2007-2008 Catalog

Washington College: Your Revolution Starts Here

Political Science

Division of Social Sciences

As the saying goes, politics is not an exact science, but an art. How do political forces mesh to bring about change? How are conflicting demands resolved? Who is really in charge? The political science major is designed to provide an understanding of the political forces, institutions, ideas, and problems of contemporary society. The curriculum prepares students for graduate studies and professional careers in law, politics, teaching, journalism, government, and international civil service.

Requirements for the major in political science are: (1) Political Science 101, 102, and 104, to be taken in the freshman or sophomore year, (2) Political Science 493, Empirical Political Research, normally taken in the second semester of the junior year, (3) Political Science SCE, the Senior Capstone Experience, and (4) seven additional department offerings, at least three in the areas of American politics and American or western political thought, and at least two in the areas of international and comparative politics.

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experiencein political science is a thesis, which allows students to design and pursue a major independent research project on a topic of their own choosing. Each student works closely with a faculty advisor who guides and supports the project from beginning to end. The thesis will be graded Pass, Fail, or Pass with Honors.

Students intending to major in political science are strongly urged to take Mathematics 109 (Statistics), and Mathematics 100 (Basics of Computing) or Mathematics 101 (Introduction to Computer Programming), as part of their freshman-sophomore distribution selections, so that some aspects of the most recent methodological developments in political analysis will be more readily understandable to them.

Requirements for the minor in political science are: Political Science 101, 102, 104 and three other courses in political science.

Political science majors may become certified to teach secondary school social studies. To assure proper scheduling, students interested in this program should inform the chairs of both the Political Science and Education Departments as early as possible in their college careers.

Students in good standing are encouraged to participate in one of the internship opportunities administered through the Department and the International Studies Program, and they may earn course credit for doing so. For program details and eligibility requirements, see "Internships and Other Opportunities" in this catalog. Those of particular interest to political science majors include:

A number of special programs and student conferences are also of interest to majors. For details, see "Internships and Other Opportunities" in this catalog. Those of interest to majors include:

Political science majors are also eligible to complete a concentration in Western European, Latin American, Asian, Near Eastern, or African Studies. For details, see the catalog section for International Studies.

Course Descriptions

101. Introduction to Political Science

A study of political ideas, behavior, processes, and institutions, designed to promote an appreciation of politics and a capacity to evaluate domestic and international political developments.

102. American Government and Politics

A study of the foundations, institutions, processes, and policy issues of American government at the national level.

104. Introduction to World Politics

A general introduction to the study of world politics and international relations. The course focuses on the history and nature of the international system, the cold war and the post cold war era, foreign policy behavior, arms control, conflict, nationalism, international political economy, environmental problems, terrorism, and human rights.

311. The Legislative Process

This course is designed to introduce students to the legislative process in the U.S. Congress. The impact of the inputs (constituents, elections, interest groups, the bureaucracy, the Supreme Court, and the president) upon the congressional structure is discussed and analyzed, as well as the structure itself (rules, norms, procedures, the committee system, party leadership, congressional staff). Finally, the outputs of the legislative process are examined (policy-making, representation, and legislative oversight). Throughout the course, students will participate in an ongoing simulation of the congressional legislative process so that they can experience the challenges of crafting legislation. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.

312. The American Presidency

This course involves a systematic examination of the dynamic institution of the presidency. It includes a study of presidential power, character, leadership, domestic and foreign policy-making, the presidential-election process, as well as the interaction between the president and the media, and presidential-congressional relations. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.

315. Comparative Government: Western Europe

A comparative study of the governmental structures and organizations, as well as the political cultures and processes, of the diverse states of Western Europe, with special focus on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Also included will be study of the European Union and its process of expansion into Central Europe. Prerequisite: Political Science 101.

316. Comparative Government: East Asia

This course provides a broad overview of the different governmental structures and organizations, as well as history and political cultures, of a range of states in East Asia, including Japan, the Koreas, China, and the countries of Southeast Asia. Particular attention will be paid to the link between governmental structure and economic development. Prerequisite: Political Science 101.

321. Women and Politics

This course examines the role of women as voters, citizens, candidates, and leaders in American politics, grounded in theories of gender. Attention will also be given to the history of the women's movement and the current status of women's organizations. The course also focuses on how various public policies, including workplace issues, family issues, education issues and reproductive rights, affect women and their legal rights.

327. Washington Center Internship

A full-time, semester-long internship in Washington, DC, with a federal government, political, or non-profit agency. Depending upon their interest and internship placement, students may attend hearings, conduct policy research, draft correspondence, monitor legislation, lobby members of Congress, and write analytical reports. Students will create an in-depth portfolio of their internship experience. Prerequisite: Political Science 102, 2.8 cumulative GPA, permission of an instructor, and successful application to The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. This course is normally open only to juniors and seniors. Twelve credits. The internship package of Political Science 327, 328, and 329 yields 16 credits towards graduation and 8 credits towards the political science major or minor.

