The department offers concentrations in Government, World Politics and Public Policy as follows:

Government: A concentration in Government consists of 10 courses: 116, 117 and either 112 or 114, with at least one of these being writing-intensive, and seven additional courses at the 200 level or above. Of these seven courses, at least two must be in international relations or comparative politics, at least two must be in American politics or political theory, at least two must be at the 300 level, and one must be the Senior Project (550). A minor in government consists of five courses, with at least two of these at the 200 level or above.

Honors in Government or World politics requires a GPA of 3.6 (91) in the major by the end of the sixth semester and the successful completion of 549 and 551.

World Politics: The World Politics major involves the study of politics on a global scale, including both international relations and politics within nations. In order to understand the complex interplay of international and national politics, all world politics majors study the philosophical and moral bases of various political systems; the history of the modern international system; the political economy of global power and wealth; and the key issues for U.S. foreign policy. To achieve this understanding, all world politics majors are required to take a total of 11 courses, including the following core courses: 112, 114, 117 (one of which must be writing-intensive); 290 and 291; and 550. Students complete the major by focusing either on a particular region of the world (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe, Western Europe) or a thematic topic (poverty and inequality in world politics, democratization, international law and organization, international security, politics of the global economy, nationalism and identity in global politics). In consultation with their advisor, students will select five related courses in their area or theme from a variety of departments. One of these must be at the 300 level in government. For students focusing on a region of the world, one of the five courses must be in an appropriate language at the fourth-semester level or above. Students may also design their own thematic track with the advice and consent of their advisor. The advisor will approve each student’s course list after the major is declared.

Public Policy: See the Public Policy section in this catalogue.

The Term in Washington Program, offered each semester, combines regular academic study with the experience and understanding gained by working in congressional and executive offices. Four credits are awarded toward graduation, two of which (325 and 327) count toward a concentration in government, and up to two may be counted toward a concentration in world politics or public policy. It is useful to have some background in the operations of the American federal government, so Government 116 (American Political Process) or its equivalent is strongly advised, but the program has no fixed prerequisite and is open to students majoring in any concentration offered by the College. It is also open to selected students from other colleges.

230F Data Analysis.
How can we tell whether providing child care will encourage more welfare recipients to work? How do we know whether tougher drunk-driving laws will reduce accidents? This course explains how social scientists try to determine the truth about public issues. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing and regression, with a focus on how those tools are used in public policy debates. Mathematical formulae are kept to a minimum, and the intuition behind statistical procedures is emphasized. (Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning.) Not open to students who have taken Economics 265. Students must also register for Public Policy 251 in the same semester. Wyckoff.

[257] Using Survey Research.
A practical course in methods of public opinion polling and other uses of sample surveys. Basics of questionnaire construction, sampling and analysis of survey results. Critical examination of the technical limitations and political implications of national dependence on opinion polling. Useful for students who expect to use surveys in connection with senior thesis research or careers in politics, marketing, journalism, education, etc. Prerequisite, two social science courses or consent of instructor. No previous courses in statistics or social science methods necessary. (Same as Sociology 257.) Maximum enrollment, 15.

549F Honors Seminar.
Seminar in which honors candidates in world politics, government and public policy will begin their senior honors thesis. Includes common reading on key issues in political science and research methodology. Prerequisite, GPA of 91 in the major (88 for public policy) and consent of the department. Anechiarico and Orvis.

550S Senior Project.
A senior project required for concentrators in the department who are not pursuing honors. Prerequisite, one 300-level course in government. Open to concentrators only. D Rivera, Lehmann, Eismeier, Cafruny, Martin, Chen and Klinkner.

551S Senior Honors Thesis.
Requires a 90 GPA in government courses by the end of a student's seventh semester and consent of the 549 advisor. The Department.

American Politics

116F,S The American Political Process.
Introduction to the study of American national institutions, the public policy-making process and, in general, the distribution of political power in American society. Open to juniors and seniors with consent of instructor only. Proseminar and writing-intensive in the spring. Klinnkner (Fall); Eismeier (Spring).

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[201F] Campaign Internship, Participation, Observation.
Provides an opportunity for students to receive course credit for an internship with local election campaigns. In addition to their campaign work, students will also participate in weekly meetings with professors, keep a daily journal of their campaign work, write a 20-page paper analyzing the election and their campaign work, and participate in a public presentation at the end of the semester.

