Undergraduate Programs – Courses
Course Description
POLISCI 101 American Politics
Introduction to and overview of American government. Emphasis on understanding American political institutions such as the Congress, the presidency, and the courts in light of democratic theory and values. Examination of the electoral process; how government institutions respond to demands for public policies. (Gen.Ed. SB)
POLISCI 111 Comparative Politics
An introductory exploration of political systems in several nation states
in various parts of the world. Coverage differs depending on the specialties
and interests of instructor. Students learn about generalized comparative
approaches and political development, political processes and political
institutions in each state covered. (Gen.Ed. SB, G)
POLISCI 121
World Politics
Introduction to the principles and practices of international relations
in the political, military, economic, and environmental realms. Study
of the development of the contemporary system to explore the effects
of the structure of the international system, the institutions through which
states conduct their relations, and domestic characteristics on the relations
among states. (Gen.Ed. SB)
POLISCI 162 Introduction Constitutional
Law
Introduction to the American constitution as law. The importance
of the text and the traditions of interpretation. The courts, congress,
and the presidency. Also local power, the bill of rights, and the fourteenth
amendment. (Gen.Ed. SB)
POLISCI 163 Introduction Civil Liberties
A survey of constitutional rights to free expression, equality, due process,
and other civil liberties; attention to contemporary policy issues such
as pornography, sex discrimination, and student rights.
POLISCI
171 Introduction Political Theory
Introduction to the Western tradition of political theory; focus on particular
problems and issues through a reading of classical and non-traditional
texts. Topics include political obligation, justice, feminism, individuality,
friendship, community, civil disobedience, power, others. Recommended
for Political Science majors; not open to senior Political Science majors.
(GenEd. SB)
POLISCI 181 Controversies in Public Policy
Introduction to contemporary public policy issues and debates. Various
perspectives on public policy, including equality, justice, and efficiency.
Emphasis on in-class discussion and debates. Applications may include
environmental policy, affirmative action, immigration, welfare policy,
education, health, and other public policies.
(Gen.Ed. SB U)
POLISCI 201 American Politics Through Film
Motives used to explore the development of American politics in the 20th
century. The forces that shaped our politics early in the century (immigration,
reform, religion), the rise of "big" government in the depression and World War II years (the new roles of the federal government, the enhanced presidency, internationalism, and anti-communism), and selected issues (race, gender, modern campaigns) prominent since the 1960s. The meaning of political democracy in America and how our understanding of it has adapted to changing times and conditions. (Gen.Ed. HS)
POLISCI 203 American Political Thought
Origin and evolution of political ideas and ideals that have shaped the
American constitutional system. Tensions within and between liberalism
and democracy and the impact of changing social and economic conditions
on political beliefs and values. (Gen.Ed. HS)
POLISCI 208 Political Parties & Elections
Analysis of the roles of political parties in elections and in government.
Emphasis on elections and democratic theory; voting behavior; party organizations,
PACs, and money in congressional and presidential elections; political
parties and the governmental process; and parties as sources of continuity
and vehicles for change in American politics.
POLISCI 214 Urban Gov & Politics
An overview of city politics in the U.S. Focus on understanding urban
political economy, including its relation to state and federal governments,
the complexity of relations between public and private sectors, the structure
of city governments, and decision-making processes. Includes such topical
issues as education, housing, and economic development.
POLISCI 219 State & Local Government
Problems, politics, and issues of state government in the U.S. The key
factors inhibiting and facilitating the reemergence of the states in
the political system. Significance of state government in the development
and implementation of local and federal policies. (Gen.Ed. SB)
POLISCI 220 Public Administration
Focus on political control of public agencies, including how and why
agencies are created, the ways in which they shape public policies, how
elected officials and other actors control agency discretion, and the
ways in which agencies might be reformed. Covers a wide range of policy
issues including social welfare, public health, and the environment.
