Political Science Department
The Department offers two distinct majors: Political Science and International Studies. Political Science fields of study include American government and politics, international relations, political philosophy, and comparative politics. The interdisciplinary concentration that is International Studies provides a broad background in foreign language and culture, politics, history, and economics and may appeal to students interested in journalism, teaching, international business, or government service. For information on preparation for law school, consult the Emory Career Center.
Faculty
- Chair/Director
- Dan ReiterP9921024Professor
Education
- BA, Northwestern University, 1985
- PhD, University of Michigan, 1994
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- international relations
- world politics
- Director of Undergraduate Studies
- Alan AbramowitzP1454677Alben W Barkley Professor
Education
- BA, University of Rochester, 1969
- MA, Stanford University, 1972
- PhD, Stanford University, 1976
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- political parties
- electoral politics
- Core Faculty
- Alan AbramowitzP1454677Alben W Barkley Professor
Education
- BA, University of Rochester, 1969
- MA, Stanford University, 1972
- PhD, Stanford University, 1976
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- political parties
- electoral politics
Kyle BeardsleyP0163404Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, University of Maryland, 2001
- MA, University of California, San Diego, 2003
- PhD, University of California, San Diego, 2006
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- international relations
- conflict processes
- empirical methodology
Merle BlackP0367018Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Politics and GovernmentEducation
- BA, Harvard University, 1964
- MA, University of Chicago, 1968
- PhD, University of Chicago, 1972
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- American national government
- politics of the American South
- political parties and elections
Courtney BrownP1835049Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, Rutgers University, 1974
- MA, San Francisco State University, 1979
- PhD, Washington University, 1982
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- American politics
- electoral politics
- methodology and statistics
Joanne BrzinskiP2893335Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate EducationEducation
- BA, Utah State University, 1985
- AM, University of Michigan, 1989
- PhD, University of Michigan, 1994
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- European politics
- voting and elections
- political parties
- European Parliament
- women's political representation
Clifford CarrubbaP9941891Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, Duke University, 1991
- PhD, Stanford University, 1998
Departments
- Political Science, Core Faculty
- Quantitative Theory and Methods, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- comparative political economy
- Western Europe
- game theory
Thomas ClarkP3922243Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, Rutgers University, 2003
- MA, Princeton University, 2005
- PhD, Princeton University, 2008
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
David Davis IIIP7220484Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, University of Maryland, 1985
- PhD, University of Colorado, 1991
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- international relations
- defense economics
- international political economy
- dynamic modeling and research methods
Richard DonerP5748549ProfessorEducation
- BA, University of North Carolina, 1967
- MS, London School of Economics, 1968
- MA, Stanford University, 1973
- PhD, University of California, Berkeley, 1987
Departments
- Political Science, Core Faculty
- East Asian Studies, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- political economy
- international relations
- Southeast Asian politics
Jennifer GandhiP5523683Winship Distinguished Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, Columbia University, 1996
- PhD, New York University, 2004
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- comparative politics
- methodology
- comparative political regimes
- development
Michael GilesP4199720Fuller E Calloway ProfessorEducation
- BA, North Texas State University, 1968
- MA, University of Kentucky, 1969
- PhD, University of Kentucky, 1971
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- intergroup politics
- judicial process and behavior
Andra GillespieP4002641Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, University of Virginia, 1999
- MA, Yale University, 2001
- PhD, Yale University, 2005
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- American politics
- political participation
- racial and ethnic politics in the United States
Harvey KlehrP5531820Andrew W Mellon Professor of Politics and HistoryEducation
- BA, Franklin and Marshall College, 1967
- PhD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1971
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- political theory
- American radicalism
Thomas LancasterP6454734ProfessorEducation
- BA, Washington and Lee University, 1975
- MA, Miami University, 1976
- PhD, Washington University, St. Louis, 1983
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interest
- comparative politics, with a specialization in European politics
Drew LinzerP2404979Assistant ProfessorEducation
- PhD, University of California, Los Angeles, 2007
- BA, Pomona College, 1998
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- statistical methodoclogy
- comparative public opinion
- elections
- electoral systems
J. Judd OwenP3251711Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, Davidson College, 1990
- MA, University of Toronto, 1992
- PhD, University of Toronto, 1998
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- twentieth-century and contemporary political thought
- liberalism
- religion and politics
- American political thought
Michael Leo OwensP5878100Associate ProfessorEducation
- AB, Syracuse University, 1991
