Politics

Courses

Courses with * fulfill
General Education requirements

(A-AP) = Arts - Applied

(A-TH) = Arts -
Theoretical/Historical

(A-AR) = Analytical -
Abstract Reasoning

(A-QR) = Analytical -
Quantitative Reasoning

(CP) = Comparative Practices

(D-D) = Diversity - Domestic

(D-I) = Diversity - International

(D-L) = Diversity - Language

(ES) = Earlham Seminar

(IP) = Interpretive Practices

(SI) = Scientific Inquiry

(W) = Wellness

(AY) = Offered in Alternative Year

POLS 104 INTRODUCTION TO
AMERICAN POLITICS (4 credits)
Designed to develop an understanding of our national political system by examining its institutions and structures; by stimulating interest in its programs, processes and personalities; and by measuring its performance against the universal criteria of legitimacy, power, efficiency, responsiveness and representativeness. Also listed as ENPR 104.

*POLS 105 INTRODUCTION TO
COMPARATIVE POLITICS
(4 credits)
With examples from selected countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, and through a method of systematic comparison, examines the issues and process of nation-building and development, and the roles played by political institutions and parties, leaders and their ideologies, interest groups and political alliances in setting political agenda and selecting policy priorities. Also considers the interplay between history, geography and culture. Serves as a foundation to many upper-level comparative Politics courses. (CP, D-I)

*POLS 107 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (4 credits)
Introduces the study of politics and problems on the global political agenda at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st. Studies the role of power and values in shaping international governance and institutions; security dilemma; development of the post-Cold War era; North-South relations; global environmental problems and problems of human rights. Also listed as PAGS 107. (D-I)

POLS 170 INTRODUCTION TO DIPLOMACY (3 credits)
An experiential course that examines political, economic and social issues in world politics by simulating the work of states in U.N. committees and organizations. Students serve as delegates to a regional Model U.N. Scholarly readings on the practice of diplomacy. Also listed as PAGS 170. (D-I)

*POLS 243 RACE, PHILOSOPHY AND POLITICS (4 credits)
Investigates, interprets and criticizes how philosophers have understood the meaning of race as well as its impact on accounts of identity, knowledge and social justice. Studies the political ideologies of liberalism, integration and Black nationalism striving to answer the question: How and to what extent are the varied or competing interests of Black folk reflected in such theories? Also listed as AAAS 243 and PHIL 243. (D-D)

POLS 260 INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL STUDIES (3 credits)
Explores the basic issues of law's relationship to contemporary society. Topics include the historical and social functions of law; the culture and role of major actors in the legal system (lawyers, judges, juries, police, technology); tensions between ideals and realities in the law; and the role of law in addressing contemporary problems. Also listed as LGST 260.

POLS 339 APPROACHING POLITICAL PUZZLES (3 credits)
Designed to improve students' understanding of political science by enhancing critical thinking skills and exploring different theoretical approaches to political science. Using examples of political research in various subfields and employing different methodological perspectives, students learn how to build on existing research and use "real world" examples in their own work. Experience gained in hands-on research and writing can be applied to the Senior Capstone Experience and other upper-division courses. Prerequisites: POLS 104, 105, 107 or consent of the instructor.

POLS 341 POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS (3 credits)
The nature, organization, purposes and performance of American political parties and the conduct of national elections. Student research project focuses on the current elections for president and/or U. S. Senate. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or consent of the instructor. (AY)

POLS 342 NATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY (3 credits)
A weekly seminar to consider current topics in public policy, both in the United States and in other comparable countries. What should governments do and not do for their citizens? What benefits and what obligations should come with membership in a national community? Specific topics, determined by the instructor, include issues such as welfare, social security, health care, education and affirmative action.

POLS 343 THE AMERICAN CONGRESS (3 credits)
Examines the organization, behavior and performance of Congress. Comparison of House and Senate and relations between Congress and the Executive branch, as well as the behavior of members of Congress both in their legislative and their representative roles. Particular attention to the committees of Congress and to its role in the policy-making process. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or consent of the instructor. (AY)

POLS 345 THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY (3 credits)
A study of the Executive branch, with emphasis upon the president and presidential leadership. Focuses on the extent and limits of presidential power, with special emphasis upon the president's relations with Congress. Reviews case studies of recent issues in domestic and national security policy. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or consent of the instructor. (AY)

*POLS 346 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I: INSTITUTIONS AND DEMOCRACY
(4 credits)
An examination, through the study of case law, of the powers and limitations of Congress, the Presidency and the Judiciary; federalism; commercial and property rights; and political participation. Attention to the Supreme Court's role in expressing the public philosophy of the nation. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or consent of the instructor. Also listed as LGST 346. (D-D) (AY)