202S Immigrants and Refugees in the US: Issues in Resettlement and Integration.
Discussion of readings and critical analysis of a service experience with refugees and immigrants learning English for Speakers of Other Languages or studying to pass their citizenship exams. Students will complete a service-learning requirement with Project SHINE (Students Helping in the Naturalization of Elders) with a commitment of 20 hours of civic engagement. Final project is a campus panel discussion of immigration and refugee issues. Students will lead a critical analysis/reflection discussion with all who participated in Project SHINE and those who attend the presentation. Quarter Credit. Owens-Manley.

[205] Political Psychology.
Political psychology is the intersection of motivation and politics, how we explain collective behavior. This course concentrates on the origins of collective violence, addressing the psychology of belief, ideology, and organizations in human aggression and war. Because political psychology deals with nuanced and often visceral concepts such as values, culture, and hatred, the course includes a weekly film series in addition to texts. The first session each week will revolve around assigned readings, and the second session will synthesize these ideas with a film shown the previous night. Prerequisite, 112 or 116.

208S Political Parties and Elections.
Analyzes the development of, and current theories regarding, political parties and elections in American politics. Topics include theories of party realignment, voting behavior, party composition and behavior, and the relationship between parties and elections and democracy. Covers both presidential and congressional elections. Prerequisite, 116 or consent of instructor. Klinkner.

210F Interest Groups.
Analysis of the role of interest groups in American democratic theory and practice, including the history and regulation of interest groups, organizational creation, maintenance and change. Techniques of influence and issues of reform, including lobbying and campaign finance. Prerequisite, 116. Prerequisite, 116. Milstein.

[227S] State and Local Politics.
Analysis of politics in American states and localities, including elections, party systems, political institutions and policymaking. Perspectives on federalism. Prerequisite, 116.

241F,S Survey of Constitutional Law.
Analysis of constitutional doctrines through major cases. Function of the Supreme Court as an instrument of government and arbiter of public policy. Doctrines include judicial review, federalism, interstate commerce, due process and questions of individual rights. Prerequisite, 116 or a course in American history. Anechiarico.

251F Introduction to Public Policy.
Survey of current policies and issues in areas such as economic development, education, the environment, health care and welfare. Perspectives on policy analysis from economics, philosophy and political science. Examination of methods and principles for evaluating policies. Prerequisite, Economics 101. Open to seniors with consent of instructor. Students must also register for Government 230 in the same semester. (Same as Economics 251 and Public Policy 251.) Wyckoff.

[258] Poverty, Law and the Welfare State.
An examination of the laws regulating and protecting the unemployed, disabled, aged and children in families unable to support them. Welfare policy as expressed in civil and criminal law, including colonial settlement laws, 19th-century reforms, the New Deal Social Security Act and New York’s Article XVII in the 1930s, the War on Poverty of the 1960s and the restructuring of the welfare system in the 1990s. Readings from court opinions, historical accounts and other materials. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one course in sociology or government. (Same as Sociology 258.) Maximum enrollment, 20.

[280] The Politics of Gender.
The impact of gender on politics in the United States and the value of studying politics from a gender perspective. Topics include political socialization, communication, media coverage, public opinion and voting behavior; women's movements for rights and mobilization around issues like the environment; women as public leaders; gender and electoral politics; symbolic gender politics and issues such as education and welfare reform. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 116, 117 or consent of instructor. (Same as Women's Studies 280.) Maximum enrollment, 20.

285S Introduction to Environmental Politics.
An overview of environmental politics, domestic and global. Topics include the environmental movement and its history and values, anti-environmentalism, environmental policy analysis, the relation between environmental science and politics, the domestic and international environmental policy processes, the North-South debate, globalization, race and environmental justice, and the implications of environmental politics for liberal democracy. Students will explore these topics directly and through selected policy issues, including forest politics, sprawl and climate change. Cannavo.

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306S American Political Development.
Analyzes contemporary American politics by examining the development of political ideologies, institutions, and policies throughout American history. Topics include the role of religion in American politics, the transformation of party ideologies, the dynamics of presidential power, the evolution of American foreign policy, among others (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, One 200-level course in American politics or permission of instructor. Not open to students who have taken GOVT 220 Maximum enrollment, 20. Klinkner.