Eclectic readings include fiction, case studies, news articles, and government
documents.
POLISCI 236 Russian Politics
Historical and ideological influences on politics; the interconnection
of social and political institutions and processes; membership, organization,
and operation of political groups; the constitution and the governmental
structure and their operation; the politics of change, reform, resistance,
and ethnicity; contemporary foreign policy; and prospects for the future.
POLISCI 239 Government & Politics of West Europe
Analysis of the political cultures, institutions, systems, and processes
of selected West European countries. Emphasis on social and economic
factors relating to contemporary political issues.
POLISCI 245 Government & Politics of English Speaking Caribbean
Focus on the English-speaking Caribbean, formerly the British West Indies:
Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Grenada. Analysis of the political
institutions, processes and movements which give expression to the forces
at work in these societies, especially those of class, ethnicity, and
relations of production. Regional economic integration and political
federation examined: the utility or otherwise of CARICOM, failure of
West Indies federation, etc. Recommended: POLISCI 111.
POLISCI 249 Canadian Politics
A broad "North American" perspective is used to analyze the geographical,
cultural, and governmental features of Canadian political life. Persistent
contentious issues in Canada are examined, including national identity,
French-English relations, regionalism, and Canadian-United States relations.
POLISCI 252 Globalization, Governance & World Order
Reviews the multiple dimensions of globalization and their impact on
international politics and human life. Studies the multiple state and
non-state actors involved in international governance. Analyzes efforts
to steer globalization and the implications for security, prosperity,
justice, and ecological integrity. No prerequisites.
(SBG)
POLISCI 253 International Environmental Politics & Policy
Focus on the social, political, and economic factors causing environmental
threats and by which efforts have been taken to manage or ameliorate
such threats. Introduction to the major actors involved in international
environmental politics and the major patterns by which problems are approached
internationally.
POLISCI 255 American Foreign Policy
Principles of American foreign policy with an emphasis on the historical,
political, and administrative sources of contemporary policies. Analysis
of the foreign policy-making process with specific reference to illustrative
case studies. Recommended: equivalent of POLISCI 101 or 121.
POLISCI 270 Ancient Political Thought
Introduction to Western political thought. Classical Greek political
philosophies; their evolution from Socrates to Stoicism; the confrontation
of the Greek tradition and Hebraic outlook via Christianity as seen in
Augustine and Aquinas. Exploration of the relationship of political theory
to history, drama, prophecy, and theology.
POLISCI 271 Modern Political Thought
Reading of selected political theorists from 16th to 19th centuries:
Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Tocqueville, Marx, and Nietzsche.
Emphasis on the nature of the political world and the forms of understanding
and activity appropriate to it.
POLISCI 280 Public Policy
Focus on how public policies are made in the U.S., including the role
of citizens, interest groups, and government institutions. Emphasis on
the processes by which policies are made in various institutions, including
the Presidency, Congress, bureaucracy, and courts. Examples cover numerous
public policies, such as campaign finance reform, foreign policy, and
the environment. (Gen.Ed. SB)
POLISCI 295G S-Global & World Order
This course will look at the multiple dimensions of globalization and
their impacts on international politics and on human life, as well as
at various efforts to accelerate, slow, or control globalization to enhance
the pursuit of security, prosperity, justice, and ecological integrity.
This course will look at the roles of governments, international institutions,
non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations in the
quest for world order in such areas as human rights, arms control, peace
making and humanitarian intervention, migration and refugees, environmental
protection, and international economic relations.
POLISCI 297E ST-American Political Theory through Film
Motives used to explore the development of American politics in the 20th
century. The forces that shaped our politics early in the century (immigration,
reform, religion), the rise of "big" government in the depression
and World War II years (the new roles of the federal government, the enhanced
presidency, internationalism, and anti-communism), and selected issues (race,
gender, modern campaigns) prominent since the 1960s. The meaning of political
democracy in America and how our understanding of it has adapted to changing
times and conditions.