POLS 347 COMPARITIVE ENVIROMENTAL POLICY (3 credits)
Examines the different approaches taken by the European Union, Japan and the United States in addressing the monumental policy challenges of 21st century crises. Explores issues of climate change, energy shortages and increasing pressures on national and regional institutions. Prerequisite: POLS 104, 105 or consent of the instructor. Also listed as ENPR 347. (AY)

*POLS 348 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW II:
CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES (4 credits)
An examination, through the study of case law, of the rights and protections of individuals and groups under the Constitution. Topics include First Amendment rights of expression and religion; and aspects of criminal justice, privacy and equal protection of minorities. Attention to the Supreme Court's role in expressing the public philosophy of the nation. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or consent of the instructor. Also listed as LGST 348. (D-D) (AY)

POLS 349 POLITICS AND FILM (3 credits)
Examines a collection of contemporary films that seek to enhance our understanding of real-world politics and major policy debates. Expands the view of movies as entertainment to deepen our understanding of politics, economics and culture. Also discusses the politics of film-making, seeking to understand why filmmakers choose political subjects. Also listed as FILM 349. (AY)

*POLS 350 THEORIES OF COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3 credits)
Introduces core comparative political theories to analyze current affairs in domestic and global politics. Improves critical thinking skills through logical application of core concepts and such approaches as political culture, rational choice, states and institutions, and democracy. Prerequisite: POLS 105 or consent of the instructor. (D-I with appropriate topic) (AY)

*POLS 351 DEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIZATION (3 credits)
Examines the historical experience of some stable democracies, newly independent countries, and authoritarian regimes in transition. Analyzes prominent hypotheses and approaches of democratization to explain why some countries become democratic while others are not, the timing of transition from authoritarian rule to democracy, and why attempts at democratization succeed or fail. Prerequisite: POLS 105 or consent of the instructor. (D-I with appropriate topic) (AY)

*POLS 352 POLITICS OF AFRICA (3 credits)
Explores topics in sub-Saharan African politics. After a brief overview of pre-colonial political systems and the struggles for independence, examines in depth issues of post-colonial governance, including distribution of political power, military involvement in politics and recent trends in democratization. Covers African societies and economies, domestic policy issues, international relations, and conflict and cooperation on the continent. Prerequisite: POLS 105 or consent of the instructor. Also listed as AAS 352. (D-I) (AY)

*POLS 355 POLITICS OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD (3 credits)
Examines governance in comparative perspective with special reference to problems of less developed countries. Explores phenomena such as military coups, one-party states, personal rule, ethnic conflict and democratic transition, using examples from Asia, Africa and Latin America. Prerequisite: POLS 105 or consent of the instructor. (D-I) (AY)

*POLS 357 COMPARATIVE FOREIGN POLICY (3 credits)
Examines foreign policy using a comparative perspective by focusing on major domestic and foreign political issues in various countries. Examines the decision-making process in different foreign policies to guide understanding the relationships among nations in the global community. Who makes foreign policy, and do international organizations have an impact? Analyzes international political economy; and compares and contrasts foreign policies. Prerequisite: POLS 105 or consent of the instructor. (D-I) (AY)

*POLS 359 AFRICAN DEMOCRACY AND DICTATORSHIP (3 credits)
Explores the evolution of African dictatorships and asks whether democracy in sub-Saharan Africa is substantially different from democracy elsewhere in the world. Since independence, African countries have experimented with many different forms of governance, from civilian to military rule and one-party states to multi-party democracies. Has all this experimentation resulted in better governance? Prerequisite: POLS 105 or consent of the instructor. Also listed as AAAS 359. (D-I) (AY)

POLS 361 WESTERN POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY I (3 credits)
An examination of the central questions posed by major political philosophers of the classical and early modern periods. Attention to major primary works of Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli and Hobbes. Also listed as PHIL 361. (AY)

POLS 362 WESTERN POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY II (3 credits)
Examination of the central ideas of modern political philosophers. Attention to major primary works by Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Mill, Marx and Nietzsche. Also listed as PHIL 362. (AY)

*POLS 363 ISREAL AND THE MIDDLE EAST (3 credits)
Topics include the history and context of Israeli politics, governmental institutions and behavior, and the setting within which Israeli foreign policy decisions are made. Briefly examines the Palestinian setting. Explores the processes of peacemaking, including the history of the peace process and more contemporary action in the Middle East. Prerequisite: POLS 105 or consent of the instructor. (D-I)

