2020-2021 University Catalog archived
Politics (POL)
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HONORS: An Honors Program in politics is offered for qualified students. Politics majors who have at least a 3.500 grade-point average in the major and at least a 3.300 cumulative grade-point average at the end of their junior year qualify to write an honors thesis. Prospective honors candidates should contact the department head and potential thesis advisers in the fall of their junior year.
Department Head: Lucas E. Morel
Faculty
First date is the year in which the faculty member began regular faculty service at the University. Second date is the year of appointment to the present rank.
Brian Alexander, Ph.D.—(2017)-2017
Assistant Professor of Politics
Ph.D., George Mason University
Joseph M. Cantey Jr., Ph.D.—(2014)-2020
Associate Professor of Politics
Ph.D., Duke University
Stuart J. Gray, Ph.D.—(2015)-2015
Assistant Professor of Politics
Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Rebecca C. Harris, Ph.D.—(2005)-2018
Professor of Politics
Ph.D., University of Illinois
Robin LeBlanc, Ph.D.—(1998)-2008
Professor of Politics
Ph.D., University of Oklahoma
Lucas E. Morel, Ph.D.—(1999)-2009
Professor Politics
Ph.D., Claremont Graduate School
Zoila Ponce de León, Ph.D.—(2018)-2018
Assistant Professor of Politics
Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Mark E. Rush, Ph.D.—(1990)-2002
The Stanley D. and Nikki Waxberg Professor of Politics
Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
Robert A. Strong, Ph.D.—(1989)-1992
William Lyne Wilson Professor of Politics
Ph.D., University of Virginia
Major
POL 100 - American National Government Credits: 3 A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 105 - Introduction to Global Politics Credits: 3 A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 111 - Introduction to Political Philosophy Credits: 3 An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 180 - FS: First-Year Seminar Credits: 3 First-Year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-Year class standing only. First-year seminar.
Spring 2021, POL 180-01: First-Year Seminar: Minority Voting Rights and Gerrymandering (3). Prerequisite: First-year class standing. This course introduces students to the history of voting rights discrimination against minorities in the United States with a particular focus on African Americans and gerrymandering. The course begins with a study of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and how it has evolved through congressional amendments and Supreme Court decisions. We then investigate theories of minority representation and democracy. To place the theoretical aspects of the course into practical perspective, the class entails a lab component in which students learn to conduct basic spreadsheet and statistical analysis of data and use redistricting software (ArcMap). We will use Virginia elections and census data to produce alternative election maps of Virginia to demonstrate how we can make elections fairer, more competitive and create more opportunities for minority representation. Approved for Experiential Learning credit. (SS2) Rush and Keuttner.
Fall 2020, POL 180-01: First-Year Seminar: Elections (3). First-Year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-year class standing. This seminar will follow the major events in the 2020 American presidential election while providing context and content for critical analysis of the current election cycle. Topics covered will include: the history of presidential selection in the American political regime, the origins and evolution of the primary/caucus nomination system, the role of media in presidential politics, the lessons learned from the presidential election of 2016, the contested issues in 2020 and the future of presidential politics following the unusual events that have occurred in the current presidential selection process. (SS2) Strong. FDR: SS2
POL 191 - Issues in World Affairs Credits: 1 Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Experiential Learning. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Open to students of any class year or major. Requires completion of a winter-term trip to New York City. This course exposes students to ideas, issues, and individuals that play a role in contemporary debates about world affairs and American foreign policy. The program, sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), provides an opportunity for students to participate in national conversations with leading experts on international relations and contemporary foreign-policy problems. On six occasions in the fall term, students meet for an hour to hear a conference call presentation by a CFR expert and then, along with students on campuses across the county, pose questions to the speaker about the topic at hand. Each conference call includes a set of background readings and is transcribed for posting on the CFR website. In order to receive credit, students must travel with all class participants in the winter term to New York City to meet individuals, including W&L graduates, who are actively practicing careers in international relations. May not be taken more than once. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Staff.
