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College of Arts and
Sciences
Course Descriptions
LOWER LEVEL
R050. The Individual, Race, and American Political
Life (3 s.h.) (IN) FS
This course focuses on the relationships between individuals and
their government in the United States, investigating how
government has handled the issue of insuring individual equality
under democracy. It will explore the ways in which the exclusion
and incorporation of various groups in American society have been
affected by race and class.
C051. The American Political System (3 s.h.) (AC/D3)
FS
An introduction to American politics; focuses on the values,
institutions, and processes of politics and government in the
United States. Introduces the concepts and techniques of
political science.
C052. Foreign Governments and Politics (3 s.h.) (IS)
FS
For both non-majors and majors.
The values, institutions, and processes of politics and
government in selected developing and developed countries in
Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Simulations and films.
C053. International Politics (3 s.h.) (IS/D3) FS
An introduction to the nature of the international system, the
determinants and instruments of foreign policy, and the problems
of international conflict and cooperation. Class discussion and
possibly simulations of current international problems.
H091. Honors The American Political System (3 s.h.)
(AC/D3) FS
Students are introduced to the American political process through
a focus on the allocation of values in American political life.
H092. Honors Foreign Governments and Politics (3 s.h.)
FS
This course introduces students to some of the basic concepts
used to analyze and compare political systems. These concepts
will be examined in pluralist democracies (Great Britain, France,
the Federal Republic of Germany, and Japan), communist countries
(the People's Republic of China), and developing nations
(Nigeria).
H093. Honors International Politics (3 s.h.) (IS/D3)
FS
This course introduces students to the nature and evolution of
the contemporary international system, the roles of state and
non-state actors, foreign policy determinants, and analysis of
forces producing both cooperation and conflict in world politics.
H094. Honors in Political Philosophy Modern Political
Ideologies (3 s.h.) S
Examines arguments for andagainst the modern political ideologies
of democracy, capitalism, and socialism. Explores the
inter-relationship between the distribution of political power
and social and economic power. Examines the historical record of
various capitalist and socialist regimes.
UPPER LEVEL
W101. Introduction to Political Philosophy (3 s.h.)
(D3) FS
Reading of selected works by several classical and modern
political philosophers, such as Aristotle, Hobbes, and Marx;
study of their relevance to contemporary political issues.
Capstone writing course in the major.
0103. Evidence, Proof, and Knowledge: An Introduction
to Research Methods (3 s.h.) (D4) FS
Elementary statistics, survey research techniques,
research design, and data processing.
0105. The American Presidency (3 s.h.) F
The role of the chief executive, the American presidency, in the
political process.
0107. American Federalism (3 s.h.) S
Federalism in its modern form is perhaps the single most
important theoretical contribution the American system of
government has made to the history of political thought. This
course will examine this concept, its manifestation, and the
effect this federal practice has had on the American political
system.
0110. The Legislative Process (3 s.h.) F
Covers the legislative process of both the U.S. Congress and
state legislatures. Includes the lawmaking process, legislative
organization, leadership and policymaking, lobbying and
elections, and the careers and characteristics of legislators.
0115. The American Supreme Court (3 s.h.) F
An examination of judicial decision making and the
interrelationships between the Court and other aspects of the
political process.
0116. Judicial and Bureaucratic Administration of
Justice (3 s.h.) F
The course provides an introduction to the structure and
functions of the American legal system, its relation to other
parts of the American political system, and how law contributes
to public policy.
0117. American Constitutional Principles I (3 s.h.) F
Constitutional bases of American system of government including
federal powers in war, taxation, interstate and federal-state
relations, and interstate commerce.
0118. American Constitutional Principles II (3 s.h.) S
Civil rights in America, including the Constitutional protections
of freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion.
0124. Interest Group Politics (3 s.h.)
Over the past 30 years, the system of interest group
representation in Washington has witnessed a rapid expansion.
Conventional wisdom views these groups as obstructions to
American democracy, but limiting their freedoms threatens
"government by the people." Cases to be studied may
include: senior citizen groups˝ the farm lobby, the Christian
Coalition, the unemployment workers movement, and the power of
business in America.