*POLS 365 TOPICS IN POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (3 credits)
An intensive study of a significant concept, set of ideas or philosopher. Recent topics include the search for utopia, Hobbes and Rousseau, the American Framers, contemporary political philosophy, the crisis of American Liberalism, and Thomas Jefferson and the American Enlightenment. Prerequisite: An Interpretive Practices course and POLS 361, 362 or 366; or consent of the instructor. (CP)

*POLS 366 AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT (3 credits)
The development of political ideas in America from the Puritan colonial experience to the present. Examines the changing concepts of the role of government and the nature of political society through the writings of major thinkers. Also listed as HIST 366. (D-D) (AY)

*POLS 371 THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (4 credits)
Examines classics and trends in empirical and normative theories of international relations. Provides an opportunity for students who have studied abroad to apply various analytical approaches in the field to a problem or issue with which they have had first-hand experience. Prerequisite: POLS 107 or consent of the instructor. Also listed as PAGS 371. (D-I) (AY)

*POLS 372 INTERNATIONAL LAW I:
SOVEREIGNTY, HUMANITARIAN LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS (4 credits)
Surveys concepts and theories of international law and treaty interpretation, focusing on problems of the international law of war and peace (international humanitarian law), and questions of socio-political justice (human rights). Prerequisites: POLS 107 or consent of the instructor. Also listed as LGST 372 and PAGS 372. (D-I) (AY)

*POLS 373 INTERNATIONAL LAW II:
INTERDEPENDENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND GLOBALIZATION (4 credits)
Surveys concepts and theories of international law and treaty interpretation, focusing on environmental problems and policy-making in the global arena. Topics include the emergence of "the environment" as an issue in international politics, managing global common property resources, and sustainable trade and development. Prerequisite: POLS 107. Also listed as ENPR 373. (D-I) (AY)

*POLS 374 AMERICA'S WARS IN ASIA (3 credits)
Examines American perceptions and diplomatic and military conduct in Asia in the 20th century, from the Philippine War to the War on Terror, focusing on the bilateral relations between Asian countries and the U.S.,and on American behavior in the context of U.S. domestic culture and politics. Examines the future of U.S. foreign policy towards Asia. Prerequisite: An Earlham Seminar, an Interpretive Practices course or consent of the instructor. Also listed as HIST 374 and JPNS 374. (CP, D-I) (AY)

*POLS 375 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3 credits)
Offers in-depth study of a current controversy or theoretical problem in IR. Past topics have included global environmental politics, international development, feminist theories of IR and arms control. Prerequisite: An Interpretive Practices course or consent of the instructor. Also listed as PAGS 375. (CP)

POLS 376 POLITICS OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE (3 credits)
A multidisciplinary examination of the anthropogenic causes, probable impacts and potential policy responses to global climate change. One of the most important political challenges of modern times, global climate change is a highly complex issue with potentially profound consequences for both human society and natural ecosystems. Prerequisites: POLS 104, 105, 107 or 170 or consent of the instructor. (D-I) (AY)

*POLS 377 POLITICS OF GLOBAL INEQUALITY (3 credits)
Explores the problem of global inequality, its implications for human development and possible solutions. Builds on concepts from International Political Economy and Comparative Politics. Defines inequality and development, and discusses how to measure these phenomena. Explores competing explanations for the existence and persistence of global inequality, and tackles issues important in the developing world. Prerequisite: POLS 104, 105, 107, 170 or consent of the instructor (D-I) (AY)

*POLS 378 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (3 credits)
Explores the interactions and tensions between states and markets in the international political economy. Examines both current and past events with international political and economic ramifications, and theories that seek to provide systematic explanations for the economic behavior of states, multinational corporations and international financial institutions. Prerequisite: POLS 107, 170 or consent of the instructor. (D-I) (AY)

POLS 481 INTERNSHIPS, FIELD STUDIES AND OTHER FIELD EXPERIENCES
(1-3 credits)

POLS 482 SPECIAL TOPICS (3 credits)
Selected topics determined by the instructor for upper-level study.

POLS 483 TEACHING ASSISTANTS (1-3 credits)

POLS 484 FORD/KNIGHT RESEARCH PROJECT (1-4 credits)
Collaborative research with faculty funded by the Ford/Knight Program.

POLS 485 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)
An investigation of a specific topic conceived and planned by the student in consultation with a faculty adviser.

POLS 488 SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (4 credits)
Designed to bring together both the substantive and methodological diversities of the discipline of Politics in an intensive, collegial format. Seminar topics vary. Students produce a major and original research paper that serves as the comprehensive examination for majors.