- MPS, State University of New York, 1992
- PhD, State University of New York, 2001
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- religion and public policy
- urban politics and policy
- community building and social change
Shawn RamirezP0000000Assistant ProfessorEducation
- Ph.D, University of Rochester, 2011
- MA, University of Rochester, 2009
- BA, Boston University,, 2002
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Beth ReingoldP2306979Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, Rice University, 1985
- MA, University of California, Berkeley, 1986
- PhD, University of California, Berkeley, 1992
Departments
- Political Science, Core Faculty
- Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Faculty
Academic Interests
- American politics
- women and politics
- political behavior
Eric ReinhardtP4540414Winship Distinguished Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, University of Virginia, 1990
- MA, Columbia University, 1992
- PhD, Columbia University, 1997
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- international relations
- international political economy
- trade politics
- game theory
Dan ReiterP9921024ProfessorEducation
- BA, Northwestern University, 1985
- PhD, University of Michigan, 1994
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- international relations
- world politics
Thomas RemingtonP7909493Goodrich C White ProfessorEducation
- AB, Oberlin College, 1970
- MA, Yale University, 1974
- PhD, Yale University, 1978
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- comparative politics
- Russian and post-Soviet politics
Michael RichP6477379Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, Westminster College, 1976
- MA, University of Virginia, 1977
- PhD, Northwestern University, 1985
Departments
- Political Science, Core Faculty
- Environmental Studies, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- federalism
- public policy
- urban policy
Holli SemetkoP8668811Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Media and International AffairsEducation
- PhD, The London School of Economics & Political Science, 1987
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Jeffrey StatonP4745880Winship Distinguished Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, University of Richmond, 1996
- MA, Washington University, 1999
- PhD, Washington University, 2002
Departments
- Political Science, Core Faculty
- Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- comparative judicial politcs
- institutional theory
- politics of law
- courts in the United States and other countries (Mexico in particular)
- areas such as human rights protection, citizenship and nationality, and the politics of dictatorship
Randall StrahanP8440826ProfessorEducation
- BS, University of Houston, 1976
- MA, University of Houston, 1979
- PhD, University of Virginia, 1986
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- American politics
- Congress
Hubert TworzeckiP1856241Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, University of British Columbia, 1988
- MA, University of British Columbia, 1989
- PhD, University of Toronto, 1994
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- comparative politics
- East European politics
Thomas WalkerP1608094Goodrich C White ProfessorEducation
- BA, St. Martin's College, 1967
- PhD, University of Kentucky, 1970
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- constitutional law
- judicial behavior
Carrie WickhamP3567086Associate ProfessorEducation
- BA, Harvard University, 1984
- MA, Princeton University, 1989
- PhD, Princeton University, 1994
Department
- Political Science, Core Faculty
Academic Interests
- comparative politics
- Middle Eastern politics
Courses
- Political Science 100-Level Courses
- POLS 100: Natl Politics/United StatesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOrigins, principles, structures, processes, and practices of American national government. Stresses different perspectives on democratic theory and practice, and the adequacy of governmental institutions.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 102: Intro to Political TheoryGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionIntroduction to select perennial themes in the history of political philosophy.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 110: Intro To Intl PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionIntroduction to analytical concepts, nature of the interstate system, the assumptions and ideas of diplomacy, the determinants of foreign policy.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 200
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 120: Intro To Comparative PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPolitical systems of major nations in comparative perspective.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 200
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 150: American DemocracyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionDiscussion based course on the foundational ideas that underlie American democracy and other major American political debates from the revolutionary era to the present. Readings drawn from classic texts and original documents, speeches and writings of leading American political figures.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Periodic Speaker series
- POLS 190: Fresh Sem: Poli SciGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- FSEM
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionFor first-year students only. Entry level seminar focusing on a specific topic. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Seminar
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Political Science 200-Level Courses
- POLS 208: Political Science MethodsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- MQR
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionFundamental concepts and quantitative techniques of empirical political inquiry. Introduction to concepts of measurement, parametric, and nonparametric statistics. Basic bivariate and univariate statistics used in political science. [Prior to Fall 2010, this course carried the number POLS 308.]