POL 203 - State and Local Government Credits: 3 An introduction to the structures and functions of United States subnational governments, with particular emphasis on the policy-making process and on the relationships between policy makers and the public. Computer-assisted analysis of survey-research data is included. FDR: SS2 Finch.
POL 214 - The Conduct of American Foreign Policy Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100 or 105. Constitutional basis, role of the President and the Congress, the State Department and the Foreign Service, role of public opinion, political parties, and pressure groups. Relation to other political areas and to the United Nations and other international agencies. FDR: SS2 Strong.
POL 215 - International Development Credits: 3 A study of international development and human capability, with a focus on Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The course analyzes theories to explain development successes and failures, with a focus on the structures, institutions, and actors that shape human societies and social change. Key questions include measuring economic growth and poverty, discussing the roles of states and markets in development, and examining the role of industrialized countries in reducing global poverty. The course explores links between politics and other social sciences and humanities. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 227 - East Asian Politics Credits: 3 An investigation of East Asian political systems and the global, historical, and cultural contexts in which their political institutions have developed. Students consider the connections between political structure and the rapid social and economic changes in East Asia since World War II, as well as the effectiveness of varied political processes in addressing contemporary problems. Emphasis is given to China, Korea, and Japan. FDR: SS2 LeBlanc.
POL 229 - Political Parties, Interest Groups, and the Media Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100. A study of the three central extra-constitutional mediating institutions in the American political system: political parties, interest groups, and the media. The course explores theoretical and practical, historical and contemporary developments in party politics, interest group politics, and media politics. Special attention to the debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. FDR: SS2 Connelly.
POL 230 - Separation of Powers in the U.S. Constitution (LJS 230) Credits: 4 This course probes the origins, development, advantages, and disadvantages of the tripartite structure of the federal government, beginning with an examination of the background and text of Articles I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution. We analyze structural explanations provided in the Federalist Papers, along with Classical and Enlightenment sources addressing the nature of political power, the problem of faction, the role of checks and balances, and the purpose of separated functions. In-depth analyses of leading U.S. Supreme Court decisions trace evolving conceptions of legislative. executive. and judicial powers along with attention to the relevance of war and economic crisis to the authority and function of each branch. In discussions of landmark decisions, students compare the legal thought of a number of Justices–John Marshall, William Howard Taft, Robert Jackson, William Brennan, Sandra Day O’Connor, Anthony Kennedy, and Antonin Scalia. We trace the creation of the so-called “fourth branch” of government–the administrative state– and examine whether this “branch” can be reconciled with ideas of representative democracy and constitutional text. Students prepare and deliver two oral arguments based on assigned cases and write an appellate brief on a separation-of-powers topic. FDR: SS2 Murchison.
POL 232 - Public Policy Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100. Introduction to public policy formation and implementation, decision making in government, the concepts and techniques of policy analysis, and ethical analysis of policy. Policy issues such as education, the environment, and public health are used as illustrations. FDR: SS2 Harris.
POL 233 - Environmental Policy and Law Credits: 3 Prerequisite: ECON 100, ECON 101, or POL 100. A study of major environmental laws and the history of their enactment and implementation. Discusses different theoretical approaches from law, ethics, politics, and economics. Reviews significant case law and the legal context. Emphasis is on domestic policy with some attention to international law and treaties. FDR: SS2 Harris.
POL 234 - Congress and the Legislative Process Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100. A review of the constitutional origins and historical development of Congress as a representative and deliberative institution. Course focus includes the relation between the President and Congress, bicameralism, congressional elections, congressional reform, legislative rules and procedures, and the policy process. The course follows the current Congress using C-SPAN and Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report. FDR: SS2 Connelly.
POL 235 - The Presidency Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100. A review of the origins and development of the office of the presidency from Washington to the present, with an emphasis on post-war administrations. Topics include constitutional issues arising from presidential powers, policy making within the executive branch, and modern presidential leadership styles. FDR: SS2 Connelly, Strong.
