Politics Courses

The Politics program offers courses in a variety of subfields including international relations, comparative politics, American politics, law, and theory.

100-level Politics courses These courses are open to all students, without prerequisites, and fulfill the Social Science (SS) requirement. They are generally intended for first-year politics majors and minors and for students outside of the politics program.
POL 102 International Relations An introduction to relations between countries and an examination of the main conceptual approaches to understanding international conflict and cooperation. Liberal Arts Core Designation: SS. (3)
POL 103 Comparative Politics An introduction to the workings of politics inside countries other than the United States and an examination of the main conceptual approaches to understanding authority, institutions, and political change. Liberal Arts Core Designation: SS. (3)
POL 104 American Government An introductory survey and analysis of the political processes that describe the operations of the federal, state, and local branches of government. Intergovernmental relations are examined. Liberal Arts Core Designation: SS. (3)

100-level Politics courses

These courses are open to all students, without prerequisites, and fulfill the Social Science (SS) requirement. They are generally intended for first-year politics majors and minors and for students outside of the politics program.

POL 102 International Relations

An introduction to relations between countries and an examination of the main conceptual approaches to understanding international conflict and cooperation. Liberal Arts Core Designation: SS. (3)

POL 103 Comparative Politics

An introduction to the workings of politics inside countries other than the United States and an examination of the main conceptual approaches to understanding authority, institutions, and political change. Liberal Arts Core Designation: SS. (3)

POL 104 American Government

An introductory survey and analysis of the political processes that describe the operations of the federal, state, and local branches of government. Intergovernmental relations are examined. Liberal Arts Core Designation: SS. (3)

200-level Politics courses These courses provide intermediate examinations of selected topics in depth. They all have EN 102 as a prerequisite, and some have other politics prerequisites as well. Some of these courses fulfill the Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI) requirement.
POL 210 Western Political Concepts I An introduction to political theory focusing on political thought from ancient to early modern times and on the fundamental conceptions of political theory. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
POL 211 Western Political Concepts II A study of various political theories and ideologies from early modern to contemporary times. Topics include liberalism, conservatism, and political ideologies. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
POL 230 American Policy Process An introduction to the political dynamics of forming national public policy in the United States. For students with a basic understanding of American government institutions, the course uses case studies to focus on several different areas of policy. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 231 Media and Politics This course examines the political dynamics between the news media and politics. The course is designed to provide a deeper understanding of media outlets, journalists, viewers, and their relationship with the government. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 240 Global Security An in-depth examination of theories that seek to explain wars, alliances, arms races, civil wars, and terrorism, with applications to contemporary international politics. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 241 Global Political Economy An in-depth examination of theories that seek to explain how political systems address economic inequality, development, trade, labor relations, investment, migration, and natural resources, with applications to contemporary international politics. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 250 Research and Writing An introduction to the sources and methods used in political research and writing. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
POL 280 Contemporary Issues in Latin American Politics This course uses theories of regime transition, social movements, democratic stability, institutional change, and others to examine selected current events in Latin America. Readings, written assignments, presentations, and discussions are conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 202 or permission of instructor, and one course from POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Breadth in Social Science (SS), Depth in Science (DSCI). (3)

200-level Politics courses

These courses provide intermediate examinations of selected topics in depth. They all have EN 102 as a prerequisite, and some have other politics prerequisites as well. Some of these courses fulfill the Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI) requirement.

POL 210 Western Political Concepts I

An introduction to political theory focusing on political thought from ancient to early modern times and on the fundamental conceptions of political theory. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)

POL 211 Western Political Concepts II

A study of various political theories and ideologies from early modern to contemporary times. Topics include liberalism, conservatism, and political ideologies. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)

POL 230 American Policy Process

An introduction to the political dynamics of forming national public policy in the United States. For students with a basic understanding of American government institutions, the course uses case studies to focus on several different areas of policy. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 231 Media and Politics

This course examines the political dynamics between the news media and politics. The course is designed to provide a deeper understanding of media outlets, journalists, viewers, and their relationship with the government. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 240 Global Security

An in-depth examination of theories that seek to explain wars, alliances, arms races, civil wars, and terrorism, with applications to contemporary international politics. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 241 Global Political Economy

An in-depth examination of theories that seek to explain how political systems address economic inequality, development, trade, labor relations, investment, migration, and natural resources, with applications to contemporary international politics. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 250 Research and Writing