328. Washington Center Seminar

Washington Center Interns participate in an evening seminar selected from a variety of topics offered during the semester. Students engage in class discussion and may also research seminar topics, prepare written assignments, and take examinations. Required of and limited to students enrolled in Political Science 327. Three credits.

329. Washington Center Forum

Washington Center Interns participate in lectures, site visits, small group discussions, briefings, and other required events designed to help them understand the connection between their academic and professional goals and the special educational opportunities available through living and working in Washington, DC. Evaluations of these experiences are included in the student portfolio. Required of and limited to students enrolled in Political Science 327. One credit.

331. History of Political Thought

A critical study of the enduring problems of political philosophy as treated by the major thinkers in the Western political tradition. The emphasis of the course is upon the fundamental choice of values which underlies the design of every system of government. The course thus examines how such writers as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, and Marx have formulated and attempted to resolve the conflicting demands of freedom and order, law and justice, authority and obligation, and the individual and the state. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

332. American Political Thought

A study of the influence of values and ideologies upon the formation, evolution, and operation of the American constitutional and political system. In deference to the pragmatic character of American political thought, the course focuses on the writings of American statesmen as they confronted such continuing problems as the nature of the Union, the contest between economic power and democratic power, and the responsibility of government for individual and social welfare. The course concludes with a consideration of the relevance of American political doctrines for contemporary issues of public policy. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.

341. Politics of Development

This course focuses on the political and economic challenges confronted by developing countries, including democratization, gender, nationalism and regional integration, trade, foreign investment, and sustainable development. The course also examines issues of development theory and practice in developing countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa. Prerequisite: Political Science 101.

346. Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy

This course provides a broad introduction to Japan of the early 21st century, considering its role in the world and its unclear domestic agenda after successfully "catching up with the West." Study of Japan's post-Second World War political and economic development will provide the basis for deeper study of demographic, social, economic, and diplomatic challenges facing Japan today. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

347. Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy

This course provides an introduction to the vast political challenges facing China today, which requires an examination of China's governmental structure, social development, and the effect of communism under Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Emphasis will be placed on political reform currently underway, the possibility of democracy's arising, and China's economic and diplomatic linkages to the outside world. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

351. Politics, Religion, and Ethnicity in South Asia

This is a survey of contemporary politics in South Asia (Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). It examines the impact of British colonialism on state formation, the internal politics since the 1940s, and the relationship of these countries to each other and with the major external powers (U.S., Russia, and People's Republic of China) influencing the region. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

354. Politics of the Middle East

This course is an introduction to the politics of the Middle East through the study of nine Middle Eastern countries (Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Syria). Emphasis on political development, ideology, religion, ethnic groups, classes, institutions, nationalism, and the domestic and foreign policies of each state. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

356. African Politics

This course is designed to introduce students to the history and politics of Africa. Themes include pre-colonial society, colonial occupation, social change, role of government and politics in society, styles of political culture, conflict management, political parties, succession to office, military rule, national integration, and foreign policy. Students who have taken Political Science 306 at Rhodes University will not receive credit for this course. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

361. International Politics

A study of an integrated theoretical framework for analyzing the behaviors of nation-states in the international political arena, as well as of selected critical issues and areas in contemporary international politics. Normally included in the study are nuclear weapons systems and their implications in international politics; nuclear arms negotiations and agreements; East-West relations; the triangular relationship among the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China; the Arab-Israeli conflict; the Third World's nonalignment movement; and the North-South tensions. Students who have taken Political Science 302 at Rhodes University will not receive credit for this course. Prerequisite: Political Science 101, 104.

365. International Political Economy

This course is a study of the relationship between international politics and economics. It examines theories of international political economy, including Liberal, Mercantilist, and Radical. Using these themes, the course will analyze the history of political economy, the relationship between economics and politics, trade, foreign investment, economic aid, development, dependency, interdependency, and the role of the United States in the global political economy. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

374. International Organization and Law

A study of organized human efforts made throughout history to promote international cooperation and peace. Special attention is given to the principles and rules of international law regulating national conduct in international affairs, the League of Nations, the United Nations, and contemporary blueprints for world federation and government. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

381. Government and Politics in Latin America

An introduction to the politics of Latin America. Attention is given to the historical and cultural context of political institutions and behavior, the roles of traditional and emerging groups and forces, political instability, and the decision-making process under different types of regimes. Case studies of individual countries are selected on the basis of their contemporary importance and representativeness of general political problems. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

382. U.S.-Latin American Relations

A study of U.S. foreign policy and Latin America since the Monroe Doctrine. Attention is given to the interests of Latin American nations in their relationship with each other and with other areas of the world, with special emphasis on the post-World War II period. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

384. Revolution, Violence, and Terrorism

A study of the nature and processes of political conflict and violence with emphasis on revolution. The course deals with recent and ongoing guerrilla and terrorist campaigns in Latin America, Africa, and Europe and with the available theoretical literature. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor.

