of notions such as freedom and self-government during the period of the founding. Selected topics include race and strategies for social change, communitarianism and neo-conservatism, feminism, Christian fundamentalism, and green politics. (Credit, full course.) (T) McKeen

This course examines culture as an arena of political conflict. The course begins with a discussion of Antonio Gramsci's theory of cultural hegemony, which serves as a guide through the rest of the semester. How do political actors try to use cultural media to shape the way people think about their world and politics? Students discuss institutions and various forms of popular culture from the United States and elsewhere. (Credit, full course.) (T) Wilson

Ancient political philosophers conceptualized political life, freedom, and citizenship in ways that continue to have meaning in today’s world. This course examines some of the major themes in ancient political thought, including justice and the question of the best regime in Plato’s Republic, the nature of conflict and partisan politics in Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, and the connection between human nature and the aspirations of political life in Aristotle’s Politics. (Credit, full course.) (T) Staff

An analytical examination of public policy-making. Special attention is given to selected policy areas such as health, environment, income support, and the economy. (Credit, full course.) (A) Brockett

An intensive study of political life in selected countries in the region, including both domestic and foreign influences and policies. Substantial attention is given to United States relations with the region. (Credit, full course.) (C, W) Brockett

A general survey of political life in Latin America, as well as specific study of the most important countries — Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela. Determinants and outcomes of political process are studied, as well as the political process itself. Consideration is given to both domestic and foreign influences and policies. (Credit, full course.) (C, W) Brockett

Recent U.N. studies document the continuing systematic inequality that exists between men and women around the world. Approaching the study of sex-based inequality from a cross-cultural perspective reflects the reality that it is a universal phenomenon, but with complex and varied roots. Topics include the study of women's political representation worldwide, women and Islam, public policy issues of importance to women and families, and gender and war. (Credit, full course.) (W) Schneider

An examination of changes in national security policies in the post-World-War-II period. The course focuses on containment, mutual defense in Europe and Asia, deterrence, arms control and force reduction, detente and U.S./Chinese relations. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

This course is a comparative study of Middle East governments, ideologies, classes and leadership patterns. It includes an introduction to the problems of modernization and political development in the Middle East. It also provides an in-depth analysis of domestic politics of Middle East States. The Arab-Israeli conflict and its historical development is also discussed in this course. (Credit, full course.) (C) Staff

A survey of the development of East Asian politics during the twentieth century, from the period of Japanese colonialism through the present. The course examines political developments in Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Particular attention is focused on the formation of centralized states, single-party rule, attempts to liberalize politics, and international integration. (Credit, full course.) (C, W) Wilson

Some of the important questions addressed in this course include: What is the role of political parties in an age of candidate centered campaigns? Who votes, who does not, and why? Is the campaign finance system and the role of money in elections undermining our Republic? Do negative political advertisements bring the desired result? Elections are at the heart of democratic governance. This course provides an introduction to the study of this fundamental feature of our political system. (Credit, full course.) (A) Schneider

A comparison of the politics of sub-Saharan Africa. An exploration of state-society relationships in independent Africa and the challenges of warlord politics to the African state system. (Credit, full course.) (C) Dunn

The origin of the U.S. Constitution and its development through judicial interpretation trace significant court decisions involving legislative, executive and judicial powers, and intergovernmental relations. (Credit, full course.) (L) Pearigen

An examination of selected contemporary problems in civil rights and civil liberties in the United States emphasizes judicial interpretations of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. (Credit, full course.) (L) Pearigen

The course introduces human rights conditions in today's world. While it covers varying philosophical traditions of human rights, major emphasis is placed on how different actors and institutions are able to influence human rights conditions, both from an international and domestic perspective. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

This course combines the study of public policy with the study of major environmental problems. Students explore public policy concepts and the instruments used in environmental regulation. Topics include air and water quality issues, hazardous waste and risk management, natural resources and biological diversity. The course also discusses the impact of environmental groups and citizen activism on this highly complex area of public policy. Not open for credit to students who have completed PolS 208. (Credit, full course.) (A) Staff