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture and Related Component
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Scheduled Related Component
- Lab
- Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
- 50 - 90
- POLS 227: Environmental PolicyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPrerequisite: Environmental Studies 131 or POLS 100 or permission of instructor. An introduction to basic concepts of American environmental policy. Topics include: history of federal environmental policymaking, environmental policy tools, controversies in environmental policy, and U.S. environmental policy in the age of globalization. Field trips required. Fulfills ENVS Intermediate Social Science and Policy requirement. May also be used to fulfill an ENVS Elective requirement.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Scheduled Related Component
- Lab
- Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
- 100 - 140
- POLS 227W: Environmental PolicyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 5
- GERs
- HSCW
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPrerequisite: Environmental Studies 131 or POLS 100 or permission of instructor. An introduction to basic concepts of American environmental policy. Topics include: history of federal environmental policymaking, environmental policy tools, controversies in environmental policy, and U.S. environmental policy in the age of globalization. Field trips required. Fulfills ENVS Intermediate Social Science and Policy requirement. May also be used to fulfill an ENVS Elective requirement.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Scheduled Related Component
- Lab
- Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
- 100 - 140
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- Political Science 300-Level Courses
- POLS 301: Classical Political ThoughtGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionBeginnings of the Western political heritage as shaped by such great political thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, and Xenophon.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 302: Modern Political ThoughtGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPolitical thought in the early modern period, from Machiavelli through the nineteenth century.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 303: Framing Of The ConstitutionGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 304: Maj Texts In Political TheoryGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionIntensive analysis of one or more texts of political philosophy or political science, with an emphasis on developing skills of close reading, textual analysis, and independent interpretation.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 305: 20th Cent.Political IdeologiesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionExamination of contemporary political ideologies, focusing primarily on fascism, communism, and democracy. Some attention tom Marxist humanism and the neoconservative revival.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 306: Contemporary Democratic TheoryGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HAP
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionAn introduction to classical and contemporary political theories of justice, with application to several specific contemporary questions of public policy.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 307: Political Thought Of LincolnGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 309: Survey Rsrch/Politicl AnalysisGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- MQR
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 308. Use of SPSS, multivariate analysis, and other computer routines to analyze survey and aggregate data. Special attention to political science data archives.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 310: Statistical ModelingGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- MQR
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionAn introduction to the various approaches to using statistics to study social phenomena
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 310W: Statistical ModelingGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- MQRW
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionAn introduction to the various approaches to using statistics to study social phenomena
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 311: Intl Conflict ResolutionGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110. Examines general principles and problems of international conflict resolution, including strategic bargaining, issue linkage, third party involvement, and coalition formation.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 312: International LawGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110. Procedures and practices regarded by states as constituting international law, with major emphasis on contemporary problems and probable trends.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 313: International OrganizationGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110. Nature and development of international organization, with emphasis on the interaction between international systems and organizations.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 313W: International OrganizationGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSCW
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110. Nature and development of international organization, with emphasis on the interaction between international systems and organizations.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 314: U.S. National Security PolicyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110. Organizations and processes involved in the formulation and execution of United States national security policy. Topics include nuclear strategy, bureaucratic politics, and the programming and budgeting process.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 315: Foreign Policies Of Maj PowersGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionComparison of post-World War II foreign policies of selected states. Primary focus on developing an understanding of the impact of internal influences on external behavior.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 316: Foreign Policy/The U StatesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionTraditions and assumptions of American foreign policy; analysis of post-World War II policy, including nuclear deterrence, foreign aid, and alliance policies.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 317: Global Human RightsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110. This course delves into the philosophical and contextual underpinnings of human rights in order to create a framework for understanding the increasing importance of human rights in the international system.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 318: US Policy Toward Latin AmericaGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionExamination of United States foreign policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean from the Monroe Doctrine to the Reagan Doctrine. Emphasis on the evolution and formulation of United States policy, national security, and foreign economic policy.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 319: Intl Political EconomyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionExamines interactions between economic developments (domestic and external) and political changes (domestic and external). Begins with general views and then examines particular issues (e.g., trade, monetary, development, environmental).