[312] The American Military: A Legal and Political Perspective.
The place of the military in the American system of separated powers. The relation of Congress and the presidency to deployment and control of military force. Readings and case study on the oversight of the military and the evolution of internal and external institutions for governance of the armed forces. Attention to the use of the military within the United States: the status of posse comitatus and deployment in time of emergency. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics or 290. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[313] The Politics of the Supreme Court.
Examines the nature and influence of the Supreme Court in American politics. The discussion focuses on how justices actually make decisions compared to how we believe they ought to be made, as well as the debates about the real-world influence of the Court. Students will examine competing views of constitutional interpretation, judicial decision-making, and the role of the judiciary in democratic politics by studying several of the landmark decisions of the contemporary Court. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics. Maximum enrollment, 20.

314S The Politics of Public Policy.
Analysis of the values and choices central in the democratic policymaking process with a focus on political institutions, with an emphasis on Presidential leadership, and how complex systems of governance actually function. The course will also look at ethical and global implications of policymaking to trace some of the principle tensions in democratic public policymaking. This course will utilize several case studies that exam the political implications of policy decisions. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics. (Same as Public Policy 314 and .) Maximum enrollment, 20. Milstein.

315S The Military in the American Political System.
Civil-military relations and the politics of supporting a standing, armed force in the United States. Internal organization and governance of the military and its members including consideration of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Law of Armed Conflict. Justification and regulation of the role of the military in the economy from Pres. Eisenhower’s warning to the present. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, Government 116 or 241 or History 254. Maximum enrollment, 20. Anechiarico.

316F Topics: Science and Environmental Policy Making-How Public Agencies Cope.
The confluence of science and politics produces its own misunderstandings and the boundaries between the two can be highly contested. The course will begin with consideration of the philosophical origins of our current understandings of "science and values", and move to current cases. One focus will be the foundations of "sustainability." Working through the real-world examples will help students navigate the public dialogue and learn about the details of federal policy making. Prerequisite, consent of Department. Maximum enrollment, 12. Calvert.

321F,S Term in Washington: Congressional and Executive Internships.
Two consecutive six-week internships: first, in either the office of a member of Congress or with the staff of a congressional committee; second, in a federal administrative office. Interns assume some operational responsibility in each office and gain a perspective on legislative and executive roles in the public policy process. Does not count toward the concentration. Offered credit/no credit only. Paris (Fall); Walker (Spring).

323F,S Term in Washington: Intern Participant-Observation.
Participants in the program are asked to evaluate their experience in government offices through a series of group discussions and papers focused on particular aspects of the internships. Does not count toward the concentration. Paris (Fall); Walker (Spring).

325F,S Term in Washington: Seminar.
An academic seminar focusing on the public policy process and national issues. Paris (Fall); Walker (Spring).

327F,S Term in Washington: Independent Research.
Preparation and presentation of independent research on a problem related to public policy issues. Use of Washington’s unique human and data resources required. Paris (Fall); Walker (Spring).

328F Topics: The American Presidency.
Examines the nature and influence of the executive branch in American politics, including constitutional arrangements, elections, institutional structures and political parties. Analysis of presidential leadership and decision-making in foreign and domestic policy. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics. Maximum enrollment, 20. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics. Maximum enrollment, 20. Milstein.

[334S] Congress and the Presidency.
Examination of sources of cooperation and conflict between the legislative and executive branches of government, including constitutional arrangements, elections, institutional structures and political parties. Analysis of presidential leadership and congressional decision-making in foreign and domestic policy. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[335S] The Criminal Justice System.
Focuses on current problems: the rapid rise of the prison population, the concentration of crime in urban neighborhoods, the pressure on law enforcement of the war on terror, the punishment of official corruption. Consideration of representative institutions in the system: juvenile courts, the jury system, the police and others. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics. Maximum enrollment, 20.

338F American Public Administration.
Analysis of the history, structure and political influence of public administration in the United States. Consideration of all levels of government with special attention to the influence of reform movements on the development of federal and local administration. Topics include budgeting, corruption and ethics regulation, public contracting and the organization of public works and public personnel policy. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics. Maximum enrollment, 20. Anechiarico.

