Introductory Level Courses |
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310-10100 U.S. Politics SS LA 1b, h
Institutions, processes, and cultural roots of U.S. politics. Complex interrelationships among a highly specific set of political-economic institutions which have evolved to reflect the conditions of U.S. society; Congress, the presidency, bureaucracy, judiciary, parties, interest groups, media, and the electoral process. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)
310-10200 Media and Politics SS LA
The complex and subtle relationships between major political institutions and major communication media. Reporting of significant information about politics, both in the United States and in Europe, and efforts of governments to channel or control media; the American case of the Pentagon Papers and the French ORTF; the Federal Communication Commission as a focal point in the continuing conflict between government and electronic media. 3 credits. (S,Y)
310-10300 U.S. and the World SS LA 1b
Aims to comprehend the roots, both mythological and ideological, of U.S. politics; to understand the relationship between American politics and U.S. foreign policy; to examine specific aspects of foreign policy and relate them to the above aims. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)
310-12200 Politics and Society SS LA
Analysis of political systems and their relationships with social and economic forces in the context of the U.S. political system, parliamentary democracies, one-party systems, and developing systems. Specific topics for study include the sociocultural base of politics, political change, leadership, and political participation. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)
310-12300 Political Justice SS LA 1b, g
The definition and analysis of political trials in various cultural and historical contexts as an index of the modern state's expanding claims on individuals and groups. Different perspectives of defense, prosecution, and judgment; media impact; extrajudicial means of repression. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-12500 The Politics of Deviance SS LA 1a
Is the definition of mental health in a society politically determined? This course examines U.S. and Soviet data on psychiatric and legal means of dealing with nonconformists and dissenters. Readings cover Freudian theory, case studies, and critiques by Szasz, Ennis, and Torrey. 3 credits. (S,Y)
310-12800 Introduction to International Relations SS LA 1b, g
Introduces students to basic perspectives and events in world politics (international relations). Different theoretical positions (realism, nationalism; liberalism, transnationalism, globalism; Marxism; and feminism) and methodological approaches (case study, quantitative analysis, strategic modeling) are examined critically. The central purpose of the course is to provide the beginning student of international relations/world politics with the analytic tools necessary to understand contemporary events and to undertake advanced study in these areas. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-12900 Introduction to Global Studies SS LA 1b, g
The connections between the industrialized nations of Europe, North America, and the Pacific (the "North") and the "Third World" nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America (the "South"). From interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives, the course examines a number of global issues - that is, issues transcending national boundaries, such as food and famine; population; foreign aid, debt, and development; natural resources, energy, and the environment; national security and militarism. National and international public policies relating to these issues are examined critically and policy alternatives are explored, as are individual responses and responsibilities. The course emphasizes geographic literacy and global awareness. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: 310-12900, 339-12900, or 640-12900. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)
310-14100 Power: Race, Sex, and Class SS LA
Distribution of power in the United States according to class, sex, and race. What power is, where it comes from, where it is located. Analysis of class, democracy, capitalism, and specific issues they raise for policy making, persons, the family, and corporate power. 3 credits. (S,Y)
310-14200 Ideas and Ideologies SS LA 1a, 1b
Exploration of the philosophical and ideological roots of political life and political inquiry. Concepts such as authority, legitimacy, freedom, and justice are studied, as well as the ideologies of liberation, conservatism, communism, nationalism, and democracy. Analysis of the intellectual wellsprings of modern social and political sciences. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)
310-29900 Field Study NLA
Opportunity for students to explore and experience facets of political life through work experience and/or field research. Academic credit contingent on completion of study design with departmental faculty member. (Course may not be used to satisfy level 1 distribution requirements.) Prerequisites: 310-10100, one other course in the social sciences, and permission of instructor. 1-6 credits. (Y)
Intermediate Level Courses |
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Politics majors are expected to take at least six level 3 courses. These are divided into four fields: U.S. politics, comparative and international studies, political theory, and public policy. Majors are expected to take at least one course in each of these fields.