An introduction to Cape Verdes society, from Portugese colony to independent African nation, through a comparative analysis with other Portugese-speaking African states. Broader theoretical questions involve the intersection of race, ethnicity, and politics. Focus is on three major issues: the formation of Crioulo (Creole) society; Portugese colonialism, in relation to the development of national identity, and political independence; and Cape Verde’s diaspora in the United States. This course is offered Advent Semester of 2008 only. (Credit, full course.) Lima-Neves

This course examines the institutional structure of local, state, and federal government agencies responsible for land use planning. Students learn how levels of government and the private sector play separate and often uncoordinated roles in the process of growth and development. Particular attention is paid to forest conversion issues on the South Cumberland Plateau. Students attend local planning sessions and meetings with local officials. This course is offered Advent Semester of 2008 only. (Credit, full course.) (L) Staff

A course focused on the role of power and the modes of negotiating power relations in diverse political systems. Who has power, and on what terms? How is power distributed within different regime types? Students consider which regime types distribute power most effectively, as well as standards for measuring the effectiveness, freedom, and order encouraged by each type. (Credit, full course.) (T) Frederiksen

This course is concerned with myths that have played a prominent role in our nation's self-conception and its political rhetoric — such as the myth of the frontier, the myth of success, and the notion of the American dream. The course examines 1) the changing historical meanings of these myths from the colonial period to the twentieth century and 2) the gender aspects of these myths. (Credit, full course.) (T) McKeen

Examination of the works of political theorists on the role of education in the formation of citizens. The course has a focus on the relation between liberal democracy and liberal education. Prerequisite: PolS 105. (Credit, full course.) McKeen

This course studies the ways in which ordinary citizens come together, create more or less formal organizations, and mobilize politically to demand social and political change in society. The study begins close to home with an examination of political organizing and social change on the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachia. Then students proceed to study a wide range of political movements including labor and economic justice movements, the gay rights movement, the Christian conservative social movement, and the global justice/anti-globalization movements. (Credit, full course.) (A) Schneider

This course explores the multitude of problems facing the new political regimes — even new countries — in the area once known as a major segment of the communist world. (Credit, full course.) (C) Staff

This course examines the implementation of development projects in “less-developed” countries. During such implementation, conflicts often arise because of tensions between (1) the political and economic goals devised by states and international organizations and (2) the aspirations of a nation’s inhabitants. The course seeks to analyze and explain the causes and nature of these conflicts by focusing on case studies such as the Three Gorges Dam project in China and agricultural programs in Bangladesh. This course is offered Advent Semester of 2008 only. (Credit, full course.) (C, W) Ayyangar

This course examines historical and contemporary perspectives on war and peace; provides an overview of classical, modern, and contemporary theories of the nature of justice between states and the moral basis of war; and examines just war, pacifism, and terrorism in the Christian and Islamic traditions. This course cannot be used in fulfillment of any general distribution requirement. (Credit, full course.) (W) McKeen, Peters

An examination of the nature of diplomacy — how it works and the ends to which it is used including, in particular, the preservation of peace. The course also examines selected topics such as challenges to contemporary diplomacy resulting from the growth of world population and rapid changes in global politics. (Course, full credit.) (W) Staff

A study of the methodology, practice, and substance of European diplomacy from the collapse of the Napoleonic empire to the outbreak of World War I with particular emphasis on the Concert System and the international problems resulting from nationalism, industrialism, and colonialism. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

A survey of Chinese political movements and institutions during three periods: the Republican period (1911-49), the Maoist collective era (1949-78), and the reform period (1978-present). The course focuses on state building, popular participation in politics, and power struggles among the elite. (Credit, full course.) (W) Wilson

This course addresses South Asian government and politics, primarily during the twentieth century, although historical foundations are also discussed.  Students examine comparative topics such as democratization, development, political conflict, political culture, and political processes and institutions.  Each of the eight countries of the region — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — are considered, but there is particular focus on the region’s major actors, especially India.  Foreign influences and involvements in the region are also considered.  (Credit, full course.)  (W) Staff