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 320: Political ViolenceGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110 or 120. Reviews several theories of the causes and dynamics of political violence. Includes an exploration of the ethical and moral issues concerning the proper role of government, the question of ends versus means, and the value of human existence.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 321: Comparative Political EconomyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. Examination of the theoretical and substantive relationships between politics and economics from a comparative perspective, including macroeconomic policy, economic influence on the vote, and political control of economic behavior.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 322: Politics Of Southeast AsiaGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110 or Political Science 120. Introduction to the contemporary politics of Southeast Asia. Specific focus on capitalist developing countries of the region - Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore. Approach is comparative, with focus on democratization, economic growth, and environmental issues.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 323: Comparative Political PartiesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. This course looks at the role of political parties for democracies and at ways parties represent interests in democracies. It combines general literature on parties and detailed study of a few countries.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 324: Sthrn Euro Political SystemGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 325: Eastern European PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110 or 120. An introduction to the politics and governments of Eastern Europe from World War I to the present.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 326: Western European PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. Comparative examination of the contemporary political systems of democratic Europe.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 327: Contemporary British PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. Focuses on the breakdown of the postwar consensus and its replacement by Thatcherism in 1979. Three topics receive detailed attention: race relations, territorial politics, and radical critiques of British democracy.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 328: Politics Of Japan & East AsiaGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110 or 120. Examines politics of contemporary Japan, with stress on political bases of Japanese economic growth and in comparison with other East Asian economic successes (e.g., Taiwan, South Korea).
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 329: Democratic TransitionsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. Provides a survey and analysis of ways states undergo transitions from authoritarian to democratic regimes. Emphasizes interplay of elite and social factors, and addresses relationship between political and economic reform.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 330: Developmental DemocracyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionExamines those political, social, and economic conditions necessary for the successful implementation of a democratic form of governance.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 331: Latin American PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOverview of the major political systems in Latin America; emphasis on patterns of authority; development of groups; the nature of institutions; political culture; forces of change; and the role of the state.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture and Related Component
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Scheduled Related Component
- Community engaged learning
- Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
- 50 - 90
- POLS 332: Latin American RevolutionsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionAn analysis of the Mexican, Cuban, and Nicaraguan revolutions, with emphasis on the sources and consequences of political change.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 333: Politics In The European UnionGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. Institutions and processes of the European Union including issues of membership, federalism, regional cohesion, effectiveness, accountability, and identity.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 334: Contemporary African PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPolitics of sub-Saharan Africa are examined, with emphasis on the major issues of social and political analysis as well as the African economic predicament and its political implications.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 335: Nations And NationalismGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. Surveys the main contemporary theories of ethnic mobilization and nation building. Discusses the relationship between ethnicity and nationalism, and examines ethnic conflict and ways of resolving and preventing it.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 336: Politics In RussiaGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. This course discusses the contemporary Russian political system, including major institutions and processes. Reviews development and collapse of the U.S.S.R. and briefly examines developments in other newly independent successor states.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 337: Islam And PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionA broad introduction to the relationship between Islam and politics in twentieth-century Iran, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 338: Politics Of The Middle EastGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPolitical Science 120 is recommended but not required. Introduces students to critical issues in Middle East politics. Central themes include the colonial encounter, the rise of the authoritarian state, Israel and Palestine, and the rise of political Islam.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 339: Politics & The EnvironmentGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionExamines the connection between political activity and environmental management. Focus ranges from regulatory activity to the environmental consequences of particular electoral forms of democratic governance.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 341: The PresidencyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionAn introduction to the structure and behavior of the American presidency. Examines presidential elections, the organization of the office, and its relations with the other national political institutions.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 342: Congressional PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionConstitutional responsibilities of the federal legislature. Effects of internal procedures and organization, external links, and member goals on congressional decisions.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 343: Federalism&Intergovrnl RelatnsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionExamination of how and why national, state, and local governments in the American federal system interact (or fail to interact) to resolve important public policy problems.