[340] Race and American Democracy.
Survey of the role of race and equality in American democracy. Special emphasis on understanding how notions of racial equality have advanced and declined throughout American history and the role of race in current American politics. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics. (Same as Africana Studies 340.) Maximum enrollment, 20.

342S Seminar in Program Evaluation.
Previous topic was the domestic violence response system in Oneida County, which may include police agencies, victim advocate programs, and programs for perpetrators of partner or domestic abuse. Prerequisite, prior research methods course or consent of instructor. Upper-level students preferred. Owens-Manley.

347S The Military in the American Political System.
Civil-military relations and the politics of supporting a standing, armed force in the United States. Internal organization and governance of the military and its members including consideration of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Law of Armed Conflict. Justification and regulation of the role of the military in the economy from Pres. Eisenhower’s warning to the present (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, One 200-level course in American Politics or Contemporary American History. Maximum enrollment, 20. Anechiarico.

[375S] Politics and Ideology in Public Education.
Examination of reform efforts in public education. Discussion of purpose(s) of public education in a liberal democratic society and political conflicts over education. Topics include testing, race and class achievement gaps, choice and charters, governance. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American politics or political theory. Maximum enrollment, 20.

382S Topics in Public Policy.
The application of theories and methods of evaluation, design and implementation in an intensive study of a significant problem of public policy. Emphasis on skills of analysis, writing and group problem-solving. Coursework may be supplemented by field work as well as participation by scholars and practitioners sponsored by the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 251. (Same as Public Policy 382.) Maximum enrollment, 20. Wyckoff.

[389] Digital Politics.
Analysis of the effects of information technology on American politics and policy. The implications of the internet and new media for campaigning, policymaking, and citizenship. Prospects of e-government. Issues of policy, including privacy, intellectual property and regulation. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in comparative politics or American politics. Maximum enrollment, 20.

Comparative Politics

112F,S Comparative Politics.
Introduction to the study of non-American national political systems, emphasizing authority, legitimacy and processes of state- and nation-building. Comparison of alternate forms of political development in selected Western and non-Western countries. Prerequisite, (Proseminar and writing-intensive in the fall.). Open to juniors and seniors with consent of instructor only. S Rivera (Fall), D Rivera (Spring).

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211F Politics in China.
Decline of Confucian China and problems of recreating political order. Topics include rise of the Communist Party, political organization and policy in the People’s Republic, role of ideology, foreign relations, the politics of modernization and China’s increasing integration into the world economy. Prerequisite, 112 or 114. Chen.

213F Politics in Russia.
Examination from historical and comparative perspectives of the politics after the collapse of communism in the former Soviet Union. Focuses on the Soviet legacy, the reforms of the Gorbachev and Yeltsin eras, the disintegration of the Union and the rise of Putin. Topics include the rise of nationalism and ethnic politics, the creation of political parties, the dilemmas of combining marketization and democratization, and the prospects for democracy after Putin. Prerequisite, 112, 114, Russian Studies 100 or consent of the instructor. (Same as Russian Studies 213.) D Rivera.

[214] Politics in Western Europe.
Comparative study of post-World War II politics and government in several European countries, normally concentrating on Britain, France and Germany. Topics include state and political institutions, state- and nation-building, social conflicts and consensus, political culture and the interplay of politics and economics. Some attention paid to international relations in Western European states. Assumes some prior knowledge of Western European history. Prerequisite, 112 or 114.

[216] Politics in Latin America.
Comparative and historical approach to analyzing the political process in contemporary Latin America. Focuses on nature of authoritarian regimes and the current process of redemocratization. Topics include the role of the military and state, popular resistance to military rule, human rights and political problems of economic development. Prerequisite, 112.

[218] Politics of Africa.
Comparative examination of the domestic politics of sub-Saharan Africa. Central focus on explaining the recent rise of both multi-party democracy and state collapse across the continent. Examination of the colonial legacy, the nature of the African state, ethnic conflict, class divisions, the role of the military and the problems of economic underdevelopment. Prerequisite, 112, 114 or Africana Studies 101. (Same as Africana Studies 218.)