POL 236 - The American Supreme Court and Constitutional Law Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100. A survey of the development of American constitutional law and a study of the role of the Supreme Court as both a political institution and principal expositor of the Constitution. In Fall, 2020, special attention will be given to the impact of COVID-19 on the constitution. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 245 - European Politics and Society (SOAN 245) Credits: 3 A comparative analysis of European political systems and social institutions. The course covers the established democracies of western and northern Europe, the new democracies of southern and east-central Europe, and the post-Communist regimes in eastern and southeastern Europe. Mechanisms of European integration are also discussed with attention focused on institutions such as European Union, NATO, OSCE, and Council of Europe. FDR: SS4 Jasiewicz.
POL 246 - Post-Communism and New Democracies (SOAN 246) Credits: 3 A comparative analysis of transition from Communism in the countries of the former Soviet bloc. Cases of successful and unsuccessful transitions to civil society, pluralist democracy, and market economy are examined. The comparative framework includes analysis of transition from non-Communist authoritarianism and democratic consolidation in selected countries of Latin America, the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and South Africa. FDR: SS4 as sociology only Jasiewicz.
POL 247 - Latin American Politics Credits: 3 This course focuses on Latin American politics during the 20th and 21st centuries. Major topics include: democracy and authoritarianism; representation and power; populism, socialism, and neoliberalism; and economic development and inequality. The course places particular emphasis on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, and Cuba. In addition, the course examines political relations between the United States and Latin America. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 250 - Race and Equality Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100 or POL 111 or AFCA 130. Not to be repeated by students who completed POL 180: FS: Black American Politics in Winter 2018. A study of important black figures in American political thought. The course focuses on the intellectual history of black Americans but also considers contemporary social science and public policies dealing with race in America. FDR: SS2 Morel.
POL 255 - Gender and Politics Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100, 105 or 111 or instructor consent. This course investigates the gendered terms under which women and men participate in political life. Attention is given to the causes of men’s and women’s different patterns of participation in politics, to processes that are likely to decrease the inequalities between men’s and women’s political power, and the processes by which society’s gender expectations shape electoral and institutional politics. The different effects of gender on the practice of politics in different nations are compared, with a special emphasis placed on advanced industrial democracies. FDR: SS2 LeBlanc.
POL 265 - Classical Political Philosophy Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 111. An examination of some of the central questions and concerns of classical political philosophy. The course is not restricted to a historical period but extends to classical themes within contemporary culture. A mixture of plays, novels, epics, dialogues, treatises, and films are used. Authors, texts, and themes vary from year to year. Consult with the instructor for specific course details. FDR: SS2 Hale.
POL 266 - Modern Political Philosophy Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 111. An examination of some of the central questions and concerns of modern political philosophy. The course is not restricted to a historical period but extends to modern themes within contemporary culture. A mixture of plays, novels, epics, dialogues, treatises, and films are used. Authors, texts, and themes vary from year to year. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 267 - Contemporary Political Philosophy Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 111. The principal aim of this course is to help students understand and think critically about contemporary political life and the crises facing democracy. We examine central questions and concerns in contemporary political philosophy surrounding the topics of democracy, (neo)liberalism, identity, race, and gender. Attention is given to the sources and implications of crises threatening democratic governance, to processes of neo-liberalization, and to how we might better (re)cognize identity, hierarchy, and solidarity in contemporary conditions of pluralism. Consult with the instructor for specific course details. FDR: SS2 Gray.
POL 268 - Migration, Identity, and Conflict (SOAN 268) Credits: 3 Prerequisite: SOAN 102, POV 101, or POL 105. This course focuses on the complex relationship between migration, political institutions, group identities, and inter-group conflict. The course is a hybrid of a seminar and research lab in which students (a) read some of the key social-scientific literature on these subjects, and (b) conduct team-based research making use of existing survey data about the integration of migrant populations into various polities. FDR: SS4 Eastwood.