Emphasis in this field is on the organizations, institutions, and processes of U.S. political life both at the national and subnational level, including the study of U.S. leadership patterns, legislative politics, legal systems and their social implications, partisan competition, and fundamental social and economic forces that structure U.S. politics.
310-30100 Legislative Behavior SS LA
Analysis of legislative bodies, with emphasis on the U.S. Congress. State and municipal legislatures, parliamentary legislatures, and other collegial bodies; legislative structures and roles, representation and apportionment, executive-legislative relations, oversight and investigation, and legislative reform. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
310-30300 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties SS LA
An introduction to constitutional law as it develops in the context of the U.S. political process. Emphasis is on civil rights and liberties (freedom of speech, press, and thought, equal protection, rights of the accused, etc.). Court decisions in these areas are related to attitudes and behaviors in the political and social system. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or equivalent. 3 credits. (S,Y)
310-30400 U.S. Party Politics SS LA
The role of political parties in the U.S. political system with special attention to the myth and reality of two-party politics. Organization and leadership of parties; election process; campaign strategies and techniques; money and politics; media and politics. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
310-30500 Urban Politics SS LA
Political forces operating within urban areas; older and larger urban areas and their problems in the light of local, state, and national politics and policies. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
310-30600 U.S. Foreign Policy SS LA
Political and bureaucratic processes central to the formulation of U.S. foreign policy. Readings on the policy making process, role of bureaucratic organizations in policy making, role of the president, Congress, and Departments of State and Defense. These topics examined in context of specific cases such as U.S.-Soviet relations; Sino-American relations; the Vietnam War. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-30900 Personality and Politics SS LA
Linkages between political life and the development of individual personality. Problems of political thinking and consciousness analyzed for individual citizens, small groups, and political leaders. Consideration of political biographies and public opinion materials. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
310-31000 Supreme Court in U.S. Politics SS LA
Designed to summarize and survey Supreme Court decision making and analyze that decision making in terms of an explicit theoretical framework concerning the court's essential functions within the U.S. political system. Provides students a nontechnical explanation of the activities of the Supreme Court - what the court does, why it does what it does, and what effects the court's activities have had on U.S. society. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences, including U.S. politics or equivalent. 3 credits. (Y)
310-31900-310-32000 Selected Topics in U.S. Politics SS LA
Matters of especial contemporary interest to students and faculty may be developed under this course heading. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
This field encompasses the comparative study of political institutions, processes, and sociocultural bases of political systems, along with patterns of international conflict and cooperation. It is intended to expose students to careful examination of a broad range of political phenomena, such as revolution, war, imperialism, styles of leadership, processes of political change, and systems maintenance.
310-32100 Contemporary British Politics SS LA
Introduction to the British political system. The topics considered include the functioning of governmental institutions, the class base of politics, political parties, elections, interest groups in policy process, and current issues confronting the British polity. Special attention to comparisons with U.S. political institutions and processes. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. Offered only through the London Center. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)
310-32200 British Foreign Policy SS LA
Examination of Britain's historical role in world affairs as a great power and imperialist state, and of the forces leading to decline. Emphasis also on the British position in East-West relations, relations with Europe and the EC, the role of the Commonwealth today, the foreign policy making processes, partisan differences among political parties, and current issues such as the nuclear arms debate and relations with South Africa. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. Offered only through the London Center. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-32400 Communist and Post-Communist Societies SS LA
Primary focus on the transition from communism to post-communism during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Social, political, and economic causes of this transition mainly in the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and China are examined. Special attention is given to exploring and developing a general theoretical explanation for this unique historical process. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences. 3 credits. (F)
310-32500 Chinese Politics SS LA
Revolutionary change in modern China: historical survey of China from 1911 to 1949, with attention to development of the Chinese Communist party, rise of Mao Tse-tung and evolution of Maoist thought; the People's Republic from 1949 to the present with focus on political and social transformation of Chinese society. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (S,O)
310-32600 Russian Politics SS LA
Ideological and pragmatic strands in Russian decision making. Evolution of the Communist party's role in political, social, cultural, and economic systems. Special attention to grounds for dissatisfaction that provide premises for factions of the dissident movement. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-32700 The Politics of Development SS LA