An examination of the phenomenon of civil wars in the post-Cold War world. The course focuses on the assertion of group identities within many countries, the challenge of political accommodation (access) and the prospect of political divorce (exit). The role of international organizations and other actors in the management of such conflicts is also explored. (Credit, full course.) (W) Dunn

This course takes a state-level and regional approach to international, political-economic interactions and addresses traditional comparative economic topics, such as state-level development strategies, institutions, and political culture.  The course has a focus on the politics of regional economic integration.  Specific and comparative attention is given to the European Union (EU), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and other regional economic integration efforts.  (Credit, full course.) (W)  Staff

This course examines the dynamics of international political and economic relations. Issues of trade, monetary and financial networks, investment, North-South relations, and the international system are explored. The international context of development receives particular attention. (Credit, full course.) (W) Wilson

Students in this course examine such problems as disarmament, arms control, conventional arms transfers, and nuclear proliferation. Particular attention is given to the diplomacy of attempting to reach agreements and to the relationship between arms control and international security. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

The sources, subjects, and major principles of international law. The function of law in the international community. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

This course focuses on important African-American writers whose unique perspectives challenge us to think about questions of justice, equality and difference, morality, and rule. Readings begin in the nineteenth century (Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington) and proceed into the late twentieth century with selections from authors such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, James Baldwin, Shelby Steele, Cornel West, and Toni Morrison. (Credit, full course.) (T) McKeen

This course examines the different configurations of market, state, and cultural forces presented by societies as they respond to the challenges associated with attempting to meet present needs and demands without compromising their natural and social base for meeting the needs of the future. Theoretical discussions are combined with case studies. Course is identical to Political Science 461 with the exception that special attention is given to research in 461. Students taking this course may not take Political Science 461. (Credit, full course.) (A, C) Brockett

The nature, organization, and function of the United Nations in a changing world environment. An emphasis on the U.N.'s work on peace as well as social, economic, and humanitarian issues. (Credit, full course.) (W) Dunn

This course examines the problem of how and why Europe went to war in 1914, then comments on the conduct of the war itself and the peacemaking that followed. Attention is on the following topics: operation of the alliance and entente systems, impact of intelligence operations on foreign policy, domestic organization of the European powers, relationship between strategic planning and decision making, and the role of ideas in modeling approaches to international politics. The fortunes and misfortunes of eastern Europe and especially Austria-Hungary receive special emphasis. (Credit, full course.) Staff

This course examines the impact of intelligence operations on the conduct of diplomacy and international politics. Covert operations, intelligence estimates, technological assessment, cryptology, and the evolution of intelligence organizations during the twentieth century are covered. Specific attention is given to the outbreak of the First and Second World Wars and to the crises of the Cold War. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

Globalization is a term that social scientists have used to explain everything from trade and investment patterns to changes in popular culture such as the introduction of McDonald’s and Mickey Mouse throughout the world. At root, globalization points to a pattern of institutional change wrought by close interaction of economies. Students read works that clarify what is meant by the term globalization and how globalization is affecting the following three areas related to political economy: trade and investment, welfare institutions, and rule of law. (Credit, full course.) (C, W) Wilson

This course examines eighteenth- and nineteenth-century philosophies of race in the context of the political history of empire as well as twentieth-century post-colonial challenges to those philosophies and practices. (Credit, full course.) (T) McKeen

A study of the philosophy and development of law through the centuries. Particular emphasis is on law in the classical period as well as the more modern historical, analytical, and sociological schools of jurisprudence. (Credit, full course.) (L) Pearigen

A study of the political opinion and behavior (including voting) of the general public, with special attention given to developing appreciation of, and skill in, empirical analysis. (Credit, full course.) (A) Brockett and Schneider

A study of politics and culture in the South beginning with an overview of seminal events in 20th-century southern political history. Topics include race and politics in the South, southern campaigns and elections, the South and contemporary congressional and presidential politics, religion and politics in the South, analyses of the politics of the individual states of the region. This course is a junior/senior research seminar for political science majors. Others by permission of instructor. Prerequisite: PolSci 101 or 328. (Credit, full course.) (A) Schneider