0125. Media and the Political Process (3 s.h.) S
Relationship between the mass media and American politics.
Government regulation of the mass media, media coverage of public
affairs, political effects of entertainment programming, uses and
influence of the media in the election process. Both print and
broadcast media. Research project required.
0126. American Public Opinion (3 s.h.) FS
The development of public opinion and political ideology in the
U.S. The social psychology of political attitudes, the role of
the mass media and the news in the formation of political
opinion. The influence of public opinion upon government policy.
0127. Campaigns, Elections, and the Media (3 s.h.)
(D3) FS
Role of elections in contemporary American society. Special
attention to parties and mass media as participants in campaigns.
Factors affecting voting behavior of the mass public and the
linkages voting provides between the public and policy formation.
0129. American Party System (3 s.h.) S
The evolution and organization of political parties in the United
States, including nominating systems, campaigns, election laws,
types of ballots, and electoral reform techniques.
0132. Biology, Society, and Politics (3 s.h.) S
How genetic and other biological factors may influence political
life, with special emphasis on the new emerging fields of
sociobiology and neurobiology.
0135. Urban Politics and Problems (3 s.h.) (D3) FS
An overview of the politics of urban areas. Electoral politics,
government structure, race, finance, education, housing,
neighborhoods, and economic and historical forces on politics in
urban areas.
0136. Metropolitan Philadelphia (3 s.h.) S
An examination of the political system of Philadelphia, including
such issues as the division of power between the Mayor and City
Council; matters of party and interest group politics as they
impact on Philadelphia government; and relationships among city
government, the Commonwealth, and the Federal government.
0141. The Politics of Inequality (3 s.h.) S
Who are the poor? Should they be helped? Who should help them?
These questions are complicated because people are more aware of
the individual costs of taxation then they are of the collective
benefits of an educated work force. This course will evaluate how
the U.S. government has traditionally divided the poor between
the deserving and the undeserving poor and which groups have been
left out and why.
0143. Popular Culture and the City (3 s.h.) S
Course will examine how the city is depicted in films and
literature, exploring such prominent political topics as
anti-urbanism; political machines, corruption, and reform;
industrialization and immigrant life; post-industrialism and
urban decline. Attention will also be given to the physical city
and spatial use as expressions of dominant political and cultural
values. (Cross-listed with American Studies 0142 and Geography
and Urban Studies 0142.)
0145. American State and Local Politics (3 s.h.) FS
Government and politics of subnational units including states,
counties, cities, towns, and townships in urban, suburban, and
rural areas. Relationship of state and local policy to citizens,
other governmental units, and the American political system.
0150. U.S. Public Policy Making (3 s.h.) S
Selected policy areas in a variety of national settings. The
relationship of political cultures and policy making structures
to policy outputs.
0151. Public Policy Analysis (3 s.h.) F
Selected contemporary public policy issues. Begins with an
examination of the national political-economic context within
which major policy issues arise and then turns to the analysis of
the roots and policy alternatives on several major issues. Issues
may concern health, energy, education, employment, welfare, and
the regulation of business.
0152. U.S. Environmental Policy (3 s.h.) S
An analytical examination of the development and execution of
governmental policies in such areas as air and water pollution
control, control of atomic energy, and planning of space
exploration program.
0158. Business and Public Policy (3 s.h.) S
Major public policy issues concerning business in the United
States, including regulation and deregulation, antitrust, free
trade and protectionism, re-industrialization, and government
assistance for declining industries. The nature of business
influence in the making of governmental policies that affect its
interests.
0165. Public Administration (3 s.h.) (D3) F
The basic concepts and approaches to public management and public
policy making in public administration.
W190. Political Fiction (3 s.h.) S
This course is intended to provide an understanding of the
subtleties of American politics by reading novels and viewing
films as well as through the more traditional literature of
political science.
0201. Democracy in West Europe (3 s.h.) S
Explores the institutions established in West European nations
intended to preserve social stability, produce economic
prosperity, and guarantee democracy, asking whether these goals
are complementary or contradictory. A country-by-country
examination of post-war political development in Britain, France,
Germany, Italy, and Sweden. Emphasis on the political problems of
the present. Accordingly, the course closes with an examination
of the European integration process and the sweeping changes of
East Europe affecting all of Europe.
