Political Science
Brian L. Fife, Ph.D, Professor and Department Chair
E:mail: blf218@lehigh.edu / Phone: 610-758-3338 / Fax: 610-758-3348
The major in political science is designed to promote understanding of political ideas, institutions and processes, and to develop skills in analyzing and evaluating political problems.
A balanced program within the discipline, one that exposes the student to various areas of inquiry in political institutions and political processes as well as in the comparative and philosophical perspectives of political analysis, has been the manner in which the goals of the major program generally have been achieved. While the major program outlined below will prove adequate for most student needs, it may be that some special factors such as late transfer or unusual interests and/or abilities the outlined program does not accommodate some students. In that case students may, in consultation with their advisers, develop a major program that in their judgment will more adequately fulfill those needs.
The faculty adviser to the student majoring in political science is designated by the department. The adviser consults with the student and approves the major program. The adviser attempts to help the student relate courses offered by the department to the student’s educational goals. The adviser also may act as a resource for the student, and may suggest courses in other disciplines, language courses, and courses in research techniques that may be of benefit.
A variety of experiential opportunities are available to undergraduates majoring in political science. The department, for example, offers a Community Politics Internship every semester that includes opportunities for internship placements in either local government, private agencies, or law offices. Students are also encouraged to apply for off-campus internship opportunities, e.g., American University’s Washington Semester Program and The Philadelphia Center’s Internship in Philadelphia.
Completion of the political science major is considered suitable training for the undergraduate who wishes to go to law school, to become a social science teacher, or to work as a governmental official, party or civic leader, public affairs commentator, or staff member of a government research bureau. In addition, the private sector continues to provide opportunities in areas such as banking, insurance, and marketing for bachelor of arts graduates with training in the social sciences. Graduate study is advisable for students contemplating certain careers: college teaching, research, or public administration, for example.
The three core courses are required. Individual exceptions may be made, for good reasons, by the major adviser with the approval of the department chair.
Program Requirements
Students that wish to major in political science will need to select an area of specialization that they will follow. The two categories to choose from are American Politics, Public Law, and Public Policy, and Political Theory and Comparative Politics.
| American Politics, Public Law, and Public Policy Category | ||
| All political science majors must take the following three core courses: | ||
| POLS 001 | American Political System | 4 |
| POLS 003 | Comparative Politics | 4 |
| POLS 100 | Introduction to Political Thought | 4 |
| American Politics, Public Law, and Public Policy students must take one of the following three courses: | 4 | |
| Social Movements From the 1960s to Present | ||
| Political Parties and Elections | ||
| Interest Groups, Power, and Democracy in American Politics | ||
| American Politics, Public Law, and Public Policy students must also take one of the following political institution courses: | 4 | |
| The American Presidency | ||
| Constitutional Law and Politics | ||
| U.S.Congress | ||
| American Politics, Public Law, and Public Policy students must take any five additional political science courses, excluding 1and 2-credit courses. | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
| Political Theory and Comparative Politics Category | ||
| All political science majors must take the following three core courses: | ||
| POLS 001 | American Political System | 4 |
| POLS 003 | Comparative Politics | 4 |
| POLS 100 | Introduction to Political Thought | 4 |
| Political Theory and Comparative Politics students must also take one of the following region specific courses: | 4 | |
| South Asian Politics | ||
| Politics Of The European Union | ||
| The Rise of the State in Modern East Asia | ||
| Political Theory and Comparative Politics students must also take one of the following social identity courses: | 4 | |
| Nationalism, Regionalism, and Populism | ||
| Global Politics of Race: Asia and Africa | ||
| Religion and Politics in Comparative Perspective | ||
| Political Theory and Comparative Politics students must also take one of the following theory courses: | 4 | |
| Seminar: Political Philosophy | ||
| Politics Of Authenticity | ||
| Political Theory and Comparative Politics students must take any four additional political science courses, excluding 1and 2-credit courses. | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Political Science Minor
It takes five (5) courses to complete the political science minor. Two core courses are required plus any three other POLS courses (core or elective).
Political Science Minor
| Select Two of the Following: | 8 | |
| American Political System | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| Introduction to Political Thought | ||
| Select any three other POLS courses (either “core” or elective options), excluding 1 or 2-credit courses. | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Public Administration Minor
The minor consists of:
| The following courses are required: | ||
| POLS 001 | American Political System | 4 |
| POLS 103 | Introduction to Public Administration | 4 |
| Three additional courses chosen in consultation with the advisor. | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Elective Categories
The following electives fall under the American Politics, Public Law, and Public Policy category.
| AMERICAN POLITICS, PUBLIC LAW, AND PUBLIC POLICY | ||
| Introduction to Public Administration | ||
| Political Sociology | ||
| US Environmental Policy and Law | ||
| The Politics of the Environment | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Environmental Planning for Healthy Cities | ||
| Technology As Politics | ||
| Religion, Law and Constitution | ||
| Politics of Women | ||
| Mock Trial | ||
| The Political Development of American Race Relations | ||
| Revolution on Campus | ||
| Social Movements From the 1960s to Present | ||
| War on Terror in Politics, Media, and Memory | ||
| Law and Order. The Politics of Crime and Punishment | ||
| Political Parties and Elections | ||
| Comparative State Politics | ||
| Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | ||
| Public Policy Process | ||
| The Politics of Mental Health Policy | ||
| Nonprofit Administration | ||
| Social Entrepreneurship: How to Change the World | ||
| Environmental Valuation for Policy Design | ||
| Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | ||
| Urban Agriculture Policy, Planning and Practice | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Mapping Data for Policymaking | ||
| Food Justice in Urban Environments | ||
| Organizing For Democracy | ||
| U.S. Politics and the Environment | ||
| Propaganda, Media, and American Politics | ||
| Community Politics Internship | ||
| The Politics of Inequality | ||
| Constitutional Law and Politics | ||
| Land Use, Growth Management, and the Politics of Sprawl | ||
| Greed: Social Policy for Profit | ||
| Civil Rights and Civil Liberties | ||
| U.S. Health Care Politics | ||
| Interest Groups, Power, and Democracy in American Politics | ||
| U.S.Congress | ||
| Public Administration | ||
| Public Opinion Research | ||
| Advanced Environmental Policy | ||
| Political Economy | ||
| Globalization and Social Well-Being | ||
| Seminar: National Social Policy | ||
POLS 380 The End of Policing? Politics of Social Control | ||
The following electives fall under the Political Theory and Comparative Politics category.
| POLITICAL THEORY AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS | ||
| Ancient Political Heritage | ||
| Modern Political Heritage | ||
| Environmental Values and Ethics | ||
| The Politics of Ending Global Poverty | ||
| South Asian Politics | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| The Politics of Data | ||
| Politics Of The European Union | ||
| Politics Of Western Europe | ||
| Nationalism, Regionalism, and Populism | ||
| Latin American Political Systems | ||
| U.S. Foreign Policy and Latin America | ||
| Religion and Politics in Latin America | ||
| The Rise of the State in Modern East Asia | ||
| Domination | ||
| Gender and Third World Development | ||
| Global Politics of Race: Asia and Africa | ||
| Religion and Politics in Comparative Perspective | ||
| Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
| Seminar: Political Philosophy | ||
| Politics Of Authenticity | ||
| Issues In Contemporary Political Philosophy | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Women's Movement in China | ||
| Seminar: The Citizen versus the Administrative State |
The following elective courses may fall under either category.
