Political Science

POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government

Social Analysis (SA) Social Science (SS) Social Justice (SJ)

This course offers an overview of the American political system. Included are examinations of the American presidency, Congress, political parties, interest groups, the courts and the mass media. Students analyze the way in which American society attempts to realize the goals of a constitutional democracy, as well as the successes and failures of the system. Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits

POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics

Social Analysis (SA) Social Science (SS)

This course is designed to be a broad introduction to the field of comparative politics, to pose these questions of contrast and comparison and to begin to give you, the student citizen, the tools to understand politics in the world around you. It will be divided into two main sections: 1) System, Process and Policies and 2) Country Studies. The first half of the course will define the main units of study (states, political systems, governments, regime types, electoral systems, political culture, interest aggregation, political parties, social movements, public policy and democratic development) and the second half of the course will be devoted to country studies based on regime type (Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Brazil, Russian Federation, South Africa, China, Iran), using the framework developed earlier. Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits POLSC1401Introduction to International Relations

Social Analysis (SA) Social Science (SS)

The goal of this course is for students to develop an understanding of the dynamics of the international political arena. Throughout the course we will be exploring the perspectives of states and peoples from the many regions that make up our increasingly globalized world. We will begin by acquainting ourselves with how international relations impacts our lives. We will examine the theoretical concepts used to explain the international system, as well as the changing concepts of security and power. We will next explore the role of wars and negotiations in international politics today and go on to address the role of international law and institutions, issues of intervention, and economic development. We will then examine the interconnection of human rights and the environment in international relations. Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits

POLSC1501Political Theory & Analysis This survey course will provide an introduction to major political philosophers, concepts, and to competing ideologies on political science by presenting some of the fundamental theoretical schools and by examining many of the approaches that underlie contemporary ideologies. Special attention will be placed on the theoretical background that ultimately deals with the complex triangular relationship between the individual, society, and the state. Spring semester. 4 credits

POLSC2203 U.S. Culture Wars and Political Socialization Political socialization, the “people-oriented” explanation of political events, is concerned with the knowledge, values and beliefs of the average citizen. What do citizens demand of their government? Under what conditions are they willing to support its leaders? 2021-2022 Academic Catalog

What is the relationship between citizens’ attitudes and the way the state operates? How are political standards and beliefs transmitted from generation to generation? By what agents? These questions are addressed through the lens of U. S. culture wars. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits

POLSC2207 Politics and the Media This course will undertake an examination of the motivations that propel voters to choose the winning candidate or campaign in Electoral politics. We will utilize current and recent American elections on the national, state, and local levels, to evaluate whether campaign strategy or candidate-appeal determine the Electoral outcome. Party affiliation, issue importance and campaign techniques will be reviewed as to determine what factors contribute to a successful campaign strategy. A main goal of the course is to intrigue students as campaign participants through an understanding of how to approach campaigns. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits

POLSC2211 Campaign Strategies and Electoral Politics This course will undertake an examination of the motivations that propel voters to choose the winning candidate or campaign in Electoral politics. We will utilize current and recent American elections on the national, state, and local levels, to evaluate whether campaign strategy or candidate-appeal determine the Electoral outcome. Party affiliation, issue importance and campaign techniques will be reviewed as to determine what factors contribute to a successful campaign strategy. A main goal of the course is to intrigue students as campaign participants through an understanding of how to approach campaigns. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits POLSC2225 The 1960s and Political Activisim The decade of the 1960s represents different things to different generations. The decade was a combination of a peculiar set of events, conflicts and emotions. To those who lived through it, it was a difficult period in time. Yet now there is a nostalgia about it. For those who did not live through it, there is often a sense of “lost moments.” This course shall explore the many events, personalities and movements that constitute the unique period of the 1960s. Spring semester,even years. 4 credits

POLSC2228 Federalism through State and Local Government This course will explore the relationship between national, state, and local authority with an emphasis on the latter two levels of governance. The bulk of public policies affecting the lives of citizens are implemented at the state and local levels, yet it is not always clear which level of government has ultimate jurisdiction, creating periodic conflict over contested ground; which is the essence of the evolution of federalism in America. A focus on state and local governments is essential to become more knowledgeable about public policy and the American federal system. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits

POLSC2232 Parties and Interests in American Politics: Polarized America It is perceived that America is indeed a polarized nation. This course investigates this possibility through the prism of political parties and interest groups. Parties and interests arguably articulate the will of the people, and will be assessed in their role in government, the electorate, and as organizations. This course will explore these institutions to assess the relative strength and influences of these groups and to see to what degree America is a polarized nation. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1201

