Course Information: Spring 2012

POLS 102 Intro to Comparative Politics

 Christopher K. Wendt MWF 9:10-10:10 John R. Howard Hall, Room 202

Introduction to the central questions in comparative politics. Fundamental differences in the organization of states, democratic political institutions (presidentialism versus parliamentarianism, for example), and domestic social forces (for example, social capital, ethnic versus nonethnic identities). The impact of political organization on economic performance and social peace.

Prerequisites: None

 

POLS 103 U.S. Government: Natl Politics

 Ellen C. Seljan Tues/Thurs 1:50-3:20 Miller Center, Room 105

The politics of the founding period; interactions within and among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; the federal division of institutionalized powers; public opinion, interest groups, and political parties; the policy process in areas such as defense, welfare, civil rights and liberties, international affairs.

Prerequisites: None

 

POLS 302 Political Parties/Interest Grp

 Ellen C. Seljan Tues/Thurs 9:40-11:10 John R. Howard Hall, Room 205

The structure and functioning of political parties from the local to the national level;
organization, staffing, and policy development of parties. Pluralist analysis, group theory, impact of interest group activity on the American political system.

Prerequisites: POLS 103

 

POLS 309 American Political Thought/Ideol

 Curtis Johnson, MWF 10:20-11:20 Room TBA

The evolution of political ideas from the
prerevolutionary era through the founding period,
Civil War, early 20th century, and New Deal, up to
present divisions between “liberals,”
”conservatives,” and other contemporary political
orientations. Readings include Locke, Montesquieu,
Madison, Jefferson, de Tocqueville, Lincoln,
Keynes, Hayek, Harrington, and others.

Prerequisites: POLS 103 or consent of instructor, sophomore standing required

 

POLS 311 West Pol:Hobbes to Foucault

 Dr. John S. Holzwarth. Tues/Thurs 1:50-3:20 John R. Howard Hall, Room 123

Great works of political philosophy from early
modernity to the present. Themes include social
contract theory and justifications for obedience
to government, revolutionary theory, the effects
of democratic government on individuality and
society, and the dangers of politics in the
present day. Works may include Hobbes’
Leviathan, Locke’s Second Treatise of
Government and A Letter Concerning
Toleration, Rousseau’s Discourse on the
Origin of Inequality and On the Social
Contract, Burke’s Reflections on the
Revolution in France, Marx and Engels’
Manifesto of the Communist Party, de
Tocqueville’s Democracy in America,
Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil, and
Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism.

Prerequisites: None, sophomore standing required

 

POLS 316 Ethics and Public Policy

Dr. John S. Holzwarth, Tues/Thurs 11:30-1:00 John R. Howard Hall, Room 114

Rigorous consideration of controversial issues in
contemporary normative political theory.
Introduction to major frameworks for ethics.
Topics may include abortion, euthanasia,
punishment and the death penalty,
multiculturalism, affirmative action, women’s
rights, gay rights, animal rights, just war
theory, social welfare.

Prerequisites: None, junior standing or consent of instructor required

 

POLS 435 Topics in Comparative Politics

 Christopher K. Wendt Monday 3:00-4:30, Thursday 3:30-5:00 John R. Howard Hall, Room 253

Advanced seminar focusing on problems and concepts
in comparative politics. Specific content varies;
examples of topics include state failure and civil
war, electoral competition and legislative
behavior, migration and integration, institutional
design, and ethnicity and nationalism. Assignments
are organized around a substantial seminar paper
(25 pages or longer).

Prerequisites: POLS 102, senior standing or consent required