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Honors Thesis In Political Science | ||
| Honors Thesis In Political Science |
Political Science Honors
Students must have at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average, and a 3.3 major grade point average with senior standing , in order to proceed with departmental honors. Students with honors must complete ten courses in the major, including an independent study focusing on the honors thesis.
Master of Arts in Politics and Policy
Political Science
For Graduate Students the department offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Arts degree. The applicant for admission is required to demonstrate adequate undergraduate preparation.
The Master of Arts in politics and policy is a 30 credit hour program that can be accomplished in 12 months by full-time students. Students interested in enrolling on a part-time basis will be given consideration, but the expectation is that most students will complete the program in a year. Students must take ten classes, which include three core courses and seven electives, all at the 400 level.
| Three core courses are required: | ||
| POLS 400 | Research in Politics and Public Policy | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| POLS 456 | Seminar: Political Philosophy | 3 |
| or POLS 457 | Politics Of Authenticity | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| POLS 402 | Methods Of Policy Analysis | 3 |
| or POLS 422 | The Politics of Data | |
| Select any other seven POLS courses at the 400 level. | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
MASTER OF PUBLIC POLICY
POLITICAL SCIENCE
For Graduate Students the department offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Public Policy degree. The applicant for admission is required to demonstrate adequate undergraduate preparation.
The Master of Public Policy is a 30 credit hour program that can be accomplished in 12 months by full-time students. Students interested in enrolling on a part-time basis will be given consideration, but the expectation is that most students will complete the program in a year. Students must take ten classes (all at the 400-level). All students are required to take 5 core courses and 5 elective courses of their choice. With the approval of the department Director of Graduate Studies, students may take graduate-level courses outside of the Department of Political Science.
| The following 5 core courses are required: | ||
| POLS 400 | Research in Politics and Public Policy | 3 |
| POLS 402 | Methods Of Policy Analysis | 3 |
| POLS 406 | Public Policy Process | 3 |
| POLS 419 | Mapping Data for Policymaking | 3 |
| POLS 460 | Public Administration | 3 |
| Choose an additional five elective courses at the 400 level | 15 | |
Community Fellows Program
Students interested in state or local public service or nonprofit work may also elect to apply to the Community Fellows program in which the student works for 15 hours per week for a local non-profit organization on a project related to community (re)development. For more information on the Community Fellows program, please see the program website www.lehigh.edu/communityfellows.
Graduate students may choose to write a major paper (one semester) or a Master’s thesis (two semesters) that will be defended before a panel of faculty members. Those participating in the Community Fellows program may be required to write a paper summarizing and analyzing their community fellows experience.
The Master of Arts program is intended for high-achieving students with a social science and liberal arts background who have a keen interest in the study of politics and/or are interested in the Community Fellows program and related experiential learning opportunities. The Master of Arts prepares students for further study in political science, public policy, or the law as well as careers in business, public service, or nonprofit organizations.
Courses
POLS 001 American Political System 4 Credits
Constitutional principles; organization and operation of the national government; and dynamics of power within the U.S. political system.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 003 (GS 003) Comparative Politics 4 Credits
The political systems of foreign countries; approaches to the study of comparative politics.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 091 Special Topics 1-4 Credits
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS, SW, W
POLS 100 (GS 100, PHIL 100) Introduction to Political Thought 4 Credits
A critical examination of political ideologies: Liberalism, Marxism, Fascism, and Islamism.
POLS 101 Ancient Political Heritage 4 Credits
Important political thinkers from the pre-Socratics to early, modern political theorists like Machiavelli.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 102 Modern Political Heritage 4 Credits
Begins where POLS 101 ends: from early, modern theorists (e.g., Hobbes) up to contemporary thinkers (e.g., Marcuse).
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 103 Introduction to Public Administration 4 Credits
This course presents the intellectual history of the study of public administration in a manner that is intended to inform career choices for those who might consider public service and provide a broad introduction to the field of public administration. Students will gain a comprehensive perspective on the public administration discipline by exploring the pervasive puzzles, ethical dilemmas, and the critical issues in governance to date.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 104 (SOC 104) Political Sociology 4 Credits
An introduction to political sociology through an examination of the major sociological questions concerning power, politics, and the state. Covers questions concerning state formation, nationalism, social movements, globalization, political culture and participation, and civil society.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 105 (EVST 105) US Environmental Policy and Law 4 Credits
Analysis of the framework that has been established to protect the environment and promote sustainable growth. Focus on the roles of the different branches of the U.S. government and the relative responsibilities of state and local governments within this framework. Consideration of the political nature of environmental issues and the social forces influencing environmental protection in different areas of domestic environmental policy, such as climate change, toxic waste disposal, and natural resources conservation.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
POLS 106 (EVST 106) Environmental Values and Ethics 4 Credits
An introduction to the ethical perspectives and values that shape human relationships to the natural environment in contemporary society. What are the moral implications of these relationships for justice and human collective action? Given these implications, what policy responses to environmental problems are morally or politically justifiable? In answering these questions, the course explores ethical ideas developed in different schools of environmental thought, such as deep ecology and ecofeminism, in addition to ideas that emerge from social movements, such as.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS, W
POLS 107 (EVST 107) The Politics of the Environment 4 Credits
A survey of the major environmental, resource, energy and population problems of modern society, focusing on the United States. The politics of man’s relationship with nature, the political problems of ecological scarcity and public goods, and the response of the American political system to environmental issues.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 109 Introduction to Public Policy 4 Credits
Introduces students to the basic theories, principles, institutions, and processes of public policy in the U.S. The objectives are to provide students with an understanding of how social problems are defined, how potential solutions to those problems move through the policy process, and gain an empirical perspective on the consequences, as well as insight regarding the normative dimensions of policy making. Students will develop knowledge of the framework for understanding policy and engage in critical thinking regarding the nature of.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
POLS 110 (ES 110, EVST 110, HMS 110) Environmental Planning for Healthy Cities 4 Credits
An introduction to the topic of environmental planning, the course will review the roles of citizens, other stakeholders, political interests, and local governments in determining the use of land; unpack the meaning of "sustainability;" and grapple with the challenge of balancing communities' demand for development with the need to protect valuable natural resources. Students will be introduced to examples of successful and unsuccessful instances of environmental planning both at home and abroad.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 115 Technology As Politics 4 Credits
Relationship of technology and technological change with politics and public policy. Review of theories of political significance of technology, including technological determinism, technology assessment, technological progress and appropriate technology. Specific issues in technology with emphasis on U.S.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
POLS 126 (REL 126) Religion, Law and Constitution 4 Credits
An examination of the relationship of religion to American law and the United States Constitution. Course will focus on Supreme Court decisions involving the "establishment" and "free exercise" clauses of the First Amendment. Attention will also be given to the intellectual, historical, religious and theological background behind the American experiment in "church-state" separation, including the thought of Roger Williams, the Founders (Washington, Jefferson, Madison), and contemporary analysts (e.g., M. Nussbaum).
