Political Science (PSCI

A calculus-based second semester of a two-semester course sequence in the fundamentals of classical physics. The first part of this course will cover the calculus applications in kinematics, mechanics, and sound that were not covered in the first semester of Physics 101. The second part will include the calculus-based study of thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Four hours lecture, three hours of laboratory and problem drill. Prerequisite: Physics 101 or 201 with “C-” or higher Co-requisite: Math 220 Credit: 5 hours (Spring)

Introduction to the major discoveries in physics since the 19th century. Topics include special relativity, general relativity, the development of quantum theory, atomic structure, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: Physics 202 or 205 with “C-” or higher Credit: 3 hours (Spring, odd years)

Introduction to the principles of modern astrophysics. Topics include celestial mechanics, stellar observations, structure of stars and galaxies, and modern cosmology. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: “C-” or higher in Physics 120 and 202 (or 205) Credit: 3 hours (Spring, even years)

Introduces the core concepts of political science while detailing the history of the discipline and its significance to the academy. A primer on the significance of politics for citizens. Recommended for any student wishing to learn more about the ideas that shape government. Credit: 3 hours

Essentials of American government, with attention to nature and origin of national government. Credit: 3 hours

Introduces students to the varied ways individuals and groups “think” about politics. An ideology is a belief system that shapes our worldview about such things as politics, economics and culture. Topics include the history of ideology, understanding liberalism and conservatism historically, and ideological developments of the 20th century. Credit: 3 hours

Introduction to the logic of inference and the use of the scientific method to study politics. Students will develop applied research skills, including basic quantitative research methods and case study methods. Credit: 3 hours

International relations is the study of political and economic relationships between states. Topics include war, peace, diplomacy, and the big theoretical arguments that comprise the academic field of international relations. Credit: 3 hours (Spring)

Public policy is the formation of policies by government bodies. This includes, but is not limited to, policies such as health policy, immigration policy, tax policy, and so on. Students will explore contemporary issues in public policy, how it is developed, agreed upon, and becomes part of law. Credit: 3 hours

Analyzes the history of inter-American relations from the perspective of both the United States and the Latin American societies. Seeks to understand U.S. political, economic, social, and cultural influence in Latin America as well as Latin American responses to that influence. Credit: 3 hours

Campaigns are central to the modern political landscape, and the role played by citizens, the media and politicians in these campaigns are crucial to understanding democracy. Students will learn the basic features of campaigning, redistricting, and electioneering, with a focus primarily on American elections. Credit: 3 hours

Western Industrial democracies comprise the core of Western Europe and the United States. Students will study the role of democracy, the varieties of economic systems, and the cultural changes ongoing in these locales. Credit: 3 hours

Investigates the question of development, and how countries transition out of poverty, political decay or corruption, and ethnic and cultural disputes. The cases studied will be global in nature and make sense of the challenges countries face as they try to reform their economic, political and social institutions. Credit: 3 hours

This class will explore the concept of international human rights from multiple perspectives: theoretical, legal, political, and practical. The course is divided into three major parts. The first part of the class will consider what human rights are and where they come from. The second part of the class will examine how human rights play a role in modern international politics. The third part of the class will look at how human rights play out in domestic contexts, including how private individuals and groups try to improve human rights outcomes. By the end of the course, students should have a grasp of the goals, means, successes and setbacks of the international human rights movement. To accomplish this, students will read and critique a variety of perspectives on human rights, as well as write a research paper of their own on some aspect of international human rights. Credit: 3 hours

Course centers around the jurisprudence of the U.S. Supreme Court in interpreting the U.S. constitution on matters central to the architecture of American government. Focuses on three main issues: separation of powers, federalism, and individual rights, so that students will better understand how and why American political power is distributed as it is. Includes a significant writing project. Credit: 3 hours

Terrorism’s sources are varied and historically complex. Students will learn the origin of terrorism as a political strategy, as well as the current landscape under which terrorism (seems) to thrive. Credit: 3 hours

US Foreign Policy addresses the diplomatic relations between the United States and its neighbors. The class addresses – among other things — the topics or war, peace, terrorism, and international organizations as it relates to foreign affairs. Credit: 3 hours

This course will explore the role of racial, ethnic, and gender identities in political, social, and economic issues facing the world today. Students will learn about how these identities are defined, how they interact with each other and how they shape global politics. The course will explore not only how perspectives on these issues may vary on the basis of one’s racial, ethnic, or gender identities but also how societal understandings of race, ethnicity, and gender shape our political institutions and public policies. Credit: 3 hours

This course will examine how popular music has paralleled political and social issues in society, with special attention played to the role of popular music in the United States. Several themes in popular music will be discussed, including, but not limited to: war, drugs, race, religion, inequality, sexuality and gender, among others. Credit: 3 hours

Offers political science perspectives on subjects or issues beyond the scope of the current curriculum. Since content varies, the course may be taken for credit up to three times. It may be taken by juniors, seniors or other students who have obtained the consent of the professor. Credit: 3 hours

Required of majors in the last semester before graduation. Graded on P/F basis. Credit: 0 hours