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 344: American Political LeadershipGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionTheories of leadership. Cultural and structural factors that influence leadership in the American political system. Leadership in American political institutions (national, state, and local), interest groups, and social movements.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 345: American Political PartiesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionParty organization, candidate recruitment, political campaigning, and legislative parties as facets of the total political system. Effect of parties in differing national and cultural contexts in fostering or inhibiting democratic values and practices.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 346: African American PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionComprehensive examination of African American politics and its critical influence upon the American political system. Civil rights and black power movements; the voting rights act and redistricting; African American political participation, attitudes, and governance.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 347: The South In National PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionThe changing roles of the South in national politics since World War II, with attention to presidential elections, the two-party system, and the United States Congress.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 348: American Elections & VotingGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionVoter and candidate decision-making during primary and general elections, patterns of partisan support in the electorate, and factors affecting campaign strategy in American elections.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 349: Politics Of Race In The U.S.General Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionComprehensive examination of the significance of race in the development of the American political system. Topics include Reconstruction, the civil rights movement, and the contemporary political attitudes and behavior of black and white Americans.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 350: American Legal SystemGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 100. Basic concepts of American law, judicial selection, the legal profession, court systems, and judicial behavior.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 351: United States Supreme CourtGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionCourse focuses on the Supreme Court as an institution. Legal, attitudinal, and strategic models are employed to examine the court's history and processes, and its role in the political system.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 352: Constitutional LawGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 100. Basic principles of the Constitution and powers of the national and state governments, examined through Supreme Court decisions and secondary works.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 353: Civil LibertiesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPersonal liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution, including freedom of speech, religion, assembly, petition; the right of privacy; the right against age, sex, race, or economic discrimination.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 354: Criminal JusticeGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionExamination of the various stages of the criminal justice process in the United States and the constitutional rights accorded to the criminally accused.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 355: Nonprofits and PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 356: Politics Of Budgetary ProcessGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 357: Gender PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOverview of the role of gender in defining and shaping politics, political systems, political beliefs, political behavior, and public policy in the American and/or international context.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 358: Women And The LawGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionComprehensive analysis of legal issues relevant to women's status in society. Constitutional and statutory law addressed.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 359: American RadicalismGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionHistory, ideas and personalities of American radicalism, including utopianism, socialism, the Industrial Workers of the World, communism, and the New Left. American reactions to radicalism, including McCarthyism.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 360: Public Policy ProcessGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionHow national public policies develop. Focus on who American governing actors and elites are, what they control, how they work together, and how issues thereby develop, recur, and evolve into policy.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 361: Public AdministrationGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 362: Executive Branch GovernanceGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionExamines how American executive branch agencies behave as organizations and how they relate in practice to the rest of the people in government and the nation.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 363: Public OpinionGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionThe nature, sources, and consequences of Americans' political preferences and beliefs. Topics include public opinion research methods, political socialization, self interest, reference groups, and voting behavior.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 364: Interest Group PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionFocusing primarily on politics in the United States, this course examines the important roles played by organized interest groups and broader social movements in democratic politics.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 365: State & Local PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionStructures and political processes of state and local governments. Emphasis on the roles of state and local governments in the American federal system.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 366: Southern PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionThe politics of the South since 1960, with emphasis on the following topics: Southern political culture, the civil rights movement, and the rise of two-party competition.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 367: Urban PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionIntroduction and overview to the politics and governance of American cities. Emphasis is on understanding the relationships among governing structures, decision-making processes, and policy outcomes.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 368: Urban Public PolicyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOverview of major public policy problems confronting American urban areas today and the responses city, state, and national governments have made to address these problems. Policy areas covered include poverty, education, crime, housing, and community development.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 369: Public Policy AnalysisGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOverview of the quantitative and qualitative methodologies employed by analysts in determining whether public programs and policies work. Attention is also given to research utilization and the role of analysis in the policymaking process.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 370A: Community Bldg & Soc Change IGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOpen only to undergraduate students by permission of the instructor. Additionally, this course is required for all students seeking to apply for the fellowship in Community Building and Social Change.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 370B: Planning Community InitiativesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOpen only to students admitted as fellows in the program in Community Building and Social Change.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 175