POLSC2301 Politics of Race and Ethnicity in Latin America and Caribbean Historical, cultural, economic, and geopolitical, imperatives have forged identities that are influencing the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This course examines the politics of 21st century in LAC primarily through the prism of identities of race and ethnicity. Gender, class, religion and sexual orientation, are also addressed as they influence political culture and public policy regionally and within cases. The course examination is divided along different regions, such as: Mexico and Central America; the Andes; Brazil and the Southern Cone; and the Caribbean. **Please note. There will NOT be a travel component with this course during the Fall 2020 semester. This course will extend beyond the classroom in a number of ways, most importantly with travel to a country within a featured region and based on the themes established in the syllabus. Travel will take place during the January intersession following the class and will be a required component. Possible destinations include: Cuba, Peru, Brazil, or destinations approved by the International Programming Office. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

POLSC2302 European Politics: From Transition to Integration Comparative study of politics in several Western European countries, with an emphasis on political development, institutions, major issues in contemporary politics, and the impact of European integration. Special attention will be paid to the issue of Europe-making related to the post-EU/NATO enlargement and the post-9/11 situation and European-Atlantic relations. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1301 POLSC2401 American Foreign Policy This course will examine when and how the United States acts in the world arena. We will analyze the role of domestic politics, the interpretation of the national interest, and the formulation of policy. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits

POLSC2409 The Politics of International Economic Relations This course will explore the interrelationships of economics and politics in international arenas. Students will therefore study the interdependence of economics, ques- tions of economic development, the power of multinational corporations, international trade and trade agreements, oligopolies, oil, environment and arms trade. The class will travel to China as it is an increasingly important economic and political actor in the international arena. It is therefore an excellent vehicle for understanding the financial and power relationships that impact the globalized world.Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits Prerequisite: Either one economics or one political science course (Cross-referenced with ECON2113)

POLSC2411 The Contemporary Middle East: Challenges and Promise This course will introduce students to the states, political movements, conflicts and the possibilities for peace in the Middle East. Students will begin by examining the major international dynamics of the region, such as the Palestinian-Israeli dispute, the interactions of the Gulf Region, and the SyrianLebanese-Israeli triangle. The discussion will then turn to the domestic political, social, and economic environment challenging the people and governments of the area. Lastly, students will look at the implications for the United States of the complexities of this region—its challenges and its promise. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

POLSC2413 International Law and Institutions In this course, students will examine the sources and historical foundations of contemporary International Law as well as the international institutions most closely associated with its application. Students will gain an understanding of the role played by state actors, international institutions and NGOs in both the development of international law and its application, as well as of the difficulties of enforcing these norms on sovereign states. This will be demonstrated through applied case studies in specific areas of international law, such as humanitarian law, the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine, the Law of Seas, the use of force, and the environmental law. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits.

POLSC2415 In the Footsteps of Thucydides The course examines the theoretical genesis of the dominant argument of International Relations, namely that of the Realist and the Neorealist paradigm. Thucydides, an Athenian general and a combatant in the “world war” of his day, which pinned two great alliances against each other and ultimately caused the demise of the entire city-state system, traces the seductive lure of state power and its effects on those who possess it as well as those who seek it. Students will trace the footsteps of Thucydides through the pages of The Peloponnesian War and in Athens, Sparta and Milos, where “the strong did as they wished and the weak suffered as they must.” This course travels to Greece in March. Travel component required. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits

POLSC2417Statecraft and Globalization In a globalized political system, states’ ability to use statecraft is affected by the condition of the international system and the structure of alliance membership. The current Eurozone crisis that has at its epicenter the southern Mediterranean littoral states of Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain (PIGS) presents interesting dimensions of statecraft that states practice within institutional arrangements such as the European Union and NATO, at a time of economic crisis. Travel component required. Summer. 4 credits Offered in Crete as part of Eastern Mediterranean Security Studies program

POLSC2419 The Geopolitics of Democracy In this course, we will examine the conflict of geopolitical interests versus domestic forces that challenge the modern state. We will begin by outlining the dominant arguments that have defined the emergence of liberal democracy as “the only game in town” as well as the new geopolitical “great game.” We will then proceed to examine how the coveting of energy highways within the new geopolitical great game affects the domestic political priority of democratic governance in the eastern Mediterranean. Travel component required. Summer. 4 credits Offered in Crete as part of Eastern Mediterranean Security Studies program