An exploration of systematic contemporary research that draws on work in several subfields of political scholarship which interface with religion: First Amendment constitutional law, political parties and interest groups, voting behavior, and congressional and presidential elections. Main themes seek to integrate both behavioral and institutional approaches to the study of politics. (Credit, full course.) (A) Hatcher

An introduction to the study of a significant social problem: poverty. Course topics include the development of an economic underclass in the United States and the programmatic response of government, the feminization of poverty, the causes of persistent rural and urban poverty, race and poverty in the South, and the connections between poverty in the U.S. and the international trade regime. (Credit, full course.) (A) Schneider

This course is a junior/senior seminar for political science majors. It analyzes the major theoretical issues and substantive developments surrounding the global spread of democracy. The central foci include the following topics: theories of democracy, theories and case study analyses of conditions which promote or inhibit the emergence and consolidation of democracy, theories and case studies concerning "paths" of democratic transition including roles of specific class and state actors, historical patterns and cycles of democracy, theories and issues of "Democratic Peace," and issues and dilemmas concerning the "quality" of contemporary democracies. (Credit, full course.) (C, W) Staff

With a grounding in the theories of international organization, the course focuses on global problem management through governmental and non-governmental organizations. Among the topics included: global resource management, the World Trade Organization and trade, international regionalism, international criminal courts and other legal issues, humanitarianism across borders, human rights, and the advancement of women. (Credit, full course.) (W) Dunn

This seminar focuses on select countries around the world emerging from civil war and explores conditions for sustainable peace. It examines challenges that include redesigning security, institutions, and other sectors in modern society, as well as highlights the role of the world community in reconstruction. The course aims to expose students to the theoretical and historical literature and to highlight difficult policy choices internally and with the donor community. (Credit, full course.) Dunn

Theories of international relations are examined as frameworks for analyzing the elements, organization, and strategies of international politics. The course combines use of empirical data with analysis of central concepts such as the balance of power, deterrence, national interest, sovereignty, and bipolarity. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

An analytical examination of public policy-making with attention to selected policy areas such as health, environment, income support, and the economy. Course is identical to Political Science 308 with the exception that special attention is given to research in 426. Students taking this course may not take Political Science 308. (Credit, full course.) (A) Brockett

A seminar on the comparative approach to the study of national politics and government emphasizes topics such as nation and state building, political culture, social cleavages, political parties and other linkage institutions, public policy making, and political change. (Credit, full course.) (C) Staff

Students join the instructor in exploring a selected topic related to international security. Such topics could include arms control, security structures, regional instability, and the U.S. role in conflicts and in conflict resolution. (Credit, full course.) (W) Staff

A course for specially selected seniors. A study of the most important works and major ideas in the fields of law and jurisprudence. (Credit, full course.) (L) Pearigen

For selected students. May be repeated more than once for credit. (Credit, half to full course.) Staff

In order to receive credit for a public affairs internship, a student must complete a substantial writing project in the semester following the internship. That project must be approved by the Political Science Department prior to the commencement of the internship. To secure approval the student must submit a proposal which 1) describes the nature of the internship and the duties it entails, 2) outlines the writing project, 3) contains a substantial bibliography of related materials, and 4) is signed by a member of the department who has agreed to supervise the project. The proposal must be approved prior to the commencement of the internship. Pass/fail is not permitted. (Credit, half or full course.) Staff

Seniors only. Permission of the department chairman required. (Credit, full course.) Staff

This course examines the different configurations of market, state, and cultural forces presented by societies as they respond to the challenges associated with attempting to meet present needs and demands without compromising their natural and social base for meeting the needs of the future. Theoretical discussions are combined with case studies. Course is identical to Political Science 381 / Economics 381 with the exception that special attention is given to research in 461. Students taking this course may not take Economics 381 / Political Science 381. (Credit, full course.) (A, L) Brockett