An introduction to the sources and methods used in political research and writing. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)

POL 280 Contemporary Issues in Latin American Politics

This course uses theories of regime transition, social movements, democratic stability, institutional change, and others to examine selected current events in Latin America. Readings, written assignments, presentations, and discussions are conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 202 or permission of instructor, and one course from POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Breadth in Social Science (SS), Depth in Science (DSCI). (3)

300- and 400-level Politics courses These courses provide advanced study of specific politics topics and involve student-directed projects. Most have some politics pre-requisites, and some fill the Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI) requirements.
POL 300 State and Urban Politics A survey of the structure of state and urban political units and institutions. An examination of their policy and decision-making processes and an investigation of state-federal relations. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 230, or permission of the instructor. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 306 Gender and Politics An in-depth examination of the relationship between gender and political authority around the world, focusing on differences across countries in rights and representation, the role of gender in campaigns and elections in democracies, and the politics of related social policies across advanced democracies including those regulating abortion and marriage. Prerequisite: EN 102 and any one of the following: POL 102, POL 103, POL 104, or GEND 200. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 307 Race and Politics This course examines race and politics in the United States. The course will analyze the role of minority groups, including African Americans, Latino Americans, and Asian Americans, in the political arena. Moreover, we will look at issues of immigration, affirmative action, and education as they impact minority groups in the U.S. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 310 Political Parties and Interest Groups An analysis of group theory in a democratic society. The course examines the influence of interest groups in American politics at the federal and state levels. Prerequisites: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 315 The Presidency A survey of the historical development and the constitutional powers of the office. The course analyzes the principal roles in national and world politics played by modern presidents. Prerequisites: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 320 The Congress A review of the history of Congress and a description of its functions, its structure, and the legislative process. The course examines current and historical issues that relate to the proper role of Congress in the American scheme of government. Prerequisites: grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 230, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 325 Voting Behavior A study of the voting behavior of the American electorate and its representatives and the causes of that behavior. Prerequisites: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 330 Judicial Politics This course examines the judicial system and its larger impact on U.S. political life. The course addresses the main actors, trial courts, appellate courts, and the court system’s role in a representative democracy. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 332 American Foreign Policy A history of the policies of the United States toward other governments and analysis of the principal factors to be considered in formulating and executing American foreign policy. Prerequisites: grade of C or better in POL 102 and POL 250 or any other WI course, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 333 United States Constitutional History A study of the evolution of several issues of American Constitutional Law. (3)
POL 335 American Constitutional Law I An introduction to the federal judiciary in American government and a survey of the principal decisions of constitutional law that have influenced the development of the American polity. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in EN 102. (3)
POL 336 American Constitutional Law II A survey of the principal court decisions concerning individual rights under the United States Constitution. Prerequisites: grade of C or better in EN 102. (3)
POL 375 Politics of Environmental Issues A survey of environmental and natural resource policy and politics. Examines the ways governments use policies to address natural resource and environmental issues at the local, regional, and international levels, and the underlying ideological and institutional factors that shape environmental policy debates. Prerequisites: EN 102 and a grade of C or better in POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104, or permission of instructor. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 380 Politics of Latin America Examines the systems of government of countries in Latin America — including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 381 Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa Examines the systems of government of countries in Africa south of the Sahara — including but not limited to the DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 382 Politics of Western Europe Examines the systems of government of countries in Western Europe — including but not limited to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 385 Politics of South Asia Examines the systems of government of countries in South Asia — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 386 Politics of East Asia Examines the systems of government of countries in East Asia — including China (PRC), Mongolia, North and South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 388 Politics of North America Examines the systems of government of Canada, the United States, and Mexico and their relations with each other. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)
POL 400 Internship Students register for an internship with a service or research organization. The internship is monitored by the School of Humanities Academic Internship Mentor and a representative of the cooperating organization. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 75 hours and permission of the School of Humanities Internship Mentor. (3)
POL 420 Senior Seminar Provides an opportunity for majors to explore more thoroughly a subject previously studied in the politics curriculum. The focus of each seminar is a student paper demonstrating appropriate skill in research and writing on political topics. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: POL 250. (3)
POL 421 Project An investigation of a selected topic in the emphasis discipline. The project is intended to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and present the results in writing of commendable quality. Prerequisite: permission of the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. (3)

300- and 400-level Politics courses

These courses provide advanced study of specific politics topics and involve student-directed projects. Most have some politics pre-requisites, and some fill the Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI) requirements.