386. Comparative Peace Processes

This course focuses on contemporary conflicts and efforts at peace-building in a comparative perspective. Drawing on cases such as Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and East Timor, the course will examine the roots of conflict, theories of peace, methods of peace-building, reconciliation, and international cooperation. Simulations will be used to enable students to understand the dynamics of the peace process. Prerequisite: POL 101 and 104, or permission of the instructor.

390. Maryland General Assembly Internship

Students enrolled in this program spend two days per week as state legislative interns in Annapolis during the three-month legislative session. They also meet and do assignments for a weekly academic seminar on campus. Students may enroll in this program only by application to the Director, and applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. Students completing the internship earn two course credits. Prerequisite: Political Science 311 or 391, or permission of the Director.

391. State and Local Politics

This course focuses on the interactions among the three levels of government in the United States as well as on the institutional structures of state and municipal governments. It concentrates on the interaction among governments as a significant portion of the policy-making process. The course discusses the changing roles over time of different levels of government.

194, 294, 394, 494. Special Topics in Political Science

The department occasionally offers a course on a special topic in political science that is not a part of the regular course offerings.

401. Elections and the Political Process

An examination of the idiosyncratic nature of the American electoral process with a focus on the role of political parties. The course includes an overview of American electoral history as well as a study of the factors influencing election outcomes, such as issues, ideology, party identification, candidate images, campaign finance, organization, and strategies. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.

407. Law and Society

A study of the American system of criminal justice. The major emphases of the course are the operation of the institutions and processes of the system, the constitutional rights of those accused of crime, and the social goals and consequences of criminal punishment. Prerequisite: Political Science 102 or permission of the instructor.

420. Constitutional Powers and Judicial Process

An analysis of the distribution of power among the three branches of the federal government, and between the federal and state levels of government, as specified in major decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court itself will be studied as a political institution, with emphasis on its role in a democratic political system. Prerequisite: Political Science 102.

422. Civil Liberties

A study of the constitutional rights of individuals, as specified by the U.S. Supreme Court, with primary emphasis on issues of freedom and equality. Prerequisite: Political Science 102.

442. American Foreign Policy

A brief historical survey of American diplomacy and analytical study of factors conditioning American foreign policy; the constitutional basis of U.S. foreign relations; the concept of American national interest and goals; the structure and processes of decision-making and policy-execution; the organization of, and relations among, the White House, Department of State, Department of Defense, other -Executive organs, and Congress; and America's current involvement in world affairs. Prerequisite: Political Science 101, 102, or a year of American history.

486. Media and Politics

This course will explore the role of the media in politics from various perspectives, providing an overview of the following: the history of the media in the United States; the legal issues that relate to the media; the impact that the media has on public opinion; the substance (or lack of substance) of the media's coverage of the news, government and elections; biases of the news media; political campaign advertising; alternative and newly developing forms of media; and the increasing conglomeration of the news media through mergers. Throughout the course, these issue areas will be discussed in a larger context involving questions of freedom, representation, and political participation. Students will also engage in a simulation involving the White House press corps and the presidency. There will be a field trip to Washington DC to visit various news outlets. Prerequisite: Political Science 101, 102, and at least one upper level course in political science.

190, 290, 390, 490. Political Science Internship

Students may receive course credit for an individualized internship at a political organization, under the supervision of a faculty adviser. The details of the internship and associated academic requirements will be specified in a learning contract drawn up by the student and adviser.

491. International Studies Seminar

The purpose of this course is to examine modern theories and approaches in International Studies. The nature of theory, its application to International Studies, and problems involved in defining this field of study and in developing empirical theory for it will be analyzed. Topics to be covered include research design, research techniques, and source materials. Special attention will be given to the historical, political, economic, anthropological, and quantitative approaches to International Studies. The seminar will provide students with an opportunity to discuss and develop topics for their senior theses. Prerequisite: Political Science 101, 104. This course is required for senior International Studies majors.