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[239F] Gender and Politics in Latin America.
How does gender influence the incorporation of citizens into the processes of political and economic development in Latin America? What implications does women’s activism hold for women and for politics? Specific topics include suffrage and the definition of citizenship, women’s status under various types of political and economic regimes, elite and working class women’s organizations and the meaning of feminism in Latin America. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 112 or one course in women’s studies. (Same as Women's Studies 239.) Maximum enrollment, 20.

[244] Nationalism and the Politics of Identity.
The evolution of nationalist, ethnic and religious conflicts in the post-Cold War world. The causes, implications and potential resolutions of such conflicts. The origins, history and power of nationalism. Cases include Burundi, South Africa, Rwanda, Yugoslavia, the former Soviet Union and the United States. Prerequisite, 112 or 114.

[302] Fragile States.
What makes governments and political institutions weak or strong, stable or unstable? Examines the causes and consequences of state collapse; the possibility of re-building states; the role of the military; the causes, consequences and possible remedies of corruption using case studies from different regions of the world. (Writing-intensive.) (Oral Presentations.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in comparative politics or international relations. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[311] Transitions to Democracy.
Investigation of democracy in theory and practice through an analysis of transitions to democracy in authoritarian regimes and problems with democratic consolidation. Cases include Spain, Ukraine, Iraq and South Africa. Topics include the role of elites in transition, the resurgence of civil society, the role of ethnicity and nationalism, and military intervention. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one of 211, 213, 216, 218 or 302. Maximum enrollment, 20.

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[348] People Power: Popular Movements in Comparative Perspective.
The role of popular movements in democratic transitions, the consolidation of new democracies and the practice of established ones. Examination of the relationship between popular movements and “civil society.” Cases from the United States, Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe. Consideration of the origins, role, organization, success and failure of popular social movements. Students write a research paper applying movement theory to a case. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in comparative politics or American politics. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[363] Poverty and Development.
Examines poverty and development issues in the "Global South." Focus on market-oriented economic reform pursued by the IMF and World Bank. Includes examination of ethics of development, aid to Africa, UN Millenium Development Goals, the "Asian miracle," environmental problems and the effects of globalization. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 203, 211, 216, 218, 291, 302 or consent of instructor. Maximum enrollment, 20.

373F Democracy and Diversity.
Consideration of liberal democracies and internal conflict between "universal human rights" and "cultural diversity." Topics include equality and diversity in the "public realm." Questions are addressed theoretically and empirically, examining, for instance, affirmative action comparatively; the public role of Islam in France, Britain, Germany and Iraq; female genital mutilation in the Sudan, Kenya and the United States; and gay rights in the U.S. and Europe. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in comparative politics or American politics, or Africana Studies 101, Women's Studies 101 or College 130. Maximum enrollment, 20. Orvis.

[391S] Democracy, Religion and International Cooperation.
Consideration of the practical nature of democracy, its compatibility with fundamentalist religious trends and its applicability to various cultures. Investigation of the responsibilities and rights of democratic governments, the assumption of rules affecting international behavior and possible responses to governments and movements that do not follow the rules. Examination of the ethics and impact of communications technology and global information-sharing on economic behavior, democratic movements, the spread of religion and ideology, and terrorist organizations. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 112 or 114. Maximum enrollment, 20.

International Relations

114F,S International Relations.
Introduction to the theory and practice of world politics. Emphasis on the changing structure of the international system; the role of the nation-state and non-state actors; patterns of conflict and cooperation; the use of force, diplomacy and ideology; the interplay between politics and economics. (Proseminar and Writing-Intensive in the Fall.) Open to juniors and seniors with consent of instructor only. Lehmann (Fall), Chen (Spring).

[203] Global Challenges.
Examination of issues with global impact that will dominate the attention of policymakers over the next decade — issues such as information, energy, proliferation, culture, education, distribution of wealth, health and environment. Consideration of ideology, including democracy and religion, and the potential for a "clash of civilizations." Identification of the roots of terrorism and anti-social national behavior. Examine the consequences of delay, deadlock or inattention to global problems. Prerequisite, 114 or 116 or consent of instructor.

[206] US Foreign Policy Toward Latin America.
Examines U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America from the Monroe Doctrine to the present. Tracks the development of the inter-American system in a context of U.S. hegemony to show how asymmetric power relations have influenced resolution of key problems. Will review gunboat diplomacy, the Good Neighbor policy, and the Alliance for Progress, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Panama Canal Treaties and U.S. military occupation. Will consider how the United States and Latin America see current policy problems differently. Prerequisite, 114.