0205. British Government and Politics (3 s.h.) S
They are "changing the guard at Buckingham Palace." The
course examines the political changes now underway in
post-Thatcherite Britain. The role of the Royals in a high-tech,
multicultural society will be studied with the aid of appropriate
films.
0210. Russia and New Democracies (3 s.h.) F
Focus on the decline of the Soviet system in the 1980's and
efforts in the 1990's to build democracy in Russia. Ukraine and
other successor republics. Review ofRussian and Soviet political
history, from Tsarist times to Gorbachev, for perspective on
present political experiences. Attention to current policy
problems in the economy, society, ethnic relations, and relations
with the U.S.
0211. Eastern Europe, Russia, and the West (3 s.h.) S
The politics of the countries of Eastern Europe, with emphasis on
their political history and evolution in the era of Communist
rule and the progress toward developing democracy in the
post-Communist era. Attention also to the international situation
of these countries, their role in Soviet-American relations, and
their place in the larger European context.
0212. Post-Communist Regimes (3 s.h.)
Central focus on political change in formerly communist political
systems. In many, major attention is given to the process of
establishing constitutional processes and promoting pluralist
societies; in others, to the policies of neo-communist and
nationalist-communist regimes. Problems of defining or
re-defining a national identity; nationalist parties and
ideologies; challenges from ultra-nationalist, fascist and other
anti-democratic movements; dealing with ethnic and national
conflict. The political consequences of planned and spontaneous
changes in the economic system. Countries included are selected
from eastern Europe, parts of the former Soviet Union and
southeast Asia.
0215. Comparative Politics: Developing Nations (3
s.h.) F
This course describes and analyzes political patterns in the
third world. It provides a descriptive overview, analyzes
domestic political trends within the context of the global
system, and reviews current trends.
0225. Government and Politics of the Middle East (3
s.h.) FS
Political behavior and institutions of the Middle East. The
Arafat-Rabin handshake has changed the Middle East political
scene in fundamental ways. With the aid of film, the class will
examine the role of religion and culture in shaping the destiny
of the exploding populations of the oil-rich region.
0226. Conflict Resolution in the Middle East (3 s.h.)
This course deals with reasons for long-standing conflict between
Israel and her Arab neighbors, as well as the propsects and
techniques for resolving conflicts in the region.
0236. China: Politics and Revolution (3 s.h.) S
Contemporary Chinese government and politics, together with a
survey of the political history of China in the 20th century.
Emphasis is on the evolution of the political system and
political culture through successive periods of reform and
repression. (Cross-listed with Asian Studies 0240.)
0238. East Asia and the United States (3 s.h.) S
An introduction to the international relations of countries of
the "Pacific Rim." Major focus on their political,
strategic, and economic relations with the United States, plus
attention to domestic factors affecting their foreign relations.
(Cross-listed with Asian Studies 0241.)
0240. Politics of Genocide (3 s.h.) F
Since the end of World War II, more people have died in genocides
than ever before in history. With the Holocaust as the paradigm,
the course will study the tragic proliferation of genocides in a
world of nation-states.
0241. Nationalism, Ethnicity, and Politics (3 s.h.) S
When the U.S. was founded as the first modern nation-state, it
set in motion a global transformation of the state system that
has still to run its course. The class will study, with the aid
of film, the causes, theories, and projections of this
development.
0242. Politics and Religion (3 s.h.) F
Not so long ago, theologians were saying, "God is
dead." The latest evidence suggests that religion is very
much alive. With the aid of film, the class will examine the
political consequences of this phenomenon in several major areas.
W244. Politics of Modern Capitalism (3 s.h.) S
Since the early 1970's, all advanced industrial democracies have
faced challenges in adjusting to a changing international
economy. We will examine how different countries, including the
United States, Japan, Britain, France, and Germany, have tried to
meet these challenges. The main question guiding the course is:
Why do countries respond to roughly similar problems in different
ways, and what do these responses reveal about politics in these
countries? Topics covered will include macroeconomic policy,
trade and industrial policies, industrial relations,
business-government relations, and the welfare state; also given
as writing course.
