Political Science

PS101: What is Politics? Examines enduring themes in political life

Questions explored include the balance between state authority and individual liberty; analogies between the exercise of power in government and other areas of human life; the nature of ethical judgment in governance; and the varying ways in which constitutional regimes give expression to and tame the exercise of power. (Formerly 201 Political Analysis.) (Cannot be taken after 103.) Prerequisite: No credit after 103. 1 unit  —  Cronin.

PS103: Western Political Traditions

A survey of the experiences and ideas that have shaped political life in the West. Treatment of selected periods and political philosophies from Ancient Greece through the 20th century. The foundations and development of liberal-democratic thought, together with critiques of, and alternatives to, liberal-democratic thought and practice. Focus on the constitutional democracy of the United States. (Cannot be taken after PS 101.) (Offered as an FYE course.) Prerequisite: No credit after Political Science 101. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: The West in Time requirement.) 2 units  —  Grace.

PS115: Concepts of Freedom From Ancient to Modern Times

This interdisciplinary course explores enduring questions in the Western tradition: What does it mean to be free? What are the basic ideas of freedom that figure prominently in the Western tradition? What is freedom for? Is there a rational use of freedom? Discussion will spring from readings in ancient, medieval and modern philosophy, politics, religion and literature, and complementary films. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: The West in Time requirement.) (Also listed as English 115.) 2 units  —  Fuller, Simons.

PS123: Race in America: A Conversation

(Not offered 2009-10.) .5 unit.

PS200: American Politics and Government

The structure and process of United States national politics and government. Special attention to the ideas and values, institutions, and political processes that shape contemporary public policies in this country. 1 unit  —  Cronin, Dunham, Loevy.

PS203: Topics in Politics

PS204: Topics in Politics: The Prison-Industrial Complex

An examination of shifting notions of crime and punishment in the United States and their political and social consequences. Primary focus on the growing incarceration rate, emerging corrections practices and philosophies, the rise of privatization and emergence of a "revolving door" prison economy. (Not offered 2009-10.) .5 unit.

PS205: Foundations of Political Economy

Examines enduring themes of Political Economy with a focus on the balance between individual liberty, state authority, regulation of economic activity and the relation of the polity to economy. 1 unit  —  Fuller.

PS209: Introduction to International Relations

Introduction to the theory and practice of the contemporary state system. Emphasis on the last hundred years of inter-state rivalry. Prerequisite: Either 209 or 225 can be counted towards the Political Science and IPE majors, but not both. 1 unit  —  Bania-Dobyns, Hendrickson, Price-Smith.

PS210: The Law & Social Justice

Analysis of significant and controversial Supreme Court decisions on issues such as racism and the legacy of slavery, school desegregation, affirmative action, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, the right to an abortion, criminal law, freedom of speech, and the separation of church and state. (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

PS212: The Civil Rights Movement

A survey of the Civil Rights Movement from the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955 to the assassination of Martin Luther King in Memphis in 1968. Particular emphasis on the enduring legal, political, and social effects of the movement. (Not offered 2009-10.) .5 unit.

PS213: Leadership in Theory and Practice

Introduction to models and theories of leadership. Analysis of skills, styles and abilities that are frequently associated with effective leadership in political and organizational settings. Analysis of the paradoxes of leadership and the tensions among leadership, democracy, and creativity. 1 unit  —  Cronin.

PS225: Conduct of American Foreign Policy

This course will follow the turbulent history and politics of China from the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 through the post-Mao reforms. Using primary documents, personal accounts, and scholarly studies, students will assess China's political and cultural changes and continuities in historical context. Prerequisite: Either 209 or 225 can be counted towards the Political Science and IPE majors, but not both. 1 unit  —  Gould, Price-Smith.

PS226: Gender & Politics

Examines the following questions: Are there politically relevant differences between the sexes, and if so, are they the product of nature and/or convention? What is/ought to be the relation between the political community and private attachments? How has liberalism answered these questions? How does consideration of gender challenge liberal theories such as contract, individual rights, and human nature? Readings in both political theory and in feminist literature. (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

PS227: 20th Century Japan

This course will trace the social, political, and cultural developments in Japan from the first Parliamentary elections in 1890 to the current fiscal crisis in the 1990s. Using a wide range of sources, students will explore major themes in Japan's empire, World War, economic miracle, and troubled role as Asian leader. Major themes will include cross-cultural contact, world systems, and women's history. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Diverse Cultures and Critiques requirement.) (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

PS231: Political Campaigning

Student internships in primary and general elections. Post-campaign written analysis required. (Offered as an independent study.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and may be arranged any block. 1 unit  —  Loevy.

PS233: Governmental Participation

Directed internships in national, state and local government agencies. Written analysis of the work experience required. (Offered as an independent study.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and may be arranged any block. 1 unit.

PS234: Freedom and Empire: The Drama of Ancient Politics

Examines ancient politics, from the struggle for freedom to the temptations of empire, insofar as it is vividly portrayed in Shakespeare and the classical literature of Greece and Rome: the greatness, challenges and defects of the ancient republic; the nature of political and military ambition; and the causes and character of empire. Focus/possible works: Shakespeare's Roman plays; the Socratic Xenophon's novel on the rise and rule of Cyrus the Great; Tacitus on Roman emperors. The course may also draw upon Machiavelli on Rome. (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.

PS236: Introduction to Comparative Politics

This course introduces the concepts, definitions, theories and scholarly approaches used to study comparative politics with reference to selected case studies in different regions of the world. 1 unit  —  Ito, Lee.

PS242: Conservatism & Liberalism

Examination of leading conservative and liberal thinkers in America since 1945. 1 unit  —  Fuller.