222F International Organization.
Examination of the emergence and evolution of international organizations and the distinct methods and debates political science engages in to examine this aspect of global politics; emphasis on the United Nations' central efforts to establish collective security; investigation of debates over the utility and efficacy of international institutions in a globalizing world. Prerequisite, 112 or 114. Ziegelmayer.

224F International Law.
Investigation of the history, theory and contemporary practice of international law. Topics include basic principles of international law; theoretical and normative debates; evolution of international legal systems and contemporary peacekeeping and humanitarian operations; the Just War; law of self-determination; intervention in civil wars, domestic anarchy or genocide; international economic organizations; women and international law; and international war crimes tribunals. Prerequisite, 112 or 114. Ziegelmayer.

[245] International Decision-Making.
Identification of the development of international governmental and non-governmental institutions and their effectiveness. Consideration of non-military tools to carry out international will. Examine unilateral national capacity to deal with international problems and the best means to provide the U.S. with tools to manage global issues and support its interests. Review of external and domestic pressures that drive decisions. Consideration of the limits of international institutions to resolve problems peacefully and to identify reforms that enhance the ability to deal with global issues. Prerequisite, 203 or consent of instructor.

290S US Foreign Policy.
The major problems of American foreign policy since the republic's founding and the varying approaches U.S. leaders have adopted to cope with American power and principles. Theories are illustrated with detailed examples since WWI. Some attention is also given to how foreign policy is shaped by government structure, political culture, organizational dynamics, individual psychology, economic interests and other causes. Students will analyze the limitations of various types of explanations and why policy implementation at times diverges from the intentions of decision-makers. Prerequisite, 114. Lehmann.

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291S International Political Economy.
Examination of the development and evolution of the modern global economy and its political impact. Issues include global trade relations, the monetary system and international debt, the role of multinational corporations, foreign aid, imperialism and dependency, industrial competitiveness and the rise and impact of newly industrializing countries such as South Korea and Taiwan. Prerequisite, 114. Chen.

301F Negotiating Peace in the Middle East.
Examining portions of the negotiating history of the Palestinian issue since 1967, some of the agreements that have been reached and the ones that failed. Focus on the role of the parties and outside influences, including U.S. policies, which have driven the negotiations. Identify missing elements in negotiations when they failed, mistakes that were made, where alternative courses might have led, and, in the process, some basic principles that should be applied in future negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. Principles put into practice in a simulated negotiation. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 203, 245, 290, 291 or consent of instructor. Maximum enrollment, 20. Walker.

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[305] Peacekeeping, Peace-making, and Social Engineering.
Evaluating and defining success in peacekeeping and peace-making. Examination of past operations to identify successes and failures and the reasons therefore. Highlighting the different types of peacekeeping and elements for success in each case using the case study method. Studies include Somalia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia, Afghanistan and the Sinai. Consideration of planning, training, preparation and support to optimize chances for success and evaluate alternative approaches to problems. Examination of the politics of peacekeeping. (Writing-intensive.) (Oral Presentations.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in international relations. Maximum enrollment, 20.

319S Seminar: Talking with the Enemy.
Analysis of past efforts by U.S. presidents to manage relations with “enemies” or adversaries. Possible case studies include: Roosevelt’s 1933 opening of relations with the USSR; the decision at Munich to ‘appease’ Hitler; Nixon’s opening to China; the long delayed efforts to cease the war in Vietnam; the current debate over whether the US should talk directly with Iran (and/or North Korea); how best to deal with Cuba; and finally how and whether the US should talk to non-state actors such as the Taliban, Hezbollah and Hamas. Prerequisite, Open to senior concentrators or permission of the instructor. Maximum enrollment, 12. Luers.

[339] East Asian International Relations.
Examination of structural, cultural ideological and organizational factors that have shaped the foreign policy of East Asian countries since World War II. Topics include the rise of Japan and the NICs (Newly Industrialized Countries), the Japan-U.S. economic conflict and cooperation, China’s open-door policy, the possibility of a Pacific Economic Community and regional security issues. Emphasis on the interaction of politics and economics, the linkages between domestic and foreign policies, and the interdependence of major powers and small states. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 209, 211, 290 or 291. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[349S] The International Politics of Oil.
Explores why oil became central to both state power and economic growth by examining how control over oil resources and markets has been used by states and corporations to achieve their often divergent objectives. We will examine how these struggles for order and advantage amidst varying degrees of state and corporate competition have affected international relations and the broader economic structure of the world economy since WWI. Examines whether the world's existing oil-based economic and security relationships is sustainable. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in international relations. Maximum enrollment, 20.