POL 271 - Black Mirror Credits: 3 Through a critical engagement with the television series “Black Mirror”, this course is intended to help students understand and think critically about how various technologies are actively shaping what it means - and what it might mean in the future - to be human, live a good life, and act as a socio-political agent. We examine some of the central questions and themes presented in each episode through supplementary readings drawn from various fields, including political philosophy, literature, science fiction, and journalism. Topics include technology’s impact on romantic and family relationships, social surveillance and punishment, and political leadership, among others. FDR: SS2 Gray.
POL 274 - Terrorism Credits: 3 The principal goal of this course is to help students understand the complexities of contemporary terrorism. We discuss definitional issues, the historical roots of modern terrorism, and various micro- and macro-explanations for this form of violence. We also investigate the life cycles of terrorist groups: How do they emerge? What kinds of organizational challenges do they face? How do they end? Other topics include leaderless movements (e.g., “lone wolves”) and state sponsorship. Throughout the course, students observe that terrorism is not a phenomenon unique to one class of people. The course ends with three weeks focused on a certain kind of terrorism which some have called violent Islamic extremism. FDR: SS2 Cantey.
POL 276 - Intelligence in Practice Credits: 3 Not open to those who have already taken POL 278 and precludes future enrollment in POL 278. An examination of the responsibilities of, and challenges faced by, the U.S. intelligence community (IC). Drawing on current literature and case studies, topics include the history and evolution of the IC, the intelligence cycle, ethical and moral issues, oversight and accountability, covert action, and intelligence reform. Through an intelligence lens, we explore the rise of al Qaeda, 9/11 and its aftermath, successes and failures associated with the Iraq War, Russian efforts to sway the 2016 US presidential election, and more. FDR: SS2 Cantey.
POL 278 - Intelligence and National Security Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100 or 105. Not open to those with credit for POL 276. This course examines the responsibilities of, and challenges faced by, the U.S. intelligence community (IC). Drawing on current literature and case studies, topics include the history and evolution of the IC, the intelligence cycle (direction, collection, processing, analysis, dissemination), ethical and moral issues, oversight and accountability, covert action, and intelligence reform. Through an intelligence lens, we explore the rise of al Qaeda, 9/11 and its aftermath, successes and failures associated with the Iraq War, Russian efforts to sway the 2016 US presidential election, and more. FDR: SS2 Cantey.
POL 283 - Minority Voting Rights and Fair Redistricting Credits: 4 No prerequisite. Meets the American politics field requirement in the politics major. This course introduces students to the redistricting process and election law by engaging them in a lab setting in which they use geographic information systems (GIS) software to develop alternative election district plans for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition to learning basic GIS skills, students also study voting rights case law, electoral systems and electoral reform. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 285 - Contemporary Britain Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Acceptance into the London Summer Internship Program. Corequisite: INTR 453. A summer course taught in Britain, this is an introduction to some key features of contemporary life in the United Kingdom (UK). It focuses on political institutions and processes and extends to take in wider British society. Consideration is given both to the history of recent decades in the UK and to currently prevailing circumstances. Class meetings are combined with a series of visits to relevant sites of interest intended to enhance and expand upon the learning experience. FDR: SS2 Blick.
POL 286 - Contemporary South Africa Politics Credits: 3 Prerequisite: Rising sophomore, junior, or senior class standing from any major; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 at the time of application. Corequisite: INTR 453 (Cape Town). This summer, study abroad course examines post-apartheid politics of South Africa. Our initial focus is on the Apartheid era, emphasizing the domestic and global politics that led to the rise and fall of the National Party Government. This includes an overview of apartheid, a detailed account of the transition process, and how this process structured the post-apartheid political system and societal landscape. We also explore important current questions facing South Africans, from national identity to economic inequality. Overall, this course aims to give students the tools to look beyond an uncritical adoption of the “miracle rising” and “rainbow nation” discourse on South Africa. FDR: SS2 LeBlanc and Kroenke.