POLISCI 302 American Presidency
Focus on the constitutional, political, institutional, and policy context
of the presidency. The creation of the office, the selection process,
the policy process, and pathology and reform.
POLISCI 305 Congress & Legislative Process
Analysis and evaluation of the U.S. Congress, its structure, procedures,
and norms. Emphasis on congressional elections; representation; legislative
behavior; the relationship between Congress and the executive branch;
and Congress as a source of continuity and a vehicle for change in American
politics.
POLISCI 307 Black Politics
Introduction to black politics and ideology in the United States. Includes:
the social and political construction of "Blackness"; blacks and
social movement; voting and representation; and black popular culture and
politics.
POLISCI 308 Public Opinion In Politics
The origins, content, and impact of public opinion and the linkages of
public opinion and public policy in the U.S. Conducting a sample survey
of opinion.
POLISCI 317 Massachusetts Politics
Massachusetts politics studied as a rich and colorful story, entailing
corruption and virtue. Focus mainly on the present, covering the institutions
of government and the political process. Students have the opportunity
to pursue an aspect of the story that especially interests them.
POLISCI 332 Government & Politics of Scandinavia
The rise of the Scandinavian states (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden); emphasis
on the interplay of political, social, and economic factors in shaping
democracy. The Scandinavian welfare state model and its domestic and
international dimensions. Prior course in modern European history and/or
comparative politics (POLISCI 111) recommended.
POLISCI 335 Government & Politics of East Central Europe
Survey of the ethnic, religious, and historic infrastructure of East-Central
Europe; focus on the character of the regimes, Communist Party rule,
the divergencies between the various states of the area, and their relations
with Russia and the changes of 1989 and later. Survey includes Poland,
Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, the Czech and Slovak republics,
and the successor states of the former Yugoslavia.
POLISCI 338 Nationalism, Ethnicity & Identity in Politics
A comparative exploration of nationalism, ethnic conflict and identity-based
politics in various parts of the world. Students learn about different
theoretical approaches through historical and contemporary case studies
of the relationship between identity and politics. A discussion of relevant
films and literary texts supplements the course readings. Prerequisite:
POLISCI 111 or 121.
(SBG)
POLISCI 340 Latin American Politics
Overview of major approaches to the study of Latin American politics
and survey of historical and contemporary democratic, populist, authoritarian,
and revolutionary regimes. Special attention to local, national and global
forces shaping development strategies and public policies; changing institutional
arrangements and shifting discourses of domination; and, social movements
and strategies of resistance among subaltern social groups and classes.
POLISCI 341 Government & Politics of Central American & Hispanic
Caribbean
Comparative analysis of the interest groups, political parties, and governmental
institutions of the Central American and Caribbean countries. Emphasis
on Communism and the role of the U.S.
POLISCI 343 Government & Politics of East Africa
Comparative analysis of the politics of change in Tanzania and Kenya.
Economic dependency and underdevelopment; decolonization and liberation;
ideology and practice; democratization and economic liberalization. Emphasis
on interaction between domestic and external politics. Prerequisite:
upper-division standing, POLISCI 111 or consent of instructor.
POLISCI 344 Political Systems of Spain & Portugal
Unique aspects of the process of political development in Spain and Portugal;
emphasis on the heritage of these two nations as reflected in their New
World colonies in the Americas and on the present-day pattern of politics
in Iberian peninsula.
POLISCI 345 Rvltn Ntlsm Impr Crb
Focuses on four countries often denied a Caribbean identity Cuba, Puerto
Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti whose politics are assessed in
regional Caribbean terms, identifying common factors in historical and
contemporary development. POLISCI 245 recommended.
POLISCI 346 Government & Politics of West Africa
Comparison of political economy of four former British colonies of West
Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, the Gambia and Sierra Leone. Difficulties of
nation-state formation, the politics of the military state, role of governments
in promoting, altering or retarding economic growth; impact of IMF and
other external institutions on development processes. The Gambia as deviate
case: liberalism and electoral politics examined. Recommended: POLISCI
111.