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[355S] The European Union in World Affairs.
Examination of the origins and development of European integration and Europe's relations with the rest of the world. Topics include theories of regional economic and political integration; evolution of EU institutions; relations between the EU and the United States; development of the European monetary system; problems of European political cooperation; the crisis of the European social model. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in comparative politics or international relations. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[369F] American Policy in the Middle East.
Examination of American foreign policy-making in a period of deep divisions in the Middle East and in the United States. Focus on the role of the U.S. as it seeks to deal with the problems of Iraq, Iran, the Palestinian conflict, terrorism, democracy and energy. Examination of linkages between U.S. policies and U.S. options for action including the problem of unintended consequences. Consideration of alternative policy courses to deal with existing problems in the Middle East including proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, military options, resource security and the U.S. image. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in international relations. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[374] War and Politics.
Examination of competing theoretical approaches and empirical evidence concerning the sources, nature of and consequences of armed interstate conflict. Examples drawn from historical and contemporary cases. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 290 or 381. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[378S] US-China Relations.
Examination of the development and issues of Sino-American relations in an era of rising Chinese power. Emphasis on the interaction of global environment, national attributes and leadership characteristics in the formation of the foreign policies of both countries. Topics include the historical context of normalization, political discourse regarding human rights, the role of media, trade relations, the tension over the Taiwan strait, and cultural and educational exchange between China and the United States. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 206, 211, 290, 291. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[380] Terrorism, Islam and Counterterrorism.
Definition of state-sponsored and ideological terrorism. Examination of the modern history of terrorism and its use by governments and non-governmental groups. Evaluation of the success and failure of various terrorist groups and why they succeeded or failed. Consideration of the environment, both ideological and social that helps breed terrorism, self-sacrifice and anti-social behavior. Review of the tenets of Islam to determine their role in encouraging terrorism, if any. Examination of mechanisms for enhancing unilateral and collective action to counter terrorism. (Writing-intensive.) (Oral Presentations.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in international relations or consent of the instructor. Open to junior and senior non-majors with consent of instructor only. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[381] National Security Policy.
Intensive examination of issues and theories in U.S. national security policy. Topics include the defense budget, defense organization, civil-military relations, weapons procurement, industrial-base preservation, personnel policy, strategy formulation, U.S. security interests in Europe and Asia, global-arms proliferation and the use of force. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 290 or consent of instructor. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[386] Theories of International Relations.
Survey of competing approaches to the study of international politics. Realism, transnationalism and regime analysis, and the problem of international system transformation. Some attention to research methods. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 290 or 291. Maximum enrollment, 20.

Political Theory

117F,S Introduction to Political Theory.
Survey of selected political theorists from Plato to the present. Examination of questions of liberty, equality, justice and community. (Proseminar and writing-intensive in the Spring.) Open to juniors and seniors with consent of instructor only. (Same as Philosophy 117.) Martin (Fall); Cannavo and Paris (Spring).

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229S The American Founding: Ideals and Reality.
An intensive analysis of the philosophical ideals of the Founding Era (1763-1800) and their uneven realization. Social histories of various races, genders and classes will help illuminate the inherent ambiguities, weaknesses, strengths and legacies of the social and political philosophies of late 18th-century America. Prerequisite, Government 117, Philosophy 117 or a 100-level course in history. May count toward a concentration in either history or government. (Same as History 229 and Government 229. Not open to students who have taken College/History 216.) (Same as History 229 and College Courses and Seminars 229.) Maximum enrollment, 24. Ambrose and Martin.

[232F] Contemporary Political Theory.
How should we think about politics after Nietzsche? Considers the answers of John Rawls, Hannah Arendt, Leo Strauss, Charles Taylor, Gilles Deleuze and William Connolly. Focusing on each theorist's conceptions of human nature and politics. Prerequisite, 117.