POL 287 - The Maghreb: History, Culture, and Politics Credits: 4 This course examines the history, culture, and politics of the Maghreb, and especially the Kingdom of Morocco. After a few days in Lexington, most of the course is based in the old cities of Rabat and Fez, the latter a UNESCO world-heritage site and home to the oldest continually operating university in the world. We take field trips to the blue city of Chefchouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and Africa’s largest mosque in Casablanca. Throughout the course, students explore the region’s political history, including the influence of imperialism and Islam on politics, gender relations in North Africa, Morocco’s relationship with the United States, and more. FDR: SS2 Experiential Learning (EXP): YES Cantey.
POL 288 - Supervised Study Abroad Credits: 4 Prerequisites: Instructor consent and other prerequisites as specified in advance. This spring-term course covers a topic of current interest for which foreign travel provides a unique opportunity for significantly greater understanding. Topics and locations change from year to year and is announced each year, well in advance of registration. This course may be repeated if the topics are different. Offered when interest and expressed and department resources permit. FDR: SS2
POL 290 - Seminar in Politics, Literature and the Arts Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Set by instructor, varies with topic. In this course, we study how literature, film, and other media are used to examine political themes and how they are used to achieve political ends. We address how politics shapes the arts and how the arts shape politics. The topic is announced at registration. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Only one such seminar may be counted towards the politics major.
FDR: SS2
POL 291 - Special Topics in American Government: Washington and the Arts of Leadership Credits: 1 A seminar in political science for students at the introductory or intermediate level. Topic, hour, and instructor are announced prior to registration. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
POL 292 - Topics in Politics and Film Credits: 4 Prerequisites: Vary by offering. Open to non-majors and majors of all class years. This course examines how film and television present political issues and themes. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
FDR: SS2
POL 294 - Spring-Term Topics in Public Policy Credits: 3-4 This course is designed to give students additional expertise and awareness of discrete policy challenges in the United States. Students learn to explain current policy systems, including political institutions and political behavior by political actors. Students also formulate policy evaluations acknowledging the strengths and the weaknesses in the policy system.
FDR: SS2
POL 295 - Special Topics in American Politics Credits: 3 in fall and winter, 4 in spring Prerequisite: May vary with topic. A seminar in political science for students at the introductory or intermediate level. Topic, hour, and instructor are announced prior to registration. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Spring 2021, POL 295A-01: Special Topics in American Politics: Rhetoric in the Structure of American Politics (3). This course explores the function and importance of rhetoric within American politics. It will consider the purpose of rhetoric in a republican form of government; how the structure of America’s Constitution was meant to foster rhetoric and deliberation; and how technological developments - such as television and the internet - have changed the meaning or use of rhetoric in America. Students will also study how Aristotle classified and critiqued the various kinds of speeches, and that understanding will inform our examination of some of the most important political oratory in American history. (SS2) Uzzell.
Spring 2021, POL 295B-01: Special Topics in American Politics: The Politics of Memorials: Making and Shaping History (3). From Cape Town to Charlottesville, memorials are often sources of intense controversy in the U.S. South and beyond. In this course, students explore some of the most hotly debated topics in commemoration. These include: what do memorials mean? What is their purpose? And how ought communities to balance the demands of victims, the public, and future generations? Students engage in these questions through class readings, discussion, original research projects, and site visits. (SS2) Britt.
Winter 2021, POL 295A-01: Special Topics in American Politics: Creating the U.S. Constitution (3). No prerequisite. This course both examines and reenacts the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Students will study the historic debates of the 1787 Convention and then, in a role-playing game, frame a constitution through persuasion, compromise, private deals and parliamentary procedure. (SS2) Uzzell.
Fall 2020, POL 295A-01: Special Topics in American Politics: Elections (3). Open to students of all classes and majors. No prerequisite. A special offering for students to follow the major events in the 2020 presidential election and attempt to put those events in context by studying the structure of American presidential elections, recent campaigns, candidate biographies, long-term issues in national politics, and the current state of partisan division in American political life. Students write short papers on matters related to the election and a substantial paper analyzing its results. (SS2) Strong.