0250. Foreign Policy Analysis (3 s.h.) S
This course examines how foreign policy is made by the
governments of nation-states, as well as what determines the
distinctive foreign policies of such states as the U.S., Russia,
China, Japan, Germany, France, the U.K., and others.
0251. Current U.S. Foreign Relations (3 s.h.) FS
Description, analyses, and evaluation of contemporary U.S.
foreign relations, in particular the end of the cold war and
relations with major allies (western Europe and Japan) and the
developing countries in the post-cold war period.
0253. Russia and World Affairs (3 s.h.) S
The main emphasis in on current foreign policies of Russia and
other republics of the former Soviet Union, and their role
vis-–-vis Europe, the United States, and Asia in the
post-cold war era. Included is substantial background in Soviet
foreign policy between the end of World War II and the breakup of
the Soviet Union in 1991, plus selective attention to foreign
policy in the Tsarist and early periods.
0260. Post-Cold War Security (3 s.h.)
An examination of security issues at the end of the cold war.
Topics include military deterrence, weapons proliferation, arms
control, terrorism, and threats to global economic and
environmental security.
0261. The Politics of Multinational Corporations (3
s.h.) F
An introduction to the study of international political economy.
Major focus is government-business relations; in particular, the
development and organization of transnational corporations, how
the activities of these business enterprises affect the goals and
situation of national states and the structure of interstate
relations, and the methods by which national states can respond
to international corporate activity.
W262. The International Legal Order (3 s.h.) F
The historical development of international law in its relation
to the evolution of the world political system, with analysis of
contemporary world order issues, e.g., warfare, political and
economic development, human rights, the environment.
0263. International Organization (3 s.h.) S
Development and current roles of regional and universal
international organizations with emphasis on the United Nations.
The major international conflicts of recent decades in the
organizational context.
0264. International Conflict Management (3 s.h.) S
An examination of the role of negotiation and mediation in
resolivng international conflick. Case studies and simulations of
recent or current international conflict situations will be
utilized.
0265. International Environmental Policy (3 s.h.)
International negotiations and agreements on environmental
problems, and comparisons of domestic environmental policy making
among selected countries. Special attention to negotiations on
atmospheric and oceanic policies, international regulation of
nuclear materials, and environmental aspects of international
trade agreements.
0270. Classical Political Philosophy (3 s.h.) F
Close study of works by one or more political philosophers,
stressing their relevance to an understanding of contemporary
politics.
0271. Modern Political Philosophy (3 s.h.) S
Close study of works by one or more modern political
philosophers, stressing their relevance to an understanding of
contemporary politics.
0272. American Political Thought (3 s.h.) S
Significant political ideas from the American colonial period to
the present and the influences of these ideas on contemporary
American political institutions.
0273. Marxism and Politics (3 s.h.) S
A theoretical and historical examination of the role of Marxism
in the development of 20th century political regimes, including
former and present Communist states, West European social
democracy, and Third World nations. Particular focus will be
placed on debates within the Marxist tradition and between
Marxism and its critics in regard to issues of equality, liberty,
and democracy. An attempt will be made to see what aspects (if
any) of Marxism remain relevant to the prospect of radical
democratic change.
0274. Human Nature and Politics (3 s.h.) S
Human behavior and its relationship with politics and political
philosophy.
0275. Theory and Uses of Power (3 s.h.) S
The concepts and major models of power and their applications to
American politics.
0276. Democracy, Capitalism, and Socialism (3 s.h.) F
An examination of some of the major political ideologies dominant
in the twentieth century and of the tensions and points of
convergence between them.
0277. Theories of Justice (3 s.h.) F
Both analytical and historical perspectives of some of the major
theories of justice that have been propounded throughout the
course of Western history.