POLISCI 351 International Security Policy
Theories about the causes of war and peace, including efforts to identify
foreign policies and institutional arrangements that foster war or peace,
and the policy implications of these theories in the past, present, and
future. International relations scholarship, science fiction novels,
and films used to address these issues.
POLISCI 352 Inter-American Relations
U.S.-Latin American relations, and Caribbean. The main institutions and
groups included in policy making, the policy options available, issues
in U.S. Latin American relations, and how the policy process works.
POLISCI 353 Representations of War & Peace
Understandings of war and peace in historic and contemporary political
thought. How war is explained in the works of many thinkers, male and
female, past and present. Peace movements, strategies, and theories;
war theory and war fighting doctrines. Historic images of the male soldier-citizen
and warrior and the female embodying anti-militarist values. Diversity
of perspective.
Prerequisite: POLISCI 121
POLISCI 354 International Relations
Advanced topics in international relations. Possible topics: historical
and philosophical foundations of the state-system, post-1945 changes
in the state-system, alternative levels of political analysis, recurring
sources of conflict, instruments of national power, the role of international
regimes and other institutions. POLISCI 121, 255 strongly recommended.
POLSCI 355 North South International Relations
Prepares students to develop a critical understanding of historical and contemporary patterns of unequal relations between northern developed countries and the global south. The course engages foundational concerns and engages contending approaches from international relations, political economy, and development studies to: a) explain why have some countries been able to develop stable economic, social and political institutions, while the majority of the world's citizens continue to live in conditions of poverty?; b) critically analyze contemporary debates on poverty, debt, trade, and aid; and c) envision future global and regional dynamics, including pathways of north south relations. The course concludes by examining the prospects for transforming global economic institutions that mediate north south relations, especially the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization and examines other strategies for systemic change, including contentious politics surrounding alternative globalizations.
POLISCI 356 International Law
Development of basic rules of public international law. Topics include
sources of evidence for law, international legal personality, jurisdiction,
treatment of individuals, law of treaties, law of the sea, re-sort to
force, and peaceful settlement of disputes. POLISCI 121 or equivalent
strongly recommended.
Prerequisite: POLISCI 121
POLISCI 357 International Organizations
The roles of intergovernmental organizations in the management of shared
problems, particularly collective security, economic relations, use of
common areas or resources, promotion of human rights, and protection
of the environment. Contrasts the regional integration effort pursued
in the European Community and the looser cooperation pursued through
the UN system. POLISCI 121 or equivalent strongly recommended.
POLISCI 359 International Political Economy
Study of the political management of international economic relations.
Introduces a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of international
political economy, stressing the role of power, institutions, knowledge
and domestic politics in shaping international economic relations.
POLISCI 360 Constitutional Law
Development of American constitutional law and a study of the Supreme
Court as a policy-making institution. Emphasis on landmark cases and
the substantive impact of the Supreme Court in the American polity during
different political eras. Prerequisite: basic American politics course
or equivalent.
Prerequisite: POLISCI 101 or 161 or 162
POLISCI 361 Civil Liberties
Development of constitutional law in the civil liberties sphere. First
Amendment freedoms of speech, press, and religion, and certain rights
of the accused; the rights of African-Americans and other minorities
and women under the equal protection of the laws clause. Prerequisite:
basic American politics course or equivalent.
Prerequisite: You must have completed a 100-Level Political Science course.
POLISCI 362 Political Law & Judicial Behavior
The workings of the American judicial system within context of the larger
political system. How demands are processed by trial and appellate courts;
who uses courts and why; who judges are and how they get their jobs;
why judges decide cases the way they do; the impact of court decisions.
Prerequisite: basic course in American Politics or equivalent.