- POLS 370BW: Planning Community InitiativesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 5
- GERs
- HSCW
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOpen only to students admitted as fellows in the program in Community Building and Social Change.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 175
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 370L: Planning Comm Initiatives-LabGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 1
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lab
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 372: Strategic AnalysisGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 373: Consequences of WarGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 110 or 120. Describes the manifold consequences of war to the individual, the state, and the international system; reviews a variety of theories of war consequences and explores the possible political and moral implications.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 374: War and PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 374W: War and PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSCW
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 375: Contemp. Chinese PoliticsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 376: Compar Representative InstitGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 377: Politics Of Democratic SpainGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Political Science 120. Analysis of the contemporary Spanish political system, including its transition to democracy, political institutions, and governmental processes.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 378: Compar State & StratificationGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSuggested prerequisite: Sociology 214 or 311 or Political Science 321, 324, 326, or 327. Comparative sociology of state social and economic politics in advanced industrial democracies, 1880 to present.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 379: Politics in MusicGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionAn examination of political information as it is conveyed through music and music video/film art forms. Course fulfills an elective requirement for the political science major.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 380: Pol. Economy of DevelopmentGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 381: Comparative Political RegimesGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 382: Dictatorship and DevelopmentGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 383: The Arab-Israeli ConflictGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionNo Course Description Available.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 384: Int'l Environmental PolicyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPrerequisite: Environmental Studies 131 or Political Science 110, or permission of instructor. An advanced course designed to introduce students to the complexity of policy problems surrounding international environmental issues. We begin with the difference between national and international policy issues, and why international environmental issues present unique challenges. The class will then address the fragility of international environmental institutions and the history of this topic. The second half of the course will focus on specific policy problems such as: free trade, sustainable development, population growth, climate change, and endangered species. Students will also develop an expertise in the positions and problems of one nation outside the United States. Fulfills an ENVS Elective requirement.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 384W: Int'l Environmental PolicyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSCW
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionPrerequisite: Environmental Studies 131 or Political Science 110, or permission of instructor. An advanced course designed to introduce students to the complexity of policy problems surrounding international environmental issues. We begin with the difference between national and international policy issues, and why international environmental issues present unique challenges. The class will then address the fragility of international environmental institutions and the history of this topic. The second half of the course will focus on specific policy problems such as: free trade, sustainable development, population growth, climate change, and endangered species. Students will also develop an expertise in the positions and problems of one nation outside the United States. Fulfills an ENVS Elective requirement.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 385: Spec Tops: Political ScienceGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSelected topics and problems in political science. Content will vary in successive offerings of this course. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 385W: Spec Tops: Political ScienceGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- WRT
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionSelected topics and problems in political science. Content will vary in successive offerings of this course. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 386: Special TopicsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionThis is a variable credit course; special topics in Political Science.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 386W: Special TopicsGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- WRT
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionThis is a variable credit course; special topics in Political Science.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- Political Science 400-Level Courses
- POLS 403: Theories Of JusticeGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionContact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 486: Washington SemesterGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 16
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionCredit, sixteen satisfactory/unsatisfactory hours. Special course for students selected by the department to study for one semester in the nation's capital, with an occasional abroad component.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Experiential
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 487: Internt'l Studies at Bard (NY)General Information
- Credit Hours
- 16
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionCredit, sixteen satisfactory/unsatisfactory hours. Special course for students selected by the department to study for one semester in New York City.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Experiential
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 490R: Advanced SeminarGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOpen only to senior and junior majors and others by permission of instructor. Selected topics in political science.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 490RW: Advanced SeminarGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- WRT
