Department of Political Science
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Course Offerings
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Dr. Melissa Deckman
- American Government and Politics
A study of the foundations, institutions, processes, and policy issues of American government at the national level.
- Elections & the Political Process
An examination of the nature of the electoral process with a focus on the role of political parties. The course includes an overview of electoral history as well as a study of the factors influencing election outcomes, such as issues, ideology, party identification, candidate images, campaign finance, organization, and strategies.
Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.
- Empirical Political Research
An introduction to current research techniques and methodology in political science. The course includes a discussion of the use of theory building, hypothesis testing, survey research, statistics, and computers in empirical political inquiry.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101, 102 or permission of the instructor.
- Women and Politics
This course examines the role of women as voters, citizens, candidates, and leaders in American politics, grounded in theories of gender. Attention will also be given to the history of the women's movement and the current status of women's organizations. The course also focuses on how various public policies, including workplace issues, family issues, education issues and reproductive rights, affect women and their legal rights.
- State and Local Politics
This course will focus on the interactions among the three levels of government as well as on the institutional structures of state and municipal governments. It will concentrate as a significant portion of the policy-making process. The course will discuss the changing role over time of different levels of government.
- Media and Politics
This course will study the interconnections, interrelationships, and implications of the media and politics. Topics will include: communication theories; the changing structure and technology of the media; politics as show business; media politics in democratic society; modern media, democracy, and dictatorship. The course will meet three hours per week and will include a practicum. There will be field trips to new outlets and political organizations.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101, 102, and at least one upper level course in political science.
- Maryland General Assembly Internship
The Maryland General Assembly Internship Program, offered as part of the political science curriculum for majors and non-majors, allows students to gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process and Maryland politics. Students enrolled in this program spend two days per week as state legislative interns in Annapolis during the three-month legislative session. They also meet on campus for a weekly seminar, which includes reading assignments and written work. Students may enroll in this program only by application to the Director, and applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. Students completing the internship earn two course credits.
Prerequisite: Political Science 311 or 391, or permission of the Director
- CNW Red States, Blue States
Are we a divided nation when it comes to politics? As our national elections become more heated and as many political elites and interest groups become more vitriolic in their tone and speech, many have argued that there exists a culture war in American politics. In this course, we will examine how we are divided politically as a nation, particularly along religious, cultural and class lines. We will also link these concepts to recent trends in public opinion, policy making, and voting in national elections. We seek to address whether (and to what extent) a culture war actually exists and shapes politics in the United States.
Dr. Alvin Drischler
- International Political Economy
This course is a study of the relationship between international politics and economics. It examines theories of international political economy, including Liberal, Mercantilist, and Radical. Using these themes, the course will analyze the history of political economy, the relationship between economics and politics, trade, foreign investment, economic aid, development, dependency, interdependency and the role of the U.S. in the global political economy.
Prerequisite: Economics 111 and Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
Dr. Jessica Gerrity
- Introduction to Political Science
A study of political ideas, behavior, processes, and institutions, designed to promote an appreciation of politics and a capacity to evaluate political developments
- Elections and the Political Process
- The Legislative Process
This course is designed to introduce students to the legislative process. The impact of inputs (constituents, elections, interest groups, the bureaucracy, the courts, and the executive) upon the legislative structure is discussed and analyzed, as well as the structure itself (rules, norms, procedures, the committee system, party leadership, staff). Finally, the outputs of the legislative process are examined (policy-making, representation, and legislative oversight).
Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.
- The American Presidency
This course involves a systematic examination of the dynamic institution of the Presidency. It includes a study of presidential power, character, leadership, domestic and foreign policy-making, the presidential-election process, as well as the interaction between the President and the media, and presidential-congressional relations.
Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.
- Public Policy Analysis
- Social Welfare Policy
Dr. Andrew Oros
- Introduction to Political Science
A study of political ideas, behavior, processes, and institutions, designed to promote an appreciation of politics and a capacity to evaluate political developments.
- Introduction to World Politics
A general introduction to the study of world politics and international relations. The course focuses on the history and nature of the international system, the cold war and the post cold war era, foreign policy behavior, arms control, conflict, nationalism, international political economy, environmental problems, terrorism, and human rights.
- American Foreign Policy
A brief historical survey of American diplomacy and analytical study of factors conditioning American foreign policy; the constitutional basis of U.S. foreign relations; the concept of American national interest and goals; the structure and processes of decision-making and policy-execution; the organization of, and relations among, the White House, Department of State, Department of Defense, other Executive organs, and Congress; and America's current involvement in world affairs.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101, 102 or a year of American history.
