Courses in the PSC/IR Department

Click on the links below, or simply scroll down.
(Click here to view the 1999 Spring Course Schedule)

101. Understanding Politics I 102. Understanding Politics II 124. The United States and the New Europe 180. Gender and Public Policy 192. Politics for Every Woman 200. Ancient and Medieval Political Thought 201. Modern Political Thought 202. Contemporary Political Thought 205. American Political Thought 207. Narratives of Nature 211. Research Methods in Political Science 213. Practicum in Survey Research 221. Comparative Political Analysis 224. European Politics Today 225. British Politics 227. The Politics of Germany 229. Inequality and Social Policy in S. Africa 231. Urban Environmental Policy 233. State and Local Government 234. Internship with Women Public Officials 239H. American Political Literature: Doctorow and Thoreau 241. America and the Vietnam War 242. Public Opinion, Propaganda, and the Mass Media 243. The American Political System 248. Political Campaigns 250. Theories of International Politics 251. America and the World: U.S. Foreign Policy Since 1945

255. Security Issues in Global Politics 256. The United Nations in World Affairs 257. Problems of International Political Economy 258. The International Politics of the Middle East 259. Africa: Regional and International Politics 263. The Pacific Rim 264. Latin American Politics 267. Model United Nations 270. American Constitutional Law 271. Civil Rights in the American Constitutional System 282. Analysis of Public Policy: A Substantive Approach 285. Environmentalism: The Political Dimension 290. Political Science and International Relations 297. January in Great Britain 299. Independent Work 306. Seminar in Political Theory 316. Seminar in Scope and Method in Political Science 321. Terrorism, Political Violence, and Revolution 323. Comparative Public Policy and Gender 3xx. Seminar in Presidential Politics 3xx. Seminar in Congressional Politics 350. Seminar in International Relations Theories 359. Seminar on African Politics 3xx. Seminar in Comparative Politics 382. Seminar in Public Policy 399. Senior Thesis

101 and 102 : Understanding Politics I and II (3 credits/course) (Social Sciences)
This year-long introduction to political science and international relations encourages students to explore a variety of definitions of politics; to examine the economic, institutional, historical and cultural dimensions of the public sphere; and to experience some of the many different ways that citizens can participate in it and respond to the political community, including cynicism, social movements, violence, religious commitment, voting, cultural expression, and holding public office.
Understanding Politics I (Fall semester) will examine these issues through the lens of political theory and international relations; in Understanding Politics II (Spring semester) the subfields of comparative and American politics take the fore. Both courses are required of political science and international relations majors, and can be taken in any sequence. Non-majors may take either semester alone.
First and second semesters. Department.

124. The United States and the New Europe: Europe 1992 and Beyond (3)
An off-campus experience that provides students with a firsthand look at the operation of the European Community. Faculty lectures will be supplemented by briefings at the European Commission in Brussels and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Policy briefings and site visits are an integral part of the seminar. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Summer. Githens.

180. Gender and Public Policy (3) (WS 180)
An off-campus experience that provides students with a firsthand look at the policy-making process at the federal level. Faculty lectures supplemented by guest presentations by women judges, lobbyists, regulatory board members, Congressional leaders, and government agency representatives. Policy briefings and site visits are an integral part of the seminar. Prerequisite: Preliminary application and interview required. First-year students are eligible to apply.
January. Brown, Githens.

192. Politics for Every Woman (3) ( WS 192)
Designed for non-majors interested in enhancing their political awareness and skills as citizens and women. Relates traditional political concepts to practical politics for women in their many roles. Topics include the development of the concept of sisterhood and its relationship to political life and women's identity; issues such as rape, health care, equal rights, consumer affairs, welfare, and day care; avenues for political activity such as volunteer associations and women's organizations; political campaigns; direct and indirect action techniques for political change; alternatives to radical feminism. Guest speakers, field trips, films.
Second semester. Githens. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

200. Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (3)
An exploration of Western worldviews and their political implications. Focus on tragic, reason-centered, and Christian conceptions of self and politics. Readings include Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides; Plato and Aristotle; Augustine and early Christian thinkers. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 , or one course in philosophy or religion, or sophomore standing.
Every third semester. Offered fall 1999. Bennett.

201. Modern Political Thought (3)
A study of conceptions of self, government, nature, knowledge, freedom, and dissent advanced by political thinkers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseau, Hegel, Marx, Mill, and Nietzsche. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 , or one course in philosophy or religion, or sophomore standing.
Every third semester. Offered spring 2000. Bennett.