POLSC2421Model United Nations The Model United Nations (MUN) course aims to increase the student’s knowledge of international issues, policy making and the activities of the United Nations. You will also gain valuable skills in public speaking, research and writing, negotiation and powers of persuasion, leadership, organization, and interpersonal communication. Students will gain these skills through course assignments, and, most importantly, by playing the role of United Nations delegates at MUN and Crisis conferences during the fall semester. You will have the opportunity to represent EC as a delegate at Model UN and Crisis conferences locally as part of the course. Students are responsible

for attending classes, completing several assignments in preparation for attending and participating in two Boston-area MUN conference at Boston University and the Harvard National Model United Nations conference in February, following the end of the semester. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

POLSC2503 Revolution and Nationalism This course discusses the nature and causes of rebellion and revolution with special regard to the national self-assertion of societies emerging from imperialism since World War I. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1501

POLSC2602 Introduction to Law and the Judicial System This course provides a general introduction to the study of law and the judicial process in the U.S. It will explore the different areas of law, giving students an overview of the many different directions in which the study of law may take them. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

POLSC2603 Problems of Law and Society The course evaluates the current ability of legal institutions to deal with a variety of societal problems such as discrimination, child rights, the aged, drug addictions, AIDs, prisoner rights and rehabilitation, and the environment. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits

POLSC2613 Law, Health and Public Policy “Health” is more much than “the absence of disease.” This course will explore the interrelationship of law, health, and public policy in the U.S., with an emphasis on the social, economic, geographic, educational, and culture forces contributing to health law and policy formulation. Included in this course will be developing an understanding of the broader political environment of vested interests that impact the governing of health care, the policymaking process and how that environment may misperceive/ misidentify what policies and potential reforms are the most effective in achieving an equitable distribution of health care to the country’s diverse population. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits

POLSC2701 Research Methods in Political Science The aim of this course is to give students opportunities to conduct their own research and to understand and use the research of others. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be covered, including library and archival research, legislative documents, election data, and multivariate analysis. The immediate aim of the course is to provide students with the necessary tools to conduct research and to create substantive work in any of the sub-fields of Political Science, and thus to prepare them for their own Senior Seminar capstone paper. Students will be encouraged to submit their Research Methods course for presentation at a professional conference such as the Northeast Political Science Association meeting. Spring semester. 4 credits Prerequisites: MATH1117 or MATH1118 and at least one 1000-level Political Science course and sophomore status

POLSC2705 Sustainable Development: Paradigms and Policies This interdisciplinary course examines the idea and practice of sustainable development in the global north and south from the perspectives of Economics, Political Science and Sociology. The course starts by analyzing definitions and theories underlying the concept of sustainable development. It continues to critically assess the sustainability indices built on these different paradigms before analyzing major sustainability challenges such as population growth and

climate change. Students will also learn about the actors, processes and institutions at the national and international levels that play a significant role in sustainability policy. Lastly, the course examines policy measures towards sustainable development. Spring semester. 4 credits (Cross-referenced with SOC2705)

POLSC2801 Food Policy and Social Justice

Social Analysis (SA) Social Science (SS) Social Justice (SJ)

This course will explore food policy as an issue of social justice. Politics involves conflict over scarce resources. How these resources are allocated and to what programs reveal the values of those making the decisions. Food policy and social justice will be explored through the political, economic, and social concerns of food production and consumption in the United States, and its extension throughout the globe. We will assess policy issues such as immigration, trade, the agro-industrial complex, labor, poverty, public health, and government initiatives to promote healthier and more nutritious diets. In addition to a comprehensive research paper, this course will include an experiential education component that will take us out of the classroom and into the community to explore how all aspects of food policy affects people’s everyday lives. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits

POLSC3160 American Political Thought American political development is characterized by consensus and conflict—consensus over a shared set of ideals and values; conflict over how these values are to be implemented in society. This trajectory of consensus and conflict results in a society in

which public policies do not always comport with American ideals. This course assesses debate over the meaning of American political ideologies; as well as how the disenfranchised, those marginalized on the basis of their ethnicity, national origin skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status have enhanced their rights over time. This course seeks to explore this debate through an overview of American political thought from the nation’s founding through present day. A close reading and analysis of canonical documents will reveal a society often at struggle with itself while striving to attain certain ideals. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1201