The struggle of Third World peoples to improve their economic position and political power in the international system. Special attention given to problems of development in Latin America and Africa and to the role played by industrial societies in the development process. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (S,O)
310-32800 International Conflict SS LA
Study of conflict among nations, nationalism, the role of force and violence, cold wars and arms competitions, ideological conflicts, similarities and differences between international conflict and intranational conflict, and techniques of conflict resolution. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-32900 Third World Politics SS LA
Examines the impact of the emergence of a capitalist world economy on Asian, African, and Latin American societies with the objective of specifying both their common features and their particularities. The methodology is comparative and historical. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences. 3 credits. (S)
310-33000 Western European Politics SS LA
An analysis of major European political systems - Britain, France, and West Germany - emphasizing the relation of political to social and cultural value. Examines the relationship of social class membership to involvement in political parties and interest groups, with comparison to the U.S. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (S,Y)
310-33100 Latin American Politics SS LA
Undertakes a comparative political analysis of nations in the region called Latin America - Central and South America and the Caribbean. The course includes a systemic analysis of intraregional relations, especially Latin America-U.S., and interregional relations between Latin America and Europe, Africa, Asia, and the USSR. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (F,E)
310-33900 Political Economy of the Middle East SS LA
Analyzes the political-economy of the Middle East from a historical and theoretical perspective. Its purpose is to explain the nature of socioeconomic change through analysis of the relationships among state, class, and economic development. Topics include the nature and role of the economy and the state, the processes of class formation, the role of women, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and U.S. interests in the region. Prerequisites: 310-12800 or 310-12900, and two additional courses in social sciences. 3 credits. (F)
310-34000 Selected Topics in Comparative-International Studies SS LA
Matters of special contemporary interest to students and faculty may be developed under this course heading. This arrangement permits departmental offerings to be responsive to evolving faculty and student interests. As a rule, a course is offered once under this heading. It is then added to our regular offerings or discontinued. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
Courses in this field concentrate on philosophical and conceptual concerns that appear throughout the discipline and merit emphasis in specific courses. Theories are explored through study of the basic interconnections between facts and values in politics. Included are general courses in empirical and normative political thought, more specific courses that center on particular theorists or theoretical constructions, and courses on the scope and methods of political analysis.
310-34100 U.S. Political Thought SS LA
The writings of U.S. political thinkers from the Puritans to the present. Focus on questions of equality, rights of the individual, role of community, relationship between the people and their leaders, the nature of change, and the place of education and religion in the United States. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
310-34200 Liberalism and Marxism SS LA
Deals with several important political ideas and questions from a feminist as well as a Marxist perspective through historical political theory. The first part of the course deals with the division of labor in society and its relationship to private property and alienable labor; the second deals with the treatment of the sexual division of labor. Some of the key issues are conceptions of human nature: What is natural or innate? What is social? What necessitates government? The issues of reform or revolution. In essence, students examine classical liberalism as the ideology supporting the capitalist system. Primary readings from historical theorists (Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Mill, Marx, Goldman, Luxemburg). Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-34300 Feminist Theory SS LA
Discussion of theories of women's oppression, historical and contemporary. In this sense it is a study of feminist ideology as it has been developed by Mary Wollstonecraft, the early American feminists, Emma Goldman, J. S. Mill, socialist literature, and radical feminism. Key questions to be discussed throughout are the issues of the sexual division of labor; the acceptance or rejection of the issues of the sexual division of labor; and the acceptance or rejection of the connection between sexual and class oppression. We will be trying to develop a synthesis of much of the literature in order to assess and compare the contemporary women's movement with historical forms of women's struggle. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
310-34400 Contemporary British Political Theory SS LA
Examination of the development of contemporary British political theory. Particular emphasis on the controversy concerning the responsibility of the state for economic and social equality. Attention given to the concepts of freedom and equality, and the ideas of market system liberalism, social democracy, socialism, Marxism, conservatism, and neoconservatism. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. Offered only through the London Center. 3 credits. (S,Y)
310-35000 Selected Topics in Political Theory SS LA
Matters of special contemporary interest to students and faculty may be developed under this course heading. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
Courses in this field provide students with analytical approaches to the study of public policy making and application. Particular emphasis is given to understanding the complexities of modern problems and the limitations and potential of public policy to effectively intervene in the interest of the common good. This field in particular is recommended for students interested in careers in the management of public affairs.