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HU, SW
POLS 127 (GS 127) The Politics of Ending Global Poverty 4 Credits
Theories of poverty reduction meet the messy realities of social life around the world. Students in the course will understand why poverty persists and what kinds of solutions to it may be effective.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
POLS 179 (WGSS 179) Politics of Women 4 Credits
Selected social and political issues relating to the role of women in American society. Focuses on such questions as economic equality, poverty, and work roles, the older woman, gender gap, political leadership, reproduction technology, and sexual violence.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 191 Special Topics 1-4 Credits
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS, SW, W
POLS 201 (ASIA 201, GS 201) South Asian Politics 4 Credits
Examines the politics of countries in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives). Some of the key themes are 1) the lasting legacy of colonialism, 2) ways in which ethnic and religious diversity is managed, 3) distinctiveness of political institutions like parliament and constitutions in South Asia, and 4) how politics, economics, and culture relate to one another. The focus of the course changes each year in order to reflect current developments and student interest.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 202 Mock Trial 1 Credit
This class interacts closely with Lehigh Mock Trial. Students will begin the year by learning the structure of a typical trial, rules of evidence and methods of persuasive argumentation. As the course develops, students will work to craft a case based on evidence, depositions, and case materials provided by AMTA (The American Mock Trial Association). At the conclusion of the semester, students will, optionally, compete with Lehigh Mock Trial at local tournaments and, eventually, the AMTA regional tournaments.
POLS 205 (AAS 205) The Political Development of American Race Relations 4 Credits
This course examines the distinctive role race has played in shaping the political history of the United States.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 210 (AAS 210, WGSS 210) Revolution on Campus 4 Credits
Universities are often sites of political protest. Some of these protests are expressive but ineffective, others can spark revolutions and regime change. Why? What distinguishes universities as sites for resistance? What makes students prone to mobilization? The study of politics can seem like an abstract pursuit, one that is not relevant to our lives. This course takes the scholarly literature on social movements and applies it to the university. Students will engage in social activism as part of this course.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 225 (IR 225) International Political Economy 4 Credits
Principles governing the interaction between the economic and political components of international phenomena. Political aspects of trade, investment, and global economic order. Political underpinnings of international economic relations. Domestic and international political consequences of economic policy and international economic relations.
Prerequisites: IR 010 and ECO 001
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
POLS 230 (AAS 230) Social Movements From the 1960s to Present 4 Credits
The lessons of U.S. social and political movements from the 1960s and the post-2000 era. Students examine social movements through the lens of intersectionality, with a focus on civil rights, anti-war activism, women’s rights, global justice, and ecology movements, to assess their connection to democracy and citizens’ lives.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 232 War on Terror in Politics, Media, and Memory 4 Credits
Examines the meaning of the US war on terrorism as interpreted and disputed in American politics, the mass media, and private and public memory. Reviews the political history and context of the war, personal experiences and critical perspectives on the war, and characterizations of the war in mainstream news media and popular film.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 240 Law and Order. The Politics of Crime and Punishment 4 Credits
This course explores the legal and political consequences of various theories of crime, punishment and social control in the United States. Topics include policing, racial profiling, trial court proceedings and the administration of justice, growing incarceration rates and the prison industry, capital punishment, the jury system, and the nature of legal obligation.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 274 Political Parties and Elections 4 Credits
Study of the organization, functions and behavior of political parties in the United States. Includes voting behavior, campaigns and elections, polling, interest groups, public opinion and the role of the media.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
POLS 291 Special Topics 1-4 Credits
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, W
POLS 300 Apprentice Teaching 1-4 Credits
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
POLS 302 Comparative State Politics 4 Credits
Analysis of major questions relating to the role of the states in the American federal system and their relationship with the national government.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
POLS 305 (AAS 305, EVST 305) Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices 4 Credits
This course is an introductory planning course, with an emphasis on housing and community development policy. It will examine historical and contemporary aspects of urban politics; the economic, demographic, and spatial evolution of American cities; and various urban problems, such as the spatial mismatch between people and jobs, housing quality and affordability, and residential segregation. Finally, the course will review how planners have addressed conditions in cities and regions over time.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 306 Public Policy Process 3-4 Credits
Power relations and their impacts on selected public policy issues, specifically taxation, housing, environment, poverty, energy, the military, and health.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 307 (HMS 307) The Politics of Mental Health Policy 4 Credits
What is normal behavior, and how do we come to understand mental illness? How do the resulting policies, to address mental health, impact society? This course is designed to facilitate thoughtful discourse on the various ways in which society regulates access to opportunities, facilitates integration or alienation, and constructs the social world.