Prerequisite: POLISCI 101 or equivalent
POLISCI 363 The Politics Of Law
How law, courts, and lawyers influence the substance and pace of political
action. Attention to sanctions and regulations, ideological and institutional
influences, and political transformation. Analysis of movements in law
such as Critical Legal Studies, Law and Economics, Alternative Dispute
Resolution, and forms of action like civil disobedience and terrorism.
POLISCI 365 Bill-of Rights/Equal Protection
Development and application to the states and the federal government
of the provisions of the Bill of Rights and of the constitutional guarantee
of equal protection of the laws. Readings from relevant Supreme Court
decisions and supplementary materials. Prerequisite: POLISCI 101; POLISCI
360 recommended.
POLISCI 366 The First Amendment
The development of constitutional law in the area of the speech and press
guarantees of the First Amendment including the corollary rights to freedom
of association, through examination of critical decisions of the U.S.
Supreme Court. Prerequisite: POLISCI 101; POLISCI 360 recommended.
POLISCI 367 The Supreme Court
Description and interpretation of the United States Supreme Court as
a modern institution with attention to its constitutional foundations,
traditional practices, and political significance. Includes: Court and
Constitution, nomination and confirmation of justices, the "Marble Temple," work
processes leading to Court opinions, and the consequences of opinions for
public policy.
POLISCI 373 Contemporary Political Theory
Survey of some of the central texts and themes in contemporary political
theory. Authors include Arendt, Foucault, Habermas, Marcuse, Haraway.
Themes include authority, modernity/postmodern-ity, identity, rights,
totalitarianism, liberation, communicative ethics, deterritorialization,
pluralism, multiculturalism, governmentality and rationalization.
POLISCI 374 Issues In Political Theory
Rigorous consideration of topics of current and continuing importance
to the study of political theory.
POLISCI 375 Feminist Theory & Politics
A theoretical consideration of different feminisms including liberal-feminism,
socialist-feminism, anarcha-feminism, radical feminism and eco-feminism.
Also examines: the relation between feminist theory and practice; the
historical development of feminism; feminist issues within the canon
of political theory; the problem of identity and difference(s) as related
to race, class, and gender.
POLISCI 380 Social Welfare Policy
The dynamics of social welfare policy, which encompasses a wide variety
of public policies aimed at ameliorating hunger, poverty, ill health,
homelessness, and other forms of human distress. Focus on the issues,
problems, and politics of contemporary social policy in the United States.
Prior knowledge of American government and/or the policy process strongly
recommended.
Prerequisite: You must have completed a 100-Level Political Science course.
POLISCI 381 Health, Education & Arts Policy
The roles of the public, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors in health,
education, and arts. Major themes include the politics surrounding these
policy areas and how public policies shape the mix of sectors, with emphasis
on analysis of policy alternatives. The complexity of public policy in
these areas and the relationship between the sectors.
POLISCI 382 Environmental Policy
Analysis of domestic and international environmental policies,
including air and water pollution, endangered species, wilderness
preservation, toxic and hazardous wastes, pesticides, global warming,
stratospheric ozone depletion, and others. Political, economic, legal,
and ecological implications of various environmental policy measures,
with emphasis on analyzing and improving public policy. In-class environmental
policy debates.
POLISCI 385 Comp Public Policy
Some political aspects of economic and social policy in
advanced industrial states. Focus on political economy and policy
innovations in several Western industrial states. Areas compared
include: economic management (taxation, stabilization, and distribution),
income securities, health, and education. Recommended prerequisite:
course in comparative politics (e.g., POLISCI 111) and macroeconomics
(e.g., ECON 104.)
POLISCI 386 Criminal Justice Policy
Theories of criminal motivation and their implications for the social
control of crime. Analysis of a decision-making model for efficiently
allocating social resources to alleviate crime; the meaning of punishment.
Prior work in public policy or criminology helpful.