202. Contemporary Political Thought (3)
An exploration of one issue of contemporary political concern from a theoretical perspective. The topics selected will vary: liberalism; conservatism; identity and gender, Critical Theory and neo-Marxism; nature and politics. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 , or one course in philosophy or religion, or sophomore standing.
Every third semester. Offered fall 2000. Bennett.

205. American Political Thought (3)
An examination of both historical and contemporary texts in order to explore American thinking about politics. Focus on how recurrent themesÑpiety, revolution, democracy, individualism, capitalismÑhave shaped American political culture. Thinkers include Roger Williams, Thomas Paine, James Madison, R.W. Emerson, Henry Thoreau, Thorstein Veblen, Emma Goldman, and contemporary counterparts. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 , or one course in American history, or permission of the instructor.
Second semester. Bennett. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

207. Narratives of Nature (3)
Using texts from a variety of disciplines, this course examines the contemporary discourse of nature, ecology, and environmentalism. Its focus is how the cultural stories we tell ourselves about nature shape the character and scope of environmental debate in the U.S. Texts include readings from Judeo-Christian scriptures, medieval alchemy, nineteenth- and twentieth-century philosophers of nature, popular guides to ecological living, contemporary fiction, and naturalist writing.
First semester. Bennett. Offered 1998-99 and alternate years.

211. Research Methods in Political Science (4)
Introduction to some of the basic quantitative research techniques used in contemporary political science. Skills in understanding and evaluating empirical research. The logic and structure of research designs; measurement; ways to test relationships, such as descriptive statistics, basic probability, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression. Introduction to computer analysis. Three hours lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 .
Second semester. Offered spring 2000 and alternate years. Munns.

213. Practicum in Survey Research (3)
Second semester. Munns. Offered spring 1999 and alternate years.

221. Comparative Political Analysis (3) (Judaic Studies 221)
Comparative analysis of political systems and problems. Case studies drawn from Western Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 .
Second semester. Githens.

224. European Politics Today (3)
An examination of critical social and political issues confronting selected European nations, including economic pressures and their implications for social welfare, political alienation and the emergence of a distinctive youth culture, shifting political alignments and party allegiances, efforts at economic cooperation, grassroots peace movements, environmental protection, and the changing role of women in political life. Prerequisite: One 100-level political science course.
First semester. Githens. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

225. British Politics (3)
An examination of British politics and public policy with special emphasis on recent changes in power and party politics and their relationship to the values and beliefs of the people; the impact of racial and ethnic diversity on political life; the place of gender in the political process; and Britain's role in Europe. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 .
First semester. Githens. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

227. The Politics of Germany (3)
The politics of the recently unified Federal Republic of Germany placed in its historical, social, institutional, and economic context. A recurring theme is the nature and origins of the Federal Republic's post-war successes and the prospects for continued democratic stability as it integrates the new federal states. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Second semester. Githens. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

229. Inequality and Social Policy in South Africa (IIS 229)
Intensive study abroad course in South Africa which develops independent research proposals on topics such as health care, education policy, domestic violence, housing and urban development. Prerequisite: permission on instructor.
Summer. Singer and Shope. Offered 2000.

231. Urban Environmental Policy (3)
This course in environmental policy has a special focus on the urban or built environment, and combines classroom work with a service learning field project. The academic element will consider topics such as civic participation; community organization; non-public policy making participants; race, poverty, and the urban environment; and inner city development, redevelopment and resource management. The site of the field project is a watershed area and is undertaken in collaboration with a local non-profit planning agency, the Herring Run Watershed Association. Prerequisite: Political Science 102.
Second semester. Brown. Offered 1998-99 and alternate years.

233. State and Local Government (3)
The dynamics of state and local government, including the legislative process, the role of the executive and judicial branches, their constitutional bases, and the impact of political parties on policy-making. Maryland is used as a case study of state and local political processes. Speakers and field trips. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Second semester. Venetoulis. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

234. Internship with Women Public Officials (Variable) (Women's Studies 234)
Internship working with women in public leadership positions combined with individual conferences or seminars focusing on governmental issues confronting women public officials and featuring briefings by political leaders. Prerequisite: One political science course or Women's Studies. Graded Pass/No Pass only.
Department.

239H. American Political Literature: Doctorow and Thoreau (3) (English 239H, Honors 239H)
A comparative study of the works of Doctorow and Thoreau, with a focus on how they affirm, contest, or revise three recurrent themes in American political culture: the uniqueness of the American system of justice; the possibility of upward mobility, individualism, and entrepreneurship; the idea of "the West" as a space of freedom and a refuge from the moral and political constraints of civilization. Prerequisite: Honors, or one 200-level course in literature, history, philosophy, or political science and permission of the instructors.
Second semester. Bennett, Tokarczyk. Offered 1998-99 and alternate years.