POLS 309 (ENTP 309) Nonprofit Administration 4 Credits
This course will address key questions in nonprofit sector research, policy, and management and familiarize students with factors that tend to make the nonprofit sector distinct. Students will gain an understanding of the scope and character of nonprofit activity in the U.S. and abroad. We will explore current debates in nonprofit policy and evaluate critical challenges facing the organization and management of nonprofits.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 310 (ENTP 310) Social Entrepreneurship: How to Change the World 4 Credits
The marketplace does not always have to be harsh. Social entrepreneurship uses market-based approaches to address needs and solve problems in our society. Students in this seminar-style course will learn how to identify community problems, convince the community that it is a problem worth solving, design the response, and implement it. Hands-on projects. Must have at least junior standing or consent of the minor director.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 311 (EVST 311) Environmental Valuation for Policy Design 4 Credits
Seminar on how to value the environment for the purpose of designing and analyzing environmental policies. Review of the "contingent valuation method" currently used to price environmental resources, and assessment of this method's empirical and normative strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation of "deliberative monetary valuation" as an improved method for environmental assessment. Consideration of non-monetary approaches to environmental valuation as alternatives to understanding the environment's relationship to human well-being in policy contexts.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 312 (EVST 312) Urban Environmental Policy Workshop 4 Credits
An urban environmental planning and policy course in which students explore an issue affecting the local community, evaluate current policy responses and possible alternatives, and present recommendations to public officials, local organizations, and community members. Student research and analysis will draw on primary and secondary data, as well as feedback from conducting individual interviews, focus groups, and community meetings. Prior projects include determining how Bethlehem's new City Revitalization improvement Zone (CRIZ) might best benefit the South Side of Bethlehem, PA.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
POLS 314 Urban Agriculture Policy, Planning and Practice 4 Credits
Review of urban agriculture and greening programs in growing social movement to strengthen neighborhoods, promote healthier living, and create localized and sustainable food economies. Students consider these programs in relation to national farm policy and develop urban agriculture projects with community partners. Case studies illustrate how improving food access, beautifying vacant land, and reducing farm-to-table distances, are creatively and successfully combined. Students will receive hands-on gardening and farming experience at a community garden.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 317 The American Presidency 3-4 Credits
Role of the executive in the American political process. Includes an analysis of the historical development, selection process, and scope of executive power. Emphasizes domestic and foreign policy initiatives of selected presidents from FDR to today.
Prerequisites: (POLS 001)
Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW, W
POLS 319 (EVST 319) Mapping Data for Policymaking 4 Credits
This research methods course teaches students to highlight important conditions and trends – ones that warrant policymakers’ attention – using publicly available data sources (like the Census). Conveying information in a clear and persuasive way, one that motivates decision-makers to act, is a key step in any policymaking process. Students will become familiar with these databases and proficient at generating charts, graphs and maps using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and ArcMAP (three programs central to most jobs in policy-related fields).
Attribute/Distribution: Q, SS
POLS 320 (EVST 320, HMS 320) Food Justice in Urban Environments 4 Credits
This course will review how urban agriculture and city greening programs and policies are part of a growing movement working to strengthen neighborhoods, promote healthier living, and create more localized and sustainable food economies. This class will explore research and readings from multiple disciplines on these programs and policies, and will also delve into individual case studies that illustrate how efforts to improve food access, beautify vacant land, and reduce farm-to-table distances get creatively and successfully combined.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
POLS 321 Research Methods 4 Credits
Models in the explanation of political phenomena, appropriateness of measurement techniques; construction of research designs; rationale and application of statistical analyses; individual projects involving the construction and testing of models employing a major social science data set. Instructor permission required.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 322 The Politics of Data 4 Credits
Rapid advances in methods of data collection and analysis raise new political questions about how public institutions, the private sector, and individuals produce, use, and share data. This course examines how the emergence of data-driven decision-making is reshaping politics, exploring issues of inclusiveness, equality, privacy, and democratic accountability. We pay particular attention to how new methods of data analysis contribute to the exercise of power. If algorithms are not "neutral," then who is privileged in their use, diffusion and management?
Prerequisites: (POLS 003)
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 323 Politics Of The European Union 4 Credits
The EU has experienced unprecedented challenges to its stability and legitimacy in recent years, with calls to enhance its democratic qualities and its potential for social, economic and environmental justice. This course covers the history, institutions, and policy-making processes of the European Union, with special attention to how the EU responds to and is shaped by policy crises. Recent topics have included immigration, the euro crisis, Brexit, EU trade policy, and the rise of populism in EU countries.
Prerequisites: POLS 003 or IR 010
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
POLS 324 Politics Of Western Europe 3,4 Credits
Comparative discussion of systems of government in Western Europe and of major policy questions facing these states in the post-war era. Topics include the evolution of social welfare systems, the impact of economic crises and globalization on Western European political economy, and immigration and identity politics.
Prerequisites: POLS 003
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
POLS 325 (GS 325) Nationalism, Regionalism, and Populism 3,4 Credits
Examination of major theoretical and policy debates in the study of nationalism. Focus on the emergence and endurance of nationalist movements in the modern era, the spread of autonomy movements, and the recent rise of populist politics. Discussion of responses to nationalist claims and efforts to resolve nationalist conflict.
Prerequisites: POLS 003
Attribute/Distribution: CC
POLS 326 Organizing For Democracy 3-4 Credits
Seminar on the theory and practice of community and political organizing and their relationship with democracy and power in the United States, complementing semester-long student field placements with community groups and local organizations. Student teams help enhance the political voice of under-resourced community groups through organization-building, outreach, and policy input at the local level. Consent of instructor required.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 328 (EVST 328) U.S. Politics and the Environment 4 Credits
An examination of contemporary American politics and policy dealing with environmental issues. Current controversies in the legislative and regulatory areas will be covered to examine environmental issues and the political process. Significant portions of the course readings will be taken from government publications.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 329 Propaganda, Media, and American Politics 4 Credits
The role of propaganda and mass media in sustaining hegemony in the United States. Emphasis on television, advertising and mass culture, public relations, news media, and political propaganda pertaining to U.S. foreign and domestic policy. Students compare critical counter-hegemonic theories to political speeches, documents, news reports, and media encounters that shape much of American political life.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 331 Community Politics Internship 4 Credits
Integrated fieldwork and academic study. Seminar, research paper, and journal; internship with government and social service agencies, political groups, elected officials, and law offices. Consent of instructor required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC
POLS 332 (SOC 332) The Politics of Inequality 4 Credits
Examines the politics of gender, racial, and economic inequality in the U.S. Explores the effects of growing inequality on political representation, and the impact of government policy on perpetuating inequality. Class consciousness, and its effects on political beliefs and behavior, are examined.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
POLS 334 Quantitative Applications in Political Science 4 Credits
This course will cover applications of statistical reasoning and quantitative research design in political science and public policy research. Analysis will be performed in the programming language R, with an emphasis on learning tools for reproducible research. Prior coursework in computer programming and/or statistics is expected. Enrollment is by instructor permission.
Attribute/Distribution: Q
POLS 335 Latin American Political Systems 4 Credits
Democratic, authoritarian and revolutionary paths to contemporary political issues. Political, economic and social implications of contemporary “democratic” regimes and neo-liberal economic policies. Discussion groups and student presentations on prospects for democratic peace and prosperity in the future.