310-36200 Theory and Politics of Public Policy SS LA
Selected public policy issues; development, formulation, execution, and evaluation. Theories of the policy making process, such as rationalism, incrementalism, and systems analysis, with a view toward understanding their analytical and explanatory power. Prerequisites: 306-12100 and two courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-36300 Politics of Equality SS LA
An examination of equality and inequality from a variety of perspectives, including philosophical, socioeconomic, and public policy analysis. More explicitly, the course examines problems entailed in defining and justifying equality as a political and socioeconomic goal. In addition, the interpretations of the human consequences of inequality are examined. Finally, equality as a political problem in capitalist and socialist societies is analyzed. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (S,Y)
310-36400 Law and Public Policy SS LA
Gives a sense of the important place of public law in the policy making process and examines how legal education shapes legal thinking. The course considers the role of courts in forming policies related to housing, school desegregation, mental health care, prison reform, AIDS, and the environment. Contract theory is analyzed as it relates to issues like surrogate motherhood. The course covers selected criminal law issues, such as those related to rape. Students are asked to evaluate the strengths and limitations of using legal approaches to the formulation of policy options. Prerequisites: Two politics courses and one course in sociology, history, philosophy, economics, or introduction to law. 3 credits. (S,Y)
310-36500 The Politics of Health SS LA
Introduction to issues in health policy as they relate to the general organization of political life in the United States. Methods for the allocation of scarce medical resources, such as markets, political devices, and lotteries, are analyzed and compared. AIDS is examined as a major public health problem. The course also considers genetic and procreative issues, including the politics of in vitro fertilization, surrogate motherhood contracts, abortion, and genetic engineering. Prerequisites: Two politics courses and one course in sociology, history, philosophy, or economics. 3 credits. (F,Y)
310-36600 Environmental Politics SS LA
Examines environmental protection (and destruction) from numerous political perspectives and in relation to various political ideologies. Looks at policy making aspects of environmental protection. Traces the development of national and international environmental movements. Considers environmental issues in terms of race, gender, and class politics. Prerequisites: Three courses in the social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (Y)
310-37000 Selected Topics in Public Policy SS LA
Matters of special contemporary interest to students and faculty may be developed under this course heading. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (IRR)
Advanced-Level Courses |
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The department provides a variety of educational experiences at the advanced level, including seminars, directed study, tutorials, and internships. The requirement of 6 credits at the advanced (level 4) level may be met by selecting any one seminar and a combination of directed study, tutorials, and internships. Internship courses may be granted variable credit (1-12 credits.) In addition, internships may be used to fulfill the departmental requirements under the following conditions: Internships granted between 1 and 6 credits are considered the equivalent of one course toward the fulfillment of departmental requirements; internships granted between 7 and 12 credits are considered the equivalent of two courses toward the fulfillment of departmental requirements.
310-40100, 310-40200 Seminar SS LA
Small group settings designed to permit intensive examination of selected topics not provided elsewhere in the curriculum. Seminar topics change from year to year. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)
310-40300, 310-40400 Tutorial SS LA
Individual investigation of selected topics in politics through readings, written reports, and essays under tutorial supervision. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. Variable credit. (F-S,Y)
310-40500 Internship NLA
Permits students to explore politics through a variety of work experiences, governmental and nongovernmental. Students are expected to perform full-time work for academic credit and submit as part of their course obligations a thorough written evaluative report based on their experiences. Internships may be taken at national, state, and local levels and in London under the auspices of the Ithaca College London Center. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and three courses in social sciences or equivalent. See information on internships, p. 129 Variable credit. (F-S,Y)
310-49900 Directed Study SS LA
The program of study may be a reading program of materials of special interest to the student, or involve development and execution of a research project on a specific topic. Reading or research is undertaken under faculty direction. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and three courses in social sciences or the equivalent. Variable credit. (F-S,Y)