Fall 2020, POL 295B-01: Special Topics in American Politics: The Material Culture of Protest (3). No prerequisite. What is the meaning of that rainbow sticker on your friend’s computer? Does the slogan on your t-shirt make history? Why did millions of women don hand-knitted pink pussy hats for the 2017 Women’s March? Objects from 18th-century anti-slavery medallions to 21st-century bumper stickers have long been important tools for social, economic, and political change. Students investigate the relationship between this kind of material culture and political protest, curating an exhibit about the objects of protest they have studied. Students travel on a required class field trip (fully funded) to Washington D.C. to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History. (SS2) LeBlanc and Fuchs. FDR: SS2
POL 296 - Special Topics in Global Politics Credits: 3 in fall and winter, 4 in spring Prerequisites vary by topic. Meets the global politics field requirement in the politics major. A seminar in political science for students at the introductory or intermediate level. Topic, hour, and instructor are announced prior to registration. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Spring 2021, POL 296A-01: Special Topics in Global Politics: Comparative Constitution-Building (3). This course introduces students to how a constitution is formed. Constitution-building processes have played a critical part in the history of many countries, including the USA, Spain, and Germany. Often they marked an important break with the past, leaving behind authoritarian rule or colonial government. Constitution-building may take place in the wake of traumatic events such as military defeat or revolutionary upheaval. It can have powerful consequences–both good and ill–for the future of the country in which it takes place. Through historical analysis, case studies, and international comparison, students investigate different processes of creating a constitution. (SS2) Strong. FDR: SS2
POL 297 - Special Topics in Political Philosophy Credits: 3 in fall and winter, 4 in spring Prerequisites: First-year or sophomore standing or instructor consent. A seminar in political science for students at the introductory or intermediate level. Topic, hour, and instructor are announced prior to registration. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. FDR: SS2
POL 342 - Seminar: Law and the Judicial Process Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100 or POL 111, or instructor consent. A survey of legal theories and the problems of reconciling such theories with the realities of administering a legal system. The course draws upon readings from literature, philosophy, legal scholarship, and political science. Topics include the nature of law and justice, constitutionalism, the role and power of courts and judges, and the function of a legal system. Note: re-numbered from POL 237. FDR: SS2 Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Harris.
POL 360 - Seminar: Lincoln’s Statesmanship Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 100. This seminar examines the political thought and practice of Abraham Lincoln. Emphasis is on his speeches and writings, supplemented by scholarly commentary on his life and career. FDR: SS2 Morel.
POL 370 - Seminar in American Political Thought Credits: 3 credits in fall or winter; 4 credits in spring. Prerequisite: POL 100 or POL 111. An examination of classic themes and current issues in American political thought. Depending on the instructor, emphases may include the Federalists, Anti-Federalists, Alexis de Tocqueville, Abraham Lincoln, and voices from the Progressive and civil rights eras. Course readings stress primary sources including speeches, essays, and books by politicians and theorists. The course explores the effort to reconcile liberty and equality, individualism and community, liberalism and republicanism, politics and religion, among other themes. The course highlights the contemporary relevance of the enduring tensions between political principles and practice. FDR: SS2
POL 380 - Seminar in Global Politics Credits: 3 Prerequisite: Normally POL 105 or instructor consent, though prerequisite may vary with topic. Open to majors and non-majors of all classes. Meets the global politics field requirement in the politics major. Examination of selected topics dealing with international and comparative politics. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
FDR: SS2
POL 381 - Seminar in International Political Economy Credits: 3 Prerequisite: ECON 100, ECON 102, or POL 105, or instructor consent. Meets the global politics field requirement in the politics major. This course provides an intermediate-level introduction to the major actors, questions, and theories in the field of international political economy (IPE). Course participants discuss political and economic interactions in the areas of international trade, fiscal and monetary policy, and exchange rates; discuss globalization in historical and contemporary perspectives; and examine the international politics of the major intergovernmental organizations, multinational corporations, states, and other institutional actors in the global economy. FDR: SS2 Staff.