Prerequisites: (POLS 003)
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 336 U.S. Foreign Policy and Latin America 3-4 Credits
U.S. historical relationship with Central America, Caribbean and South America with emphasis on economic and military dominance. Contemporary issues such as U.S. invasions of Panama and Grenada, U.S. Cuban relations, the militarization of the “drug war,” counter-insurgency. Written analysis of competing U.S. interests across time and regions.
Prerequisites: (POLS 003)
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 337 Religion and Politics in Latin America 4 Credits
Indigenous and “imported” religious structures, the prominent role of the Catholic Church in Latin America, and the recent explosion of Protestant/ Pentecostal churches. Emphasis on the intersection of religious belief and power (i.e., gender, local politics, national development, etc.). Short papers integrate material with students’ knowledge of religious/political phenomena. Discussion groups analyze philosophical foundations of belief.
Prerequisites: (POLS 003 and POLS 336)
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 339 (ASIA 339) The Rise of the State in Modern East Asia 4 Credits
An examination of the role of Asian nationalism in the construction of the modern state form in Asia.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 340 Domination 4 Credits
Is hierarchy in human societies inevitable? How do we make sense of justice and equality if domination is an inescapable aspect of the social world? Our consideration of these questions will draw on a wide range of literatures including primatology, political philosophy, anthropology, and gender studies. We will also use non-academic sources such as films and novels to explore the world of domination and resistance.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 342 (GS 342, WGSS 342) Gender and Third World Development 3-4 Credits
Focus on gender implications of contemporary strategies for Third World economic growth, neo-liberalism. How do economic theories affect ‘real people?’ How do economic theories affect men vs. women? What is the role of people who want to ‘help?’ Some background in economic theories and/or Third World politics desired, but not required.
Prerequisites: POLS 001 or WGSS 001
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 343 (AAS 343, ASIA 343, GS 343) Global Politics of Race: Asia and Africa 4 Credits
An examination of the concept of “race” and its impact on domestic and international politics.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 347 Constitutional Law and Politics 4 Credits
Exploration of the process of legal reasoning, the place of the United States Supreme Court in the American political system, the multiple influences on judicial decision-making, and various interpretive debates over the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. Following this introduction to the interplay of law and politics, the focus turns to particular domains within the canon of constitutional law, including cases pertaining to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction and capacity; the separation of powers between the three branches of government; federalism.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 348 Land Use, Growth Management, and the Politics of Sprawl 3-4 Credits
An intro to the issues of Land Use Planning, Community, Growth Mgmt, & Sprawl. Will examine the history of urban development in America, from the earliest settlements to the auto suburbs. Also explore such planning & development factors as comprehensive plans, zoning, & the influence of infrastructure on development. Concludes with an assessment of the revival of city centers, alternatives to sprawl, & comparisons to development patterns in other countries.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 349 (WGSS 349) Greed: Social Policy for Profit 4 Credits
This course examines criminal justice, housing, health, education, and welfare policies across US states through the lenses of class, race, gender, and sexuality. Students will learn how social regulations structure opportunities and assess the implications of those opportunity strucures.
POLS 350 Religion and Politics in Comparative Perspective 4 Credits
This research seminar attempts to identify the conditions under which religious parties arise and become influential, how religion influences popular understandings of secular politics and the extent to which religion is a necessary feature of modern public discourse. These topics are explored through country specific cases from around the world.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, W
POLS 352 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties 4 Credits
A continuation of themes, issues, and debates of the previous semester (Constitutional Law and Politics). This course addresses the major cases and controversies within several legal domains, including the freedoms of and from religion; freedom of speech; freedom of association; freedom of the press; the right to bear arms; the rights of criminal defendants and suspects; the right to privacy; capital punishment; and, the equal protection of the law.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 354 (HMS 354) U.S. Health Care Politics 4 Credits
Health care programs, policies, and their impact on American society. Topics include approaches to health care; public sector plans (Medicare and Medicaid); managed care; the employer-sponsored system; medically uninsured; vested interests and lobbyists; movements for national health care; and options for change.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
POLS 355 (EVST 355) Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice 4 Credits
This course explores the various ways in which environmental law and policy can have discriminatory effects. It examines the rise and evolution of environmental justice movement, and the impact of environmental justice claims on administration policies, especially at the federal level. Considering the role of politics in the ongoing struggle for environmental justice, it reviews theories of substantive and procedural justice, and uses them to consider strategies for advancing equity in environmental law and policy.
Prerequisites: POLS 105 or ES 105
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
POLS 356 Seminar: Political Philosophy 3-4 Credits
Critical examination of several of the “great books” and/or “great ideas” in political thought. Students will help select the material for critical discussion.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 357 Politics Of Authenticity 4 Credits
Works in political philosophy, psychoanalytic theory, literature, and film that discuss knowing and being one’s self will be critically discussed. If you feel a life of “quiet desperation” is inevitable, this course is for you.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 358 Interest Groups, Power, and Democracy in American Politics 4 Credits
Examines the competition for power in American politics between business groups, professional organizations, citizens groups, and social movements. Evaluates claims about the rise of upper-class dominance in politics, and what implications this trend may have for American democracy in an era of rising economic inequality.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 359 U.S.Congress 3-4 Credits
Elections for the House and Senate and their significance for the way in which Congress functions. The formal structure of party leadership and committees, House and Senate organizational and functional differences, and informal and formal power of legislation and oversight. Congressional relations with the president, bureaucracy, and Supreme Court.
Prerequisites: POLS 001
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 360 Public Administration 3-4 Credits
The nature of administration; problems of organization and management; public personnel policies; budgeting and budgetary system; forms of administrative responsibility.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, WRIT
POLS 363 Public Opinion Research 4 Credits
This course examines fundamental processes and tools employed in public opinion research. This class is designed to provide students with the ability to develop, implement and evaluate various forms of public opinion research including surveys, focus groups and individual interviews.Students will be introduced to numerous aspects of public opinion research including questionnaire design, sampling, interviewing, data analysis, focus group moderation, and varied forms of data collection.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 364 (PHIL 364) Issues In Contemporary Political Philosophy 3-4 Credits
Selected topics in contemporary political philosophy, such as the Frankfurt school, existentialism, legitimation, authenticity, participatory democracy, and the alleged decline of political philosophy. May be repeated for credit with the consent of instructor.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 366 (EVST 366) Advanced Environmental Policy 4 Credits
An introduction to the history of domestic environmental policy and contemporary policy trends, such as the rise of legal adversarialism and public participation in regulatory decisions. The role of market instruments in policy implementation, the emergence of rights-based approaches to environmental protection, and the role and value of distributional analysis will also be covered. Students will develop knowledge of a particular area of environmental policy at the federal, state, and/or level depending on their interests and current opportunities.