241. America and the Vietnam War (3)
An examination of the reasons for U.S. involvement in Vietnam with emphasis on the decisions made and policies pursued over a period spanning five administrations. The Vietnam war is approached as a critical period in American politics and in U.S. foreign relations. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or sophomore standing.
Second semester. Honick. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

242. Public Opinion, Propaganda, and the Mass Media (3)
Approaches to and content of American public opinion and the linkage between public opinion and public policy. Emphasis on the influence of the mass media on American public opinion and politics. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 .
First semester. Cohn, Munns. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

243. The American Political System (3)
An overview of the American national political system with attention to political culture, voting behavior, interest groups, political parties, public opinion, Congress, and the presidency. Prerequisite: Political 102 .
First semester. Munns.

248. Political Campaigns (3)
An insider's account of the electoral campaign process, which dissects a number of campaigns and exposes students to guest speakers including campaign consultants, political reporters, press secretaries, and candidates. Topics include: campaign structure and budgets, PACs and fundraising, advertising and the press, the role of campaign consultants and ideology, the history of campaign practices, and the relationship between running for office and public policy.
First semester. Brown, Venetoulis. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

250. Theories of International Politics (3)
Introduction to theories and approaches to problems of explanation and analysis of international politics. Emphasis on the questions and problems raised by contemporary events. Prerequisites: Political Science 101 .
First semester. Singer.

251. America and the World: U.S. Foreign Policy Since 1945 (3) (History 277)
A survey of American foreign policy since 1945 with special emphasis on the changing role of the U.S. in the post-Cold War period. A chronological and thematic approach covering U.S.-foreign relations, national security considerations, regional policies, international economic issues, and changing definitions of power in America's foreign relations. Strongly recommended Political Science 101 or History 111.
First semester. Jeffrey, Honick. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

255. Security Issues in Global Politics (3) (Judaic Studies 255)
A survey of the global security environment and the changing dimensions of security issues. Theoretical approaches to understanding security and the issues that are redefining the approach to national security. These issues include local and regional conflicts, arms proliferation, economic and trade issues, democratization, environmental concerns, and the role of international institutions. Prerequisite: Political Science 101.
First semester. Honick. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

256. The United Nations in World Affairs (1.5)
An examination into the structures and political processes of the U.N. and its effectiveness in dealing with current international problems. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
First semester, second seven weeks. Honick.

257. Problems of International Political Economy (3)
An examination of the linkages between economic and political problems in the contemporary international system. Attention to the role of international economic institutions and the politics of economic issues such as resource scarcity, development assistance, ecological management and multinational trade. Prerequisites: Economics 101 or 102, and Political Science 101 .
First semester. Singer.

258. The International Politics of the Middle East (3) (Judaic Studies 258)
Examination of regional and international issues in the Middle East. Topics include the Arab-Israeli conflict, inter-Arab rivalries, instability in the Persian Gulf, and the crisis in Lebanon. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or sophomore standing.
Second semester. Honick. Offered 1998-99 and alternate years.

259. Africa: Regional and International Politics (3) (His 259)
An examination of major issues and trends in contemporary African regional and international politics. The development of the OAU, decolonization problems, territorial conflicts, and superpower involvements in the continent. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or sophomore standing.
Second semester. Singer. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

263. The Pacific Rim (3)
An examination of the geography, culture, politics, and economics of the Pacific Rim with special emphasis on Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the coastal region of the People's Republic of China. Consideration of Japan's place in this region. Course provides a basis for understanding the rapid growth and growing world significance of this area of the world. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 .
First semester. Honick. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

264. Latin American Politics (3)
An examination of the political process in Latin America and the Caribbean. Latin America is known as one region, yet the countries of Latin America are quite varied in their political systems, histories, and cultures. We will examine some of the important political, social, economic, and cultural processes in Latin America. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.
Second semester. Cohn. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

267. Model United Nations (1.5)
This course is structured around student participation in Harvard University's Model United Nations. Upon successful completion of Political Science 256, students prepare position papers, research their assigned country and committee, and participate in the model simulation. Prerequisite: Political Science 256.
Second semester, first seven weeks. Honick.

270. American Constitutional Law (3)
The role of the U.S. Supreme Court in the American political system. Analysis of Supreme Court decisions in the following areas: the presidency, the Congress, the federal system, and the development of the U.S. economy. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or 102, or permission of the instructor .
First semester. Wilkens. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

271. Civil Rights in the American Constitutional System (3)
Analysis of U.S. Supreme Court cases in the following areas: the nature of citizenship and the equal protection of the laws; freedom of speech and the right of association; state-church issues; selected problems in criminal due process. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or 102, or permission of the instructor.
Second semester. Wilkens. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

282. Analysis of Public Policy: A Substantive Approach (3)
Intensive examination of American public policies in areas such as welfare, transportation, energy, education, housing, and health care. Attention to the problems of governability under conditions of fiscal crisis. Emphasis on evaluating the consequences of policies and assessing policy alternatives. A comparative policy dimension is included. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 .
First semester. Brown.