[270F] Democratic Theory.
Analysis of the idea of democracy, traditions of democratic theory (liberal, Marxist, elitist) and current problems of democracy in practice. Topics include liberty and equality, community power, participation and bureaucracy. Prerequisite, 117 or consent of instructor.

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[287S] Political Theory and the Environment.
What is the relationship between theorizing about politics and theorizing about nature? Explores how conceptions of the natural world and our relationship to it have shaped political thought since ancient times and how contemporary "green" political thinkers attempt to craft principles for an ecologically responsible society. Prerequisite, 117, 285 or consent of instructor.

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[304] Marxism.
Introduction to the basic concepts of Marxism, including Marx’s philosophy of science and history, economics and political writings. Topics include dialectics and historical materialism; alienation and private property; revolution and inevitability; imperialism; and the global economy. Critical evaluation of the historical and contemporary application of Marxism. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in political theory. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[336F] American Political Thought.
What does it mean to be an American? What are the principles of American politics? Considers the answers of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Alexis de Tocqueville, W.E.B. DuBois, Emma Goldman, John Dewey, Leo Strauss and William E. Connolly. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in political theory or American politics. Not open to students who have taken 249. Maximum enrollment, 20.

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[345] Ethics and Public Policy.
An introduction to fundamental issues of moral and political theory in public policy debates. Topics include ethical compromise on the part of public officials, individual rights versus communitarian values, distributive justice, commodification, property rights, moral duties beyond borders, moral conflict and pluralism, the collision between political and scientific values, and moral responsibilities to nature and future generations. Course materials will include both theoretical readings and policy cases. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in political theory or Public Policy 251. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[360S] The Politics and Theory of Place and Space.
How do we map out, conceptualize, inhabit and govern our spatial environment? What political challenges arise in organizing and maintaining a coherent world of places? A look at the theoretical and political dimensions of place and space through writings of geographers, political theorists, environmental thinkers, novelists and U.S. case studies, including 9/11, the debate over logging in the Pacific Northwest, the problem of sprawl, the decline and revival of old industrial cities, the future of America’s agricultural landscape, and the impact of climate change. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, one 200-level course in American Politics or Political Theory. Maximum enrollment, 20.

365F Free Speech in American Political and Legal Thought.
Analysis of competing theories of the liberty of expression in the American context. Focuses primarily on contemporary political and legal disputes over such morally divisive issues as “hate speech,” campus speech codes, pornography, media and Internet censorship, and the proper role of free speech in a democracy. Examination of the evolution of American constitutional law concerning freedom of expression. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 241, 270, 276 or Sophomore Seminar 216. Maximum enrollment, 20. Martin.

[377S] Enlightenment and Counter-Enlightenment.
Examination of the political thought of the Enlightenment, the early modern period roughly from the English Revolution to the French Revolution (1640-1800). Analysis of such theorists as Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Hume, Rousseau, Burke and Kant. Topics include liberty, equality, natural law, political culture, revolution, progress and the role of tradition. Focus on the relationship between scientific reason and political power. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 232, 249, 270, 287, 365, Sophomore Seminar 216 or consent of instructor. Maximum enrollment, 20.

[383F] Global Justice.
What is global justice and how can we achieve it? This course considers the answers of Immanuel Kant, John Rawls, Martha Nussbaum, Samuel Huntington, Michael Hardt, Antonio Negri, Sayyid Qutb and Pema Chödrön. Then, we apply their ideas to topics such as American foreign policy, the United Nations, human rights, the wars in Iraq and Darfur, international trade agreements and global warming. (Writing-intensive.) Prerequisite, 232, 249, 270, 276, 287, 203, 245, 290 or 291. Maximum enrollment, 20.

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(from the Hamilton Course Catalogue)

After Hamilton

• Founder/Executive Director/President, New England Center for Children
• Assistant Chief, U.S. Department of Justice
• Director of Development, Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Branch Chief, United States Customs & Border Protection
• 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Medfield Public Schools
• Chief of Weapons Division, U.S. Department of Defense
• CEO/Vice Chairman/COO, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Senior Investment Manager, General Electric Company/GE Commercial Finance
• Vice President, IBM Corp.
• Chairman/CEO, Legendary Pictures
• Judge, St. Louis City Circuit Court
• Attorney, MGM