Prerequisites: POLS 105 or ES 105
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
POLS 367 (PHIL 367) American Political Thought 3-4 Credits
A critical examination of American political thought from the founding of the Republic to the present. Writings from Madison, Hamilton, and Jefferson to Emma Goldman, Mary Daly, Malcolm X, Henry Kariel, and others will be discussed.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 368 Political Economy 3-4 Credits
Relationship of democratic politics to government and market, and significance of economic power in the American polity. Economic rationale for the place of the market and economic institutions in polity. Emphasis on information in comparison of economic approaches to public policy and organization (public goods, market failure, and collective action) with traditional political science approaches (group mobilization and conflict, non-decisions and symbolic action).
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 369 (ASIA 369, GS 369, WGSS 369) Women's Movement in China 4 Credits
We will examine the state-sponsored, state-directed mass movement for the liberation of Chinese women. Beginning with Confucian notions of mother/daughterhood, to imperial system, to the role of women in the founding and establishment of the Communist Party of China, to the participation of women and girls in the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Gender equality issues have been a central focus of the Party. The class will look at post-reform era women's status and ask, “did the Party liberate women?”
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 370 Seminar: The Citizen versus the Administrative State 4 Credits
Administrative power and policy. Constitutional and judicial control of administration. Remedies against improper administrative acts. Major emphasis will be on the United States, with some attention given to analogous issues in other countries.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 373 Globalization and Social Well-Being 4 Credits
This course examines how the various dimensions of globalization impact people by exploring factors that reflect and affect quality of life. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities resulting from the growing interconnectedness and interdependencies of global relations. The course is intended to get people thinking creatively about opportunities for connections that preserve human dignity.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 376 Seminar: National Social Policy 3-4 Credits
A readings/research seminar on current social policy questions. analyzes, from alternatives political perspectives, such issues as Social Security, Medicare, health care, welfare reform, income inequality, and taxation. Students research a specific social issue of their choice. Class discussion on individual research and common readings.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 378 Honors Thesis In Political Science 1-4 Credits
Opportunity for undergraduate majors in Political Science to pursue an extended project for senior honors. Department permission required.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, W
POLS 379 Honors Thesis In Political Science 1-4 Credits
Continuation of POLS 378. Consent of department required.
Prerequisites: POLS 378
Attribute/Distribution: SS, W
POLS 380 (HMS 380, WGSS 380) The End of Policing? Politics of Social Control 4 Credits
"What are your prime directives? Serve the public trust, protect the innocent, uphold the law" (Robocop 1987). This course focuses on policy design and feedback and is not a course on police procedure or policing tactics. The primary objective of the course is to learn to think critically about public safety and evaluate policies based on their value to democracy.
Attribute/Distribution: CC
POLS 381 Special Topics 1-4 Credits
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy. Consent of department chair required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
POLS 391 Special Topics 1-4 Credits
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, W
POLS 392 Independent Study 1-4 Credits
Individually supervised course in Political Science. Instructor permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, W
POLS 400 Research in Politics and Public Policy 3 Credits
Provides students from a diverse array of academic backgrounds with an introduction to politics and public policy. Research topics will vary by instructor, with a primary emphasis on research in American politics, comparative politics, and public policy.
POLS 402 Methods Of Policy Analysis 3 Credits
Approaches or models used to analyze public policy. Assumptions underlying each model and critiques of each; may include a number of the following approaches: institutional, process, rational, group, incremental, and/or elite.
POLS 403 Creativity, Ideas, and Methods in Political Science 3 Credits
Explores the challenges and creative possibilities of turning ‘research interests’ into doable research projects – such as research papers, MA theses, or doctoral dissertations. Discusses the domains of qualitative methodology and how social scientists seek to understand, represent, and analyze the social world. Topics: the politics of interpretation, observation, and quantification in social research, and critiques of assumptions about power and causality.
POLS 405 (EVST 405) Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices 3 Credits
This course is an introductory planning course, with an emphasis on housing and community development policy. It will examine historical and contemporary aspects of urban politics; the economic, demographic, and spatial evolution of American cities; and various urban problems, such as the spatial mismatch between people and jobs, housing quality and affordability, and residential segregation. Finally, the course will review how planners have addressed conditions in cities and regions over time.
POLS 406 Public Policy Process 3 Credits
Power relations and their impacts on selected public policy issues, specifically taxation, housing, environment, poverty, energy, the military, and health.
POLS 407 The Politics of Mental Health Policy 3 Credits
What is normal behavior, and how do we come to understand mental illness? How do the resulting policies, to address mental health, impact society? This course is designed to facilitate thoughtful discourse on the various ways in which society regulates access to opportunities, facilitates integration or alienation, and constructs the social world.
POLS 408 American Politics Core 3 Credits
A survey of American politics utilizing readings reflecting a variety of methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives. Readings include but are not limited to works widely regarded as “classics” in American political science.
POLS 409 Nonprofit Administration 3 Credits
This course will address key questions in nonprofit sector research, policy, and management and familiarize students with factors that tend to make the nonprofit sector distinct. Students will gain an understanding of the scope and character of nonprofit activity in the U.S. and abroad. We will explore current debates in nonprofit policy and evaluate critical challenges facing the organization and management of nonprofits.
POLS 411 (EVST 411) Environmental Valuation for Policy Design 3 Credits
Seminar on how to value the environment for the purpose of designing and analyzing environmental policies. Review of the "contingent valuation method" currently used to price environmental resources, and assessment of this method's empirical and normative strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation of "deliberative monetary valuation" as an improved method for environmental assessment. Consideration of non-monetary approaches to environmental valuation as alternatives to understanding the environment's relationship to human well-being in policy contexts.
POLS 412 (EVST 412) Urban Environmental Policy Workshop 3 Credits
An urban environmental planning and policy course in which students explore an issue affecting the local community, evaluate current policy responses and possible alternatives, and present recommendations to public officials, local organizations, and community members. Student research and analysis will draw on primary and secondary data, as well as feedback from conducting individual interviews, focus groups, and community meetings. Prior projects include determining how Bethlehem's new City Revitalization improvement Zone (CRIZ) might best benefit the South Side of Bethlehem, PA.
POLS 413 Modern Political Philosophy 3 Credits
A study of selected modern political philosophers and their continuing effect on politics and political philosophy.