- Comparative Government - Western Europe
A comprehensive study of the governmental structures and organizations, as well as the political cultures and processes in England, France, and Germany. Also included is a study of the European Parliament and the European Community.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101.
- Comparative Government - East Asia
A comprehensive study of the governmental structures and organizations, as well as the political cultures and processes, in Japan, South and North Korea. Also included in the course is a study of international relations of East Asia.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101.
- Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy
This course provides a broad introduction to Japan of the early 21st century, considering its role in the world and its unclear domestic agenda after successfully "catching up with the West." Study of Japan's post-Second World War political and economic development will provide the basis for deeper study of demographic, social, economic, and diplomatic challenges facing Japan today.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy
A comprehensive study of China from the beginning of its political history and system to the present, with special emphasis on its contemporary Communist period. The course will also deal with various types of reforms in the post-Mao era.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- CNW Exploring Asia
This course will explore the tremendous cultural, economic, political, and social diversity of contemporary East Asia—a region of the world that comprises 40% of the world's population and global extremes of rich and poor. Shared exploration will include reading of fictional and political work of Asian writers, viewing of Asian film and art, and discussion of how Americans have viewed East Asia in the past and how they have come to view East Asia today. Students also will be asked to "explore" East Asia on their own—via the internet, field trips to museums, interviews, and in writings of Asian authors—and to make engaging, multi-media presentations to the class about what they discover.
Dr. Tahir I. Shad
- Introduction to Political Science
A study of political ideas, behavior, processes, and institutions, designed to promote an appreciation of politics and a capacity to evaluate political developments.
- Introduction to World Politics
A general introduction to the study of world politics and international relations. The course focuses on the history and nature of the international system, the cold war and the post cold war era, foreign policy behavior, arms control, conflict, nationalism, international political economy, environmental problems, terrorism, and human rights.
- Politics of the Middle East
This course is an introduction to the politics of the Middle East through the study of nine Middle Eastern countries (Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Syria). Emphasis on political development, ideology, religion, ethnic groups, classes institutions, nationalism, domestic and foreign policies of each state.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- Government & Politics in South Asia
This is a survey of contemporary politics in South Asia (Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). It examines the impact of British colonialism on state formation, the internal politics since the 1940's, and the relationship of these countries to each other and with the major external powers (U.S., Russia, and P.R.C.) influencing the region.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- African Politics
This course is designed to introduce students to the history and politics of Africa. Themes include pre-colonial society, colonial occupation, social change, role of government and politics in society, styles of political culture, conflict management, political parties, succession to office, military rule, national integration and foreign policy.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- International Politics
A study of an integrated theoretical framework for analyzing the behaviors of nation-states in the international political arena, as well as of selected critical issues and areas in contemporary international politics. Normally included in the study are nuclear weapons systems and their implications in international politics; nuclear arms negotiations and agreements; East-West relations; the triangular relationship among the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China; the Arab-Israeli conflict; the Third World's nonalignment movement; and the North-South tensions.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or a year of modern history.
- International Organization & Law
A study of organized human efforts made throughout history to promote international cooperation and peace. Special attention is given to the principles and rules of international law regulating national conduct in international affairs, the League of Nations, and contemporary blueprints for world federation and government.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- International Studies Seminar
The purpose of this course is to examine modern theories and approaches in International Studies. The nature of theory, its application to International Studies, and problems involved in defining this field of study and in developing empirical theory for it will be analyzed. Topics to be covered include research design, research techniques, and source materials. Special attention will be given to this historical, political, economic, anthropological, and quantitative approaches to International Studies. The seminar will provide students with an opportunity to discuss and develop topics for their senior theses.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101. This course is required for junior International Studies majors.
Dr. John B. Taylor
- Introduction to Political Science
A study of political ideas, behavior, processes, and institutions, designed to promote an appreciation of politics and a capacity to evaluate political developments.
- American Government and Politics
A study of the foundations, institutions, processes, and policy issues of American government at the national level.
- Law and Society
A study of the American system of criminal justice. The major emphases of the course are the operation of the institutions and processes of the system, the constitutional rights of those accused of crime, and the social goals and consequences of criminal punishment.
Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.
- American Political Thought
A study of the influence of values and ideologies upon the formation, evolution, and operation of the American constitutional and political system. In deference to the pragmatic character of American political thought, the course focuses on the writings of American statesmen as they confronted such continuing problems as the nature of the Union, the contest between economic power and democratic power, and the responsibility of government for individual and social welfare. The course concludes with a consideration of the relevance of American political doctrines for contemporary issues of public policy.
Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.
- Civil Liberties
A study of the constitutional rights of individuals, as specified by the U.S. Supreme Court, with primary emphasis on issues of freedom and equality.
Prerequisite: Political Science 102.
- Constitutional Powers & the Judicial Process
An analysis of the distribution of power among the three branches of the Federal government, and between the Federal and state levels of government, as specified in major decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court itself will be studied as a political institution, with emphasis on its role in a democratic political system.
Prerequisite: Political Science 102.
- History of Political Thought
A critical study of the enduring problems of political philosophy as treated by major thinkers in the Western political tradition. The emphasis of the course is upon the fundamental choice of values which underlies the design of every system of government. The course thus examines how such writers as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, and Marx have formulated and attempted to resolve the conflicting demands of freedom and order, law and justice, authority and obligation, and the individual and the state.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
Dr. Christine Wade
- Introduction to Political Science
A study of political ideas, behavior, processes, and institutions, designed to promote an appreciation of politics and a capacity to evaluate political developments.
- Introduction to World Politics
A general introduction to the study of world politics and international relations. The course focuses on the history and nature of the international system, the cold war and the post cold war era, foreign policy behavior, arms control, conflict, nationalism, international political economy, environmental problems, terrorism, and human rights.
- Government and Politics in Latin America
An introduction to the politics of Latin America. Attention is given to the historical and cultural context of political institutions and behavior, the roles of traditional and emerging groups and forces, political instability, and the decision-making process under different types of regimes. Case studies of individual countries are selected on the basis of their contemporary importance and representativeness of general political problems.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- U.S.-Latin American Relations
A study of U.S. foreign policy and Latin America since the Monroe Doctrine. Attention is given to the interests of Latin American nations in their relationship with each other and with other areas of the world, with special emphasis on the post-World War II period.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- Revolution Violence & Terrorism
A study of the nature and processes of political conflict and violence with emphasis on revolution. The course deals with recent and ongoing guerrilla and terrorist campaigns in Latin America, Africa, and Europe with the available theoretical literature.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
- Politics of Development
This course focuses on the political and economic challenges confronted by developing countries, including democratization, gender, nationalism and regional integration, trade, foreign investment, and sustainable development. The course also examines issues of development theory and practice in developing countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Prerequisite: Political Science 101.
- Comparative Peace Processes
This course focuses on contemporary conflicts and efforts at peace-building in a comparative perspective. Drawing on cases such as Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and East Timor, the course will examine the roots of conflict, theories of peace, methods of peace-building, reconciliation, and international cooperation. Simulations will be used to enable students to understand the dynamics of the peace process.
Prerequisite: POL 101 and 104, or permission of the instructor.
Staff - Wade, Oros, Shad, Taylor, Deckman
- Special Topics
The department occasionally offers a course on a special topic in political science that is not a part of the regular course offerings.
- Independent Study
Students may receive credit for an individualized course of reading and writing under the supervision of a faculty adviser. The requirements of the course will be specified in a learning contract drawn up by the student and adviser.
- Political Science Internship
Students may receive course credit for an individualized internship at a political organization, under the supervision of a faculty adviser. The details of the internship and associated academic requirements will be specified in a learning contract drawn up by the student and adviser.
- Washington Center Internship
A full-time, semester-long internship in Washington, DC, with a federal government, political, or non-profit agency. Depending upon their interest and internship placement, students may attend hearings, conduct policy research, draft correspondence, monitor legislation, lobby members of Congress, and write analytical reports. Students will create an in-depth portfolio of their internship experience.
Prerequisite: POL 102, 2.8 cumulative GPA, permission of an instructor, and successful application to The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. This course is normally open only to juniors and seniors. 12 credits.
- Washington Center Seminar
Washington Center Interns participate in an evening seminar selected from a variety of topics offered during the semester. Students engage in class discussion and may also research seminar topics, prepare written assignments, and take examinations.
Required of and limited to students enrolled in POL 327. 3 credits.
- Washington Center Forum
Washington Center Interns participate in lectures, site visits, small group discussions, briefings, and other required events designed to help them understand the connection between their academic and professional goals and the special educational opportunities available through living and working in Washington, DC. Evaluations of these experiences are included in the student portfolio.
Required of and limited to students enrolled in POL 327. 1 credit.
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