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOpen only to senior and junior majors and others by permission of instructor. Selected topics in political science.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 491: Special Topics - Senior SeminarGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionThis is a variable credit course; special topics class in Political Science that will be a variation of a senior seminar.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Seminar
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 491W: Special Topics - Senior SeminarGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 4
- GERs
- WRT
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionThis is a variable credit course; special topics class in Political Science that will be a variation of a senior seminar.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Seminar
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 492R: Practicum:Comm Bldg & Soc ChngGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 2
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOpen only to students admitted as fellows in the program in Community Building and Social Change.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Experiential
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 175
- POLS 495: Honors TutorialGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 3
- GERs
- HSC
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOpen only to students selected to participate in the department's Honors Program. Basic social science research methods and preparation of an honors thesis on some previously uninvestigated or insufficiently investigated area of political science. This course is required for completion of the Honors Program in political science.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- POLS 495W: Honors TutorialGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4
- GERs
- HSCW
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionOpen only to students selected to participate in the department's Honors Program. Basic social science research methods and preparation of an honors thesis on some previously uninvestigated or insufficiently investigated area of political science. This course is required for completion of the Honors Program in political science.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Lecture
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 150
- Writing Requirement
- Yes
- POLS 496R: Internshp In Political ScienceGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4 - 12
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionCredit, four to twelve hours. Supervised participation in a government/political internship approved by the department.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Experiential
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 496RW: Internshp In Political ScienceGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 4 - 12
- GERs
- WRT
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionCredit, four to twelve hours. Supervised participation in a government/political internship approved by the department.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Experiential
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 497R: Directed StudyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 12
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionCredit, one to twelve hours. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Independent reading and research under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Directed study
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 497RW: Directed StudyGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 12
- GERs
- WRT
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionCredit, one to twelve hours. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Independent reading and research under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Directed study
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- variable
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
- POLS 499: Honors ResearchGeneral Information
- Credit Hours
- 1 - 8
- GERs
- None
- Variable GER
- None
Course DescriptionCredit, one to eight hours. Independent research course for students selected to participate in the department¿s Honors Program. This course is required for completion of the Honors Program in political science.
Contact Hour Information- Course Type
- Independent Honors research
- Weekly Contact Minutes
- 300
- Additional Course Plus Component
- Not Applicable
Honors Program
See “Honors Program” under the curriculum section of the catalog and consult the department for further details.
Outstanding students majoring in political science or international studies are invited by the department in the spring semester of their junior year to submit materials for consideration for the political science honors program the following year. Invitations are extended to students selected from this group. The program is a yearlong curriculum in which students successfully complete a political science graduate or senior seminar, conduct original research on a topic of their own choosing, and write an honors thesis under the direction of a political science faculty member. Honors students also must enroll in the honors tutorial seminar in the fall semester. Consult the department or director of undergraduate studies for more details.
For more information, see Honors Program | Academic Policies & Regulations.
Study Abroad
The Department strongly encourages its majors to consider studying abroad at some point in their studies. For specifics, consult CIPA and the director of undergraduate studies.
Advising
Students who declare a major are assigned a faculty advisor in the department who may be consulted on any matter pertaining to a student's progress. It is the student's responsibility to seek out his or her advisor as needed in the course of the academic year.Language Study
The International Studies major requires two years of college-level study of a modern foreign language, or the equivalent.
Internship
Students who have sufficient background in political science courses are eligible to apply for government/political internships approved by the Department of Political Science. Students have served as interns in the White House; the offices of members of Congress, governors, and lieutenant-governors; in state legislatures; and in other state, county, and city offices. Students also may serve as interns in programs at The Carter Center. Students may earn up to twelve semester hours of political science internship credit, but a maximum of four semester hours may be used to satisfy the requirements of the political science major and a maximum of four semester hours may be used to satisfy the requirements of the international studies major.
Awards and Honors
Outstanding students majoring in political science and international studies are invited by the department to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. In addition, the Elliott Levitas Award for outstanding accomplishment in political science is presented annually to a senior major who exemplifies excellence in political science or international studies.
Independent Research and Study
Independent research with faculty is available through the department's Directed Study course, and from time to time other research opportunities with faculty are available.
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