0291. Junior Fall Honors Seminar (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: Approval of departmental Honors Committee, 3.3
cumulative grade average, 3.3 average in political science, and
completion of two of the four political science courses. Only
political science majors in their sophomore year or above may
apply. Successful completion of the honors program involves
grade of B or better in two of the four offered honors seminars:
PS 0291, PS 0292, PS 0391, and PS 0392.
The fall junior honors seminar (taught as a combined seminar with
PS 0391) will rotate among selected advanced topics in one of the
major fields in Political Science (international relations,
American government, political theory, comparative politics and
public policy). The seminar will focus on a close analysis and
discussion of assigned readings and a final research paper (as
well as other short written assignments). Check with the honors
seminar coordinator for the topic and instructor for a specific
semester.
0292. Junior Honors Seminar (3 s.h.) S
Prerequisite: Same as PS 0291. Students may apply for
admission to the honors program any time before the fall semester
of their senior year.
The spring honors seminar (taught as a combined semester with PS
0392) will rotate among selected advanced topics in one of the
major fields of Political Science (international relations,
American government, political theory, comparative politics, and
public policy). The seminar will focus on a close analysis and
discussion of assigned readings and a final research paper (as
well as other short written assignments). Check with the honors
seminar coordinator for the topic and instructor for a specific
semester.
0302. Women and Politics (3 s.h.) S
The women's movement and its implications for public policy. The
role of politics and political philosophy in restraining women's
opportunities; an examination of the ideological roots of
feminism; present discrimination in the workplace; and women as
political activists.
0303. Seminar in American Government (3 s.h.)
Examines a topic of contemporary interest in American politics
and government.
0310. Seminar in Comparative Politics (3 s.h.) S
Examines a topic of contemporary interest in comparative
politics.
0316. Seminar in International Politics (3 s.h.)
Examines a topic of contemporary interest in international
politics.
0322. Seminar in Political Philosophy (3 s.h.)
Examines a topic of contemporary interest in political
philosophy.
0327. Seminar in Public Administration (3 s.h.)
Examines a topic of contemporary interest in public
administration.
0371-0372-0373. Cooperative Education Project in
Political Science I, II, III (3 s.h. each) FS
Provides political science majors with work experience relating
to their academic training. Juniors and seniors with a minimum
overall average of 2.0 accepted subject to approval by
departmental co-op committee chairperson.
0382-0383-0384. Directed Research and Field Study (2,
2, 3 s.h., respectively) FS
Prerequisite: Four courses in political science. Students may not
enroll for more than one 0380's course in a single semester.
Students are to arrange study with a faculty member in the
Department of Political Science.
Supervised individual readings, research projects, and field
work.
0391. Senior Fall Honors Seminar (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: Either previous admission to the departmental
honors program and successful completion of PS 0291 or 0292 or
approval of departmental Honors Committee, 3.3 cumulative grade
average, 3.3 average in political science, and completion of two
of the four required political science courses. Students entering
the honors program in their senior year must apply prior to the
end of their junior year. Successful completion of the honors
program involves grade of B or better in two of the following
four honors seminars: PS 0291, PS 0292, PS 0391, and PS 0392.
The fall junior honors seminar (taught as a combined seminar with
PS 0291) will rotate among selected advanced topics in one of the
major fields in Political Science (international relations,
American government, political theory, comparative politics, and
public policy). The seminar will focus on a close analysis and
discussion of assigned readings and a final research paper (as
well as other short written assignments). Check with the honors
seminar coordinator for the topic and instructor for a specific
semester.
0392. Senior Honors Seminar (3 s.h.) F
Prerequisite: Previous admission to the departmental honors
program and successful completion of either PS 0291, PS 0292, or
PS 0391. Successful completion of the honors program involves
grade of B or better in two of the following four honors
seminars: PS 0291, PS 0292, PS 0391, and PS 0392.
The spring honors seminar (taught as a combined seminar with PS
0291) will rotate among selected advanced topics in one of the
major fields in Political Science (international relations,
American government, political theory, comparative politics, and
public policy). The seminar will focus on a close analysis and
discussion of assigned readings and a final research paper (as
well as other short written assignments). Check with the honors
seminar coordinator for the topic and instructor for a specific
semester.
Return to the list of courses.
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