POL 300 State and Urban Politics

A survey of the structure of state and urban political units and institutions. An examination of their policy and decision-making processes and an investigation of state-federal relations. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 230, or permission of the instructor. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 306 Gender and Politics

An in-depth examination of the relationship between gender and political authority around the world, focusing on differences across countries in rights and representation, the role of gender in campaigns and elections in democracies, and the politics of related social policies across advanced democracies including those regulating abortion and marriage. Prerequisite: EN 102 and any one of the following: POL 102, POL 103, POL 104, or GEND 200. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 307 Race and Politics

This course examines race and politics in the United States. The course will analyze the role of minority groups, including African Americans, Latino Americans, and Asian Americans, in the political arena. Moreover, we will look at issues of immigration, affirmative action, and education as they impact minority groups in the U.S. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 310 Political Parties and Interest Groups

An analysis of group theory in a democratic society. The course examines the influence of interest groups in American politics at the federal and state levels. Prerequisites: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 315 The Presidency

A survey of the historical development and the constitutional powers of the office. The course analyzes the principal roles in national and world politics played by modern presidents. Prerequisites: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 320 The Congress

A review of the history of Congress and a description of its functions, its structure, and the legislative process. The course examines current and historical issues that relate to the proper role of Congress in the American scheme of government. Prerequisites: grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 230, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 325 Voting Behavior

A study of the voting behavior of the American electorate and its representatives and the causes of that behavior. Prerequisites: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 330 Judicial Politics

This course examines the judicial system and its larger impact on U.S. political life. The course addresses the main actors, trial courts, appellate courts, and the court system’s role in a representative democracy. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 103 or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 332 American Foreign Policy

A history of the policies of the United States toward other governments and analysis of the principal factors to be considered in formulating and executing American foreign policy. Prerequisites: grade of C or better in POL 102 and POL 250 or any other WI course, or permission of instructor. (3)

POL 333 United States Constitutional History

A study of the evolution of several issues of American Constitutional Law. (3)

POL 335 American Constitutional Law I

An introduction to the federal judiciary in American government and a survey of the principal decisions of constitutional law that have influenced the development of the American polity. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in EN 102. (3)

POL 336 American Constitutional Law II

A survey of the principal court decisions concerning individual rights under the United States Constitution. Prerequisites: grade of C or better in EN 102. (3)

POL 375 Politics of Environmental Issues

A survey of environmental and natural resource policy and politics. Examines the ways governments use policies to address natural resource and environmental issues at the local, regional, and international levels, and the underlying ideological and institutional factors that shape environmental policy debates. Prerequisites: EN 102 and a grade of C or better in POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104, or permission of instructor. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 380 Politics of Latin America

Examines the systems of government of countries in Latin America — including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 381 Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa

Examines the systems of government of countries in Africa south of the Sahara — including but not limited to the DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 382 Politics of Western Europe

Examines the systems of government of countries in Western Europe — including but not limited to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 385 Politics of South Asia

Examines the systems of government of countries in South Asia — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 386 Politics of East Asia

Examines the systems of government of countries in East Asia — including China (PRC), Mongolia, North and South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan — and their relations with each other and with major countries outside the region. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102 or POL 103. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 388 Politics of North America

Examines the systems of government of Canada, the United States, and Mexico and their relations with each other. Prerequisite: EN 102 and either POL 102, POL 103, or POL 104. Liberal Arts Core Designation: Social Science (SS) Depth in Sciences (DSCI). (3)

POL 400 Internship

Students register for an internship with a service or research organization. The internship is monitored by the School of Humanities Academic Internship Mentor and a representative of the cooperating organization. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 75 hours and permission of the School of Humanities Internship Mentor. (3)

POL 420 Senior Seminar

Provides an opportunity for majors to explore more thoroughly a subject previously studied in the politics curriculum. The focus of each seminar is a student paper demonstrating appropriate skill in research and writing on political topics. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: POL 250. (3)

POL 421 Project

An investigation of a selected topic in the emphasis discipline. The project is intended to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and present the results in writing of commendable quality. Prerequisite: permission of the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. (3)