POLS 415 State and Local Government 3 Credits
Comparative state government, urban politics, intergovernmental relations, regional and local government.
POLS 416 American Environmental Policy 3 Credits
Formation, implementation and impact of environmental policies in the U.S. An examination of the scope of environmental problems, the development of environment as an issue, the role of interest groups and public opinion, the policy-making process, and the various approaches to implementing environmental policy. Special attention to current issues and administrative approaches and to the distinctive character of environmental protection as a political issue.
POLS 419 (EVST 419) Mapping Data for Policymaking 3 Credits
This research methods course teaches students to highlight important conditions and trends – ones that warrant policymakers’ attention – using publicly available data sources (like the Census). Conveying information in a clear and persuasive way, one that motivates decision-makers to act, is a key step in any policymaking process. Students will become familiar with these databases and proficient at generating charts, graphs and maps using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and ArcMAP (three programs central to most jobs in policy-related fields).
POLS 420 (EVST 420) Food Justice in Urban Environments 3 Credits
This course will review how urban agriculture and city greening programs and policies are part of a growing movement working to strengthen neighborhoods, promote healthier living, and create more localized and sustainable food economies. This class will explore research and readings from multiple disciplines on these programs and policies, and will also delve into individual case studies that illustrate how efforts to improve food access, beautify vacant land, and reduce farm-to-table distances get creatively and successfully combined.
POLS 421 Research Methods 3 Credits
Models in the explanation of political phenomena, appropriateness of measurement techniques; construction of research designs; rationale and application of statistical analyses; individual projects involving the construction and testing of models employing a major social science data set.
POLS 422 The Politics of Data 3 Credits
Rapid advances in methods of data collection and analysis raise new political questions about how public institutions, the private sector, and individuals produce, use, and share data. This course examines how the emergence of data-driven decision-making is reshaping politics, exploring issues of inclusiveness, equality, privacy, and democratic accountability. We pay particular attention to how new methods of data analysis contribute to the exercise of power. If algorithms are not "neutral," then who is privileged in their use, diffusion and management?
POLS 423 Politics Of The European Union 3 Credits
The EU has experienced unprecedented challenges to its stability and legitimacy in recent years, with calls to enhance its democratic qualities and its potential for social, economic and environmental justice. This course covers the history, institutions, and policy-making processes of the European Union, with special attention to how the EU responds to and is shaped by policy crises. Recent topics have included immigration, the euro crisis, Brexit, EU trade policy, and the rise of populism in EU countries.
POLS 425 Nationalism,Regionalism, and Populism 3 Credits
Examination of major theoretical and policy debates in the study of nationalism. Focus on the emergence and endurance of nationalist movements in the modern era, the spread of autonomy movements, and the recent rise of populist politics. Discussion of responses to nationalist claims and efforts to resolve nationalist conflict.
POLS 426 Organizing For Democracy 3 Credits
Seminar on the theory and practice of community and political organizing and their relationship with democracy and power in the United States, complementing semester-long student field placements with community groups and local organizations. Student teams help enhance the political voice of under-resourced community groups through organization-building, outreach, and policy input at the local level. Consent of instructor required.
POLS 427 American Democracy: Decline or Revival? 3 Credits
Theories of democracy, analysis of its decline, and possible scenarios for a revived democratic culture. Research projects on topics of personal interest; class participation in hands-on project in local democracy-building.
POLS 428 Media & Democracy 3 Credits
General & theoretical considerations about democracy, the political economy of the mass media, and analysis of ways in which the media influence political discourse in the United States and globalized media culture. Hands-on analysis of media samples: news coverage, political advertising, public relations advertising, and interactive learning on how group might utilize the media to express its voice effectively.
POLS 429 Propaganda, Media & American Politics 3 Credits
The role of propaganda and mass media in sustaining hegemony in the United States. Emphasis on television, advertising and mass culture, public relations, news media, and political propaganda pertaining to U.S. foreign and domestic policy. Students compare critical, counter-hegemonic theories to political speeches, documents, news reports, and media encounters that shape much of American political life.
POLS 430 Social Movements From the 1960s to Present 3 Credits
The lessons of U.S. social and political movements from the 1960s and the post 2000 era. Students examine social movements through the lens of intersectionality with a focus on civil rights, anti-war activism, women’s rights, global justice, and ecology movements, to assess their connection to democracy, citizens' lives.
POLS 432 The Politics of Inequality 3 Credits
Examines the politics of gender, racial, and economic inequality in the U.S. Explores the effects of growing inequality on political representation, and the impact of government policy on perpetuating inequality. Class consciousness, and its effects on political beliefs and behavior, are examined.
POLS 433 The Politics Of Health Care 3 Credits
Examines the politics of American health care and its impact on society. Issues ranging from the role of the private sector to government-supported programs; focus on ways to restructure the system, based on alternatives in selected nations.
POLS 434 Quantitative Applications in Political Science 3 Credits
This course will cover statistical reasoning and quantitative research design at the graduate level. Analysis will be performed in the programming language R, with an emphasis on learning tools for reproducible research. No programming experience is required. This course is an approved elective for the MPP and MA in Political Science.
POLS 435 Power, Persuasion and the American Presidency 3 Credits
Examination of selected modern presidents, from FDR to the current occupant of the White House, and their effectiveness as communicators and policy makers.
POLS 439 The Rise of the State in Modern East Asia 3 Credits
An examination of the role of Asian nationalism in the construction of the modern state form in Asia.
POLS 440 Domination 3 Credits
Is hierarchy in human societies inevitable? How do we make sense of justice and equality if domination is an inescapable aspect of the social world? Our consideration of these questions will draw on a wide range of literatures including primatology, political philosophy, anthropology, and gender studies. We will also use non-academic sources such as films and novels to explore the world of domination and resistance.
POLS 443 Global Politics of Race: Asia and Africa 3 Credits
An examination of the concept of “race” and its impact on domestic and international politics.
POLS 447 Constitutional Law and Politics 3 Credits
Exploration of the process of legal reasoning, the place of the United States Supreme Court in the American political System, the multiple influences on judicial decision-making, and various interpretive debates over the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. Following this introduction to the interplay of law and politics, the focus turns to particular domains within the canon of constitutional law, including cases pertaining to the Supreme Court's jurisdiction and capacity; the separation of powers between the three branches of government; federalism.
POLS 448 (HIST 448) Land Use, Growth Management, and the Politics of Sprawl 3 Credits
An intro to the issues of Land Use Planning, Community, Growth Mgmt, & Sprawl. Will examine the history of urban development in America, from the earliest settlements to the auto suburbs. Also explore such planning & development factors as comprehensive plans, zoning, & the influence of infrastructure on development. Concludes with an assessment of the revival of city centers, alternatives to sprawl, & comparisons to development patterns in other countries.