POLSC3201 Congress, Representation and the Legislative Process The powers and duties of Congress are delineated in Article 1 of the Constitution. Congress has a unique role in the American political system by possessing legislative, representative, and oversight responsibilities. It is accepted wisdom that representatives want to get reelected, but the question is how or in what acts do individual members engage to affect this reality. As a result, this course focuses on Congress’s role in the formation, enactment, and implementation of public policy in the United States from the perspective of legislative agendas and goals. Understanding the basic characteristics and nature of Congress is critical to a fuller appreciation of the development of American government and politics as a whole. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1201 or permission of instructor

POLSC3202 The American Presidency This course studies the development and contemporary importance of the Presidency as an institution of national and international leadership. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1201 or EDUC1111 or permission of instructor

POLSC3209 Public Policy, the Law and Psychology Public policy and the law affect, and are affected by, many disciplines, with psychology playing an increasingly prominent role in the legal system. One cannot truly understand psychology, the law, or public policy in the United States without understanding the interrelationships of these three realms of knowledge and practice. This course will explore the evolving interactions at the theoretical and practical level among psychology, law and public policy. This is a servicelearning course, which requires two to three hours per week devoted to working at an appropriate site. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisites: POLSC1201, PSYCH1501, PSYCH2203 or instructor permission.

POLSC3210 Education Policy (crosslisted with EDUC3210)

Social Justice (SJ)

Education is a fundamental tenet of American society. In fact, the right to a sound education is enshrined in many state constitutions. Yet, debate over how best to affect a quality and effective educational system has pervaded American politics and society since the country’s founding. This debate has involved the equitable funding and distribution of resources, assessment, issues of race, gender, and socioeconomic class, teaching standards and qualifications, and curriculum on the K-12 level, as well as in colleges and universities. This course explores the debate surrounding educational policy in the American political system. Politics is often about conflict over values and resources. Education policy embodies this conflict quite clearly. We will assess the social, cultural, and political factors influencing the crafting, implementation, and assessment of education policy in the United States. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1201 or EDUC1111 POLSC3301 Comparative Politics of Developing States This course explores various models of the government of changing societies, such as those evolving out of revolution and military juntas, as well as the politics of economic and religious change. Africa, Asia and Latin America are the areas of concentration. Fall semester, even years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1301 or permission of instructor

POLSC3303 Street Democracy This course focuses on protest movements and their role as interest articulation mechanisms specifically within transitioning and consolidated democracies. The main question that this course raises is: Do protest movements work to hinder or enhance the process of democratic consolidation, and to what extent? Comparative methods will be used to identify, compare and contrast protest movements in Latin America and Europe. Fall semester,odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1301

POLSC3403 Human Issues in International Relations Through the use of novels, films, biographies, and special studies, students examine the phenomena which play an increasing role in the world arena. These may include: nationalism, genocide, refugee movements, international intervention and women and the environment. Spring semester, even years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1401 or permission of instructor

POLSC3405 Negotiating Peace This course emphasizes conflict resolution. It begins with the study of various methods of war then moves to the analysis of the evolving methods of negotiation and reconciliation. The class will culminate with a month-long negotiation simulation working 2021-2022 Academic Catalog

to resolve a contemporary conflict situation. Spring semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1401 or permission of instructor

POLSC3407 People and Politics of the Middle East This course will be conducted as a seminar around one or more themes each time it is offered. The types of themes that may be rotated include: political reform in the Middle East; human rights in the Middle East; women in the Middle East; water in the Middle East; the Peace Process in the Palestinian-Israeli Dispute; U.S. policy in the Middle East; and political Islam in the Middle East. Students will lead and participate in discussions throughout the semester. The seminar will culminate with the presentations of each student’s individual research papers. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1401 or permission of instructor

POLSC3607Constitutional Law Through an examination of Supreme Court decisions, the first part of this course explores the constitutional powers of the Presidency, Congress, and the judiciary as well as the constitutional relations between states and the federal government. The second part of the course will focus on individual rights and freedoms. Fall semester, odd years. 4 credits Prerequisite: POLSC1201 or permission of instructor

POLSC4100 Senior Seminar and Internship in Political Science This seminar is the senior capstone course which allows students to apply their analytical skills to practical situations. Students will both participate in an internship and meet as a seminar class. As often as possible the internship and required research project should interrelate. Each student presents his/her research in the seminar and writes a senior thesis. Spring semester. 4 credits Prerequisite: INT1001

POLSC4178/4179 Directed Study I&II Prerequisites: INT1001, permission of department chair. 4 credits Offered as needed. 4 credits