493. Empirical Political Research

An introduction to current research techniques and methodology in political science, normally taken by majors in the second semester of the junior year. The course includes a discussion of the use of theory building, hypothesis testing, survey research, statistics, and computers in empirical political inquiry. Much of the class will be interactive, as students learn basic data analysis techniques using statistical software. Students will work in groups to develop, administer, and analyze their own survey of the political attitudes of the student population of Washington College. Prerequisite: Political Science 101, 102, or permission of the instructor. This course is required for Political Science majors.

197, 297, 397, 497. Independent Study

Students may receive credit for an individualized course of reading and writing under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The requirements of the course will be specified in a learning contract drawn up by the student and advisor.

195, 295, 395, 495. On-campus Research

196, 296, 396, 496. Off-campus Research

SCE. Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experience is an independent research project on a topic of the student's choosing, culminating in a thesis of at least 50 pages. Thesis proposals are normally generated as part of the work of the required course on empirical political research, and each student has a faculty advisor to assist in completion of the project. Theses are graded Pass, Fail, or Pass with Honors. Candidates for honors must employ primary sources, contribute some element of original research, analysis, or interpretation, and sustain an oral examination on the thesis. This project is required of all majors in political science.

Courses Offered In The Washington College Abroad Programs

302. International Politics

This course examines the dynamics of post-World War II international political economy, financial institutions, the North-South debate, debt, development, democracy, Africa and the New World Order. Five classes per week, including one tutorial. Students who have taken Political Science 361 will not receive credit for this course. Offered at the Rhodes University, South Africa, program only, in the spring semester. Prerequisite: Political Science 101.

304. Introduction to South African Politics

This course will study the process of transformation and transition to democracy in South Africa by looking at external and domestic factors which have shaped the present reality. Particular attention will be given to the issues of democratic consolidation and policy implementation after 1994. The course will provide an historical context with which to examine the challenges facing the new democracy from gender to economic policy and international relations. At least three classes per week. Offered at the Rhodes University, South Africa, program only, in the spring semester. Prerequisite: Political Science 101. Four credits.

306. Government and Politics in Africa

Case studies in selected African countries looking at political economy, development, and democratization. At least three classes per week. Students who have taken Political Science 356 will not receive credit for this course. Offered at the Rhodes University, South Africa, program only, in the spring semester. Prerequisite: Political Science 101. Four credits.

308. International Relations

This course examines contemporary theories, issues and debates in the study of international relations. At least three classes per week. Offered at the Rhodes University, South Africa, program only, in the spring semester. Prerequisite: Political Science 101. Four credits.

318. Problems of Western European Politics

This course deals with Spain's role in Europe; the historical origins of contemporary Europe, including the topics of social and economic modernization; democratization; ethnic, linguistic, religious and political diversity; the Second World War and its consequences; the Cold War; the Treaty of Rome; and the movement toward European Community. Other important topics are political institutions throughout Europe, political transformation in Eastern Europe, the Balkan conflicts, the reunification of Germany, and the process of ratification of the Maastrich Treaty. Offered in the Granada, Spain, program only, in the Fall semester. (In Spanish.) Prerequisite: Political Science 101, Spanish 202 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

358. Problems of Western European Politics by Country

This courses surveys the institutions and processes of British government, from the role of the Crown, Parliament, cabinet, and prime minister to voting behavior, the judicial system, and major problems of public policy. Offered in the London program only, in both the fall and spring semesters. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

359. Britain and Europe

This course examines the role of Great Britain in the new, increasingly integrated Europe. What are the limits of British participation in the European Union? Why is "Europe" so controversial in Britain? Lectures and classroom discussions are supplemented by guest speakers and field trips. Offered in the London program only, in both the fall and spring semesters. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

499. Fieldwork in Political Science

This course provides a vehicle for students to earn academic credit while working as interns in Parliament, government offices, political parties, and lobbying organizations. Specific opportunities vary from semester to semester. Although there are no prerequisites, students wishing to enroll in this course should consult with and obtain the permission of the instructor upon arrival in London. Offered in the London program only, in both the fall and spring semesters. Three credits.

Students Enrolled in the Hansard Scholars Programme in London Take the Following Courses

470. Hansard Internship

Hansard Scholars are assigned to work in most cases as research assistants to Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, or to the political parties and other politically-related organizations. Students write speeches, research political issues, prepare briefs, and take part in constituency work. Six credits.

472. Politics and Parliament

This course examines the constitutional and political process in Britain with special reference to the students' internship programs. External lecturers include leading British politicians, political commentators, and lobbyists. Three credits.

474. Politics and Public Policy

This course analyzes current policy issues, seen in their historical context and in a European dimension. Topics include the economy, social policy, education, the role of the media, and ethnic and regional problems. Three credits.

476. Supervised Research Project

Each student works on an individually designed research project leading to a substantial paper of between 8,000 and 12,000 words. Usually, this is based on research undertaken during the internship. Three credits.

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