285. Environmentalism: The Political Dimension (3)
An examination of the institutions, actors, processes and context influencing American environmental public policy making. What are some of the key problems that we face? How are they defined and how do they reach the public agenda? How are policy alternatives chosen and implemented? Whose interests are served? Is government capable of resolving environmental problems and conflict? In addition to considering environmental policy in the national and international arena, the course will look at issues which affect the Goucher campus, the Baltimore metropolitan area and the region.
Second semester. Brown. Offered spring 2000 and alternate years.

290. Political Science and International Relations Internship (Variable)
Full-time internships in legislative, judicial, and administrative areas of government and non-governmental organizations at national, state, and local levels. Prerequisites: A political science course and permission of director. Students will be accepted on the basis of course background and availability to upperclass students. First-year students are eligible. Preliminary application and interview required.
Department.

297. January in Great Britain (3)
Intensive study abroad course in Great Britain with emphasis on British parliamentary institutions, party politics, and public policy. Students meet with speakers from the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal parties; with policy-makers in the National Health Service and other government agencies. Students tour the House of Parliament and attend sessions of both the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Munns. January.

299. Independent Work (Variable)
An independent research project and presentation of findings, or a special program of directed readings. Students arrange individually with any member of the department. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Department.

306. Seminar in Political Theory (3)
Intensive study of a special topic in political theory as a means to address these questions: What is the relationship between theory and fiction? Between language and politics? How can political theory illuminate the contemporary political condition? Prerequisite: Political Science 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.
Bennett. Offered fall 1999 and every third semester.

316. Seminar in Scope and Method in Political Science (3)
What is politics and how should we study it? Review of competing views. Emphasis on some of the classics in the field. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 and 102 and Senior standing.
Second semester. Department.

321. Terrorism, Political Violence, and Revolution (3)
An examination of political violence, terrorism, and revolutionary movements; the dynamics of social change; strategies and tactics of violence; transnational terrorism; mass participation in revolutionary movements. Selected cases of terrorist groups and revolutionary movements. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 and 102.
First semester. Githens. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

323. Comparative Public Policy and Gender (3) (Women's Studies 323)
Examination of the public policy process in comparative perspective focusing on four policy areas affecting women: population control, employment, education, and health care. The role of women in the formulation and implementation of public policies in these areas. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
First semester. Githens. Offered 2000-01 and alternate years.

3xx. Seminar in Presidential Politics (3)
Examination of the modern presidency and its transformation into what many are calling the "post-modern" presidency, and the issues this change poses for American political culture and the political system in the new millenium. Prerequisites: Political Science 101 and 102.
First semester. Brown, Munns. Offered fall 1999 and alternate years.

3xx Seminar in Congressional Politics (3)
A study of the legislative branch in the American system of government. The course considers the incentives and goals of members of Congress and the nature of institutional arrangements. Special attention is given to the changes and reforms occurring since 1995 and their implications for policy-making. Prerequisites: Political Science 101 and 102.
First semester. Brown, Munns. Offered spring 2001 and alternate years.

350. Seminar in International Relations Theories (3)
Examination of major theoretical perspectives on the sources of war and conflict in international relations, and how conflicting perspectives affect policy preference. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 and 102.
Second semester. Singer.

359. Seminar on African Politics (3) (His 359)
Examination of the internal and external dynamics that affect the domestic and foreign policies of Subsaharan African states. Seminar participants will be expected to develop a research topic and present their findings. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.
First semester. Singer. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

3xx. Seminar in Comparative Politics (3)
Intensive study of a special region or topic in comparative politics. Focus on the politics of particular regions or on topics such as nationalism, ethnic identity, religion, and citizenship. Areas of comparison, which will vary from year to year, include U.S.-Latin America, Europe, Asia, and divided societies such as Northern Ireland. Prerequisites: Political Science 101 and 102.
Second semester. Githens, Cohn. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

382. Seminar in Public Policy (3)
Selected topics and directed research aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of how the basic instruments of governmental actionÑsuch as regulation, subsidies, and taxationÑare applied in a particular domestic policy field. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 and 102 .
Second semester. Brown. Offered 1999-2000 and alternate years.

399. Senior Thesis (variable)
Independent work leading to the Senior Thesis, whichmay be written as part of a student's pursuit of Honors in political science. Prerequisites: Senior status, permission of instuctor.
Department.