POLS 449 (WGSS 449) Greed: Social Policy for Profit 3 Credits
This course examines criminal justice, housing, health, education, and welfare policies across US states through the lenses of class, race, gender, and sexuality. Students will learn how social regulations structure opportunities and assess the implications of those opportunity strucures.
POLS 450 Religion and Politics in Comparative Perspective 3 Credits
This research seminar attempts to identify the conditions under which religious parties arise and become influential, how religion influences popular understandings of secular politics and the extent to which religion is a necessary feature of modern public discourse. These topics are explored through country specific cases from around the world.
POLS 451 Comparative Politics Core 3 Credits
Discussion of major recent works in comparative politics that exemplify on-going substantive debates and methodological problems in the field. Topics: state-building and the construction of social order, institutions, political economy, democracy, development, and political mobilization.
POLS 452 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties 3 Credits
A continuation of themes, issues, and debates of the previous semester (Constitutional Law and Politics). This course addresses the major cases and controversies within several legal domains, including the freedoms of and from religion; freedom of speech; freedom of association; freedom of the press; the right to bear arms; the rights of criminal defendants and suspects; the right to privacy; capital punishment; and, the equal protection of the law.
POLS 453 Seminar: Media, Propaganda and Democracy 3 Credits
Research seminar on theoretical and applied issues related to democracy vs. political hegemony, as affected by propaganda, the mass media, popular culture, and the capitalist economy. Students will pursue individual research topics linked to common class readings. Weekly paper presentations and critical responses.
POLS 454 The State in Asia 3 Credits
Examination of state-directed political, economic and social development in and among Asian states, with an addition focus on the relationships between the domestic policies of various Asian states and relations with non-Asian states.
POLS 455 (EVST 455) Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice 3 Credits
This course explores the various ways in which environmental law and policy can have discriminatory effects. It examines the rise and evolution of environmental justice movement, and the impact of environmental justice claims on administrative rule making at state and federal level. Reviewing the history of case law concerning environmental justice suits filed under the 1964 Civil Rights Act, it also examines the future of environmental justice in environmental law and policy.
POLS 456 Seminar: Political Philosophy 3 Credits
Critical examination of several of the “great books” and/or “great ideas” in political thought.
POLS 457 Politics Of Authenticity 3 Credits
Works in political philosophy, psychoanalytic theory, literature, and film that discuss knowing and being one’s self will be critically discussed. If you feel a life of “quiet desperation” is inevitable, this course is for you.
POLS 458 Interest Groups, Power, and Democracy in American Politics 3 Credits
Examines the competition for power in American politics between business groups, professional organizations, citizens groups, and social movements. Evaluates claims about the rise of upper-class dominance in politics, and what implications this trend may have for American democracy in an era of rising economic inequality.
POLS 460 (EVST 460) Public Administration 3 Credits
The nature of administration; problems of organization and management; public personnel policies; budgeting and budgetary system; forms of administrative responsibility.
POLS 462 Seminar: American Political Thought 3 Credits
Focus on a narrow topic or theorist in the field, e.g., the work of Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, or Tocqueville. Students will be required to write a major paper and present it to the class.
POLS 463 Public Opinion Research 3 Credits
This course examines fundamental processes and tools employed in public opinion research. This class is designed to provide students with the ability to develop, implement and evaluate various forms of public opinion research including surveys, focus groups and individual interviews. Students will be introduced to numerous aspects of public opinion research including questionnaire design, sampling, interviewing, data analysis, focus group moderation, and varied forms of data collection.
POLS 464 Community Fellowship I 3 Credits
15 hours/week in regional agency on specific project relating to regional redevelopment with regularly scheduled contact hours with the faculty advisor.
POLS 465 Community Fellowship II 3 Credits
15 hours/week in regional agency on specific project relating to regional redevelopment with regularly scheduled contact hours with the faculty advisor.
POLS 466 (EVST 466) Advanced Environmental Policy 3 Credits
An introduction to the history of domestic environmental policy and contemporary policy trends, such as the rise of legal adversarialism and public participation in regulatory decisions. The role of market instruments in policy implementation, the emergence of rights-based approaches to environmental protection, and the role and value of distributional analysis will also be covered. Students will develop knowledge of a particular area of environmental policy at the federal, state, and/or level depending on their interests and current opportunities.
POLS 467 Legal Problems 3 Credits
This course involves an examination of the role of legal rules, agents, institutions, and values in our society. Primary emphasis will be given to the American legal system, though we will evaluate U.S. principles and politics through a comparative lens as well.
POLS 468 Political Economy 3 Credits
Relationship of democratic politics to government and market, and significance of economic power in the American polity. Economic rationale for the place of the market and economic institutions in polity. Emphasis on information in comparison of economic approaches to public policy and organization (public goods, market failure and collective action) with traditional political science approaches (group mobilization and conflict, non-decisions and symbolic actions.
POLS 469 (WGSS 469) The Women's Movement in China 3 Credits
We will examine the state-sponsored, state-directed mass movement for the liberation of Chinese women. Beginning with Confucian notions of mother/daughterhood, to imperial system, to the role of women in the founding and establishment of the Communist Party of China, to the participation of women and girls in the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Gender equality issues have been a central focus of the Party. The class will look at post-reform era women's status and ask, “did the Party liberate women?”
POLS 473 Globalization and Social Well-Being 3 Credits
This course examines how the various dimensions of globalization impact people by exploring factors that reflect and affect quality of life. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities resulting from the growing interconnectedness and interdependencies of global relations. The course is intended to get people thinking creatively about opportunities for connections that preserve human dignity.
POLS 477 Advanced Computer Applications 3 Credits
Uses of computers in social sciences, including data collection, management, analysis, presentation, and decision-making; includes weekly lab.
POLS 480 The End of Policing? Politics of Social Control 3 Credits
"What are your prime directives? Serve the public trust, protect the innocent, uphold the law" (Robocop 1987). This course focuses on policy design and feedback and is not a course on police procedure or policing tactics. The primary objective of the course is to learn to think critically about public safety and evaluate policies based on their value to democracy.
POLS 481 Special Topics 1-3 Credits
Individual inquiry into some problem of government. Reading, field work, and other appropriate techniques of investigation. Conferences and reports.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
POLS 490 Thesis 1-6 Credits
POLS 491 Special Topics 3 Credits
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
POLS 492 Independent Study 1-3 Credits
Individually supervised course in Political Science. Instructor permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