POL 384 - Seminar in Middle Eastern Politics Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 105 or instructor consent. This course examines contemporary politics in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Topics include the role of colonial legacies in state formation, the region’s democratic deficit, nationalism, sectarianism, and the influence of religion in politics. We explore inter- and intrastate conflict, including the use of terrorism, economic development and underdevelopment, and the recent Arab uprisings (commonly referred to as the Arab Spring). Throughout, we consider why the Middle East attracts as much attention from policymakers and scholars as it does, how analysts have studied the region across time and space, and why understanding different cultural perspectives is critical to understanding the region. FDR: SS2 Cantey.
POL 385 - Seminar: Freedom Credits: 3 Prerequisite: POL 111. An examination of differing conceptions of political and individual freedom in the modern world. We explore the political thought of thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, Michel Foucault, and Emma Goldman. Students analyze the meaning of freedom through novels and/or short stories, including the work of authors such as Jonathan Franzen and Franz Kafka. Key questions include the meaning and ends of freedom, its conditions, and connections between personal and political articulations of freedom. FDR: SS2 Gray.
POL 388 - Architecture of Urban Community Credits: 3 Prerequisite: a 100-level Politics course or instructor consent. This seminar investigates the literal and social architecture of democratic community in cities around the globe, examining how the physical spaces and political and economic power structures of urban life support or constrain the civic relationships of residents of varying backgrounds and unequal socioeconomic positions, shaping citizens’ opportunities for collective empowerment and self-determination. Course addresses issues of poverty, exclusion, and environmental limits. FDR: SS2 LeBlanc.
POL 392 - Seminar in Asian Politics Credits: 3 Prerequisite: Vary with topic. A topical seminar focusing on Chinese politics, other Asian countries, or selected subjects in Asian politics. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. FDR: SS2
POL 396 - Seminar in Political Philosophy Credits: 3 in fall and winter, 4 in spring Prerequisite: POL 111 or instructor consent. An examination of selected questions and problems in political philosophy and/or political theory. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. FDR: SS2
POL 397 - Seminar in American Government Credits: 3 in fall and winter, 4 in spring Prerequisites: POL 100 or instructor consent. Examination of selected topics in American political institutions, ideas, and processes. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
FDR: SS2
POL 401 - Directed Individual Study Credits: 1 Prerequisites: Grade-point average of 3.000 in politics and permission of the instructor. This course permits a student to follow a program of directed reading, library research, or data collection and analysis in some area not covered in other courses. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Staff.
POL 403 - Directed Individual Study Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Grade-point average of 3.000 in politics and instructor consent. This course permits a student to follow a program of directed reading, library research, or data collection and analysis in some area not covered in other courses. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
POL 453 - Internship Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Grade-point average of 3.000 in politics and 3.000 overall, and permission of the instructor. Supervised off-campus experience in a governmental agency or political institution. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. May be carried out during the summer.
POL 456 - Internship Credits: 6 Prerequisites: Grade-point average of 3.000 in politics and 3.000 overall, and permission of the instructor. Supervised off-campus experience in a governmental agency or political institution. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. May be carried out during the summer. Connelly.
POL 466 - Washington Term Program Credits: 6 Prerequisites: Grade-point average of 3.000 overall and in politics courses; POL 100, 105, or 111. Competitive selection process each October. The Washington Term Program aims to enlarge students’ understanding of national politics and governance. Combining academic study with practical experience in the setting of a government office, think tank, or other organization in Washington, it affords deeper insight into the processes and problems of government at the national level. A member of the politics faculty is the resident director, supervising students enrolled in this program while they are in Washington, D.C. Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes Alexander.
POL 493 - Honors Thesis Credits: 3-3 Prerequisites: Grade-point average of 3.300 overall and 3.500 in politics major. Honors Thesis.
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