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Political Science Course Listings
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46.101 Introduction to American PoliticsCredits: 3
An introduction to the politics, structure, and behavior of the American National Political Community
46.105 Introduction to Public PolicyCredits: 3
46.110 Introduction to PoliticsCredits: 3
An introductory exploration of basic political concepts, ideologies, and themes. Stresses the importance of understanding politics for everyday life.
46.111 Election of 2012Credits: 3
An examination of the American election process in this presidential election year. Attention especially is given to candidates, political issues, political parties, and financing, among other factors, within the process and their influence in the election outcome. Strengths and weaknesses of the election process and reform proposals and prospects will also be addressed.
A cross-cultural analysis of various governmental systems; elements common to all forms of government are emphasized and variations among contemporary political systems are discussed. Balance between developed and Third World countries.
Surveys some recent methods and approaches used in the study of international politics and provides an introduction to current problems of foreign policies of major world powers.
This course will focus on the causes of conflict, conflict resolution methods, and ways to sustain peace. The course will explain and define each of those areas. A mid-term will be administered to examine the students' grasp of the concepts and key terminology. The second part of the class will emphasize student participation and the application of concepts learned earlier in class. The final is a take home exam that will require the application of theory and praxis in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies.
46.175 Introduction to Environmental StudiesCredits: 3
This survey course introduces students to current environmental problems and environment-related jobs. The goal is to show the many dimensions of environmental issuespolitical, economic, biophysical, cultural, ethical, historical, and technicaland demonstrate that if we hope to contribute to positive change, we must grapple with this complexity. The other objective is to learn about actions currently underway that actually do help the environment.
46.201 Introduction Political AnalysisCredits: 3
Introduces the Political Science major to the scope of politics as a discipline. Highlights value questions through analysis of the political, socio-demographic and constitutional background of selected contemporary public issues and policies.
Pre-Req: Political Science Majors only.
46.205 Introduction: Political EconomyCredits: 3
The artificial boundaries between political and economic analysis are transcended as current problems in political economy are surveyed, examined and analyzed.
46.210 Media & PoliticsCredits: 3
46.215 African PoliticsCredits: 3
The images of Africa most commonly seen in the US flood our minds with inconsistent messages. Africa is portrayed and discussed as a locus of ancient tribal conflicts, disease, famine, and suffering. While struggles do occur - just as they do in all places - understanding the diverse experiences of the peoples of Africa requires engagement with the cultures, politics, religions, and perspectives of people in more than fifty countries across a vast continent. While such engagement can hardly be accomplished in a semester, we will attempt to scratch at the surface in different ways that reveal ideas, experiences, and thoughts that reflect political life and culture in Africa south of the Sahara in a more reflective manner.
Throughout this course, I challenge you to remember that politics as we usually conceive them - the policies, programs, and posturing of government and public organizations - are a backdrop to the way real people live their lives every day. Policies and political systems are less important for the fact that they exist than for the ways in which they affect the lives of those they govern. With this approach, I hope we will be able to pick apart government structures, political organizations, and policy issues in ways that will shed light on the construction and culture of African politics. This requires a focus on power - who has it, how they use it, and to what ends.
46.218 Introduction to Politics and SportsCredits: 3
Analyzes the growing importance of sports in American life. Examines the psychological, political and social impact of sports on society. Discusses how sports have been shaped by such monumental events as war, the civil rights movement, and the changing economy.
46.220 Gender and PoliticsCredits: 3
Provides a broad introduction to the way feminist approaches to politics and political theory have transformed our understanding of political life. Topics include the historical exclusion of women from political activities and institutions, the evolution of the modern women's movement, the rise and fall of the nuclear family, the persistence of discrimination based on sexual orientation, and the political economy of gender inequality.
46.222 Politics of the InternetCredits: 3
This course will examine the influence social media and web connectivity have had on political campaigns, campaign fundraising, political mobilization, and the recent proliferation of democratic movements.
46.226 Problems in International PoliticsCredits: 3
This course will address and study the origins, characteristics and possible solutions to current problems in world politics. Using a participatory interactive format students will learn analytical and critical thinking skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
46.230 Law and the Legal SystemCredits: 3
Presents an introduction to the nature of the legal process and the operation of the American legal system. Also discusses considerations of its political and social functions.
46.231 Introduction Political ThoughtCredits: 3
A critical survey of the history of Western political thought from Plato to the present.
46.240 Contemporary Political TheoryCredits: 3
Examines major ideological currents in the contemporary world. Topics include communism, fascism, anarchism, socialism, nationalism, liberalism, and utilitarianism.
46.250 Women Power and PoliticsCredits: 3
46.251 Politics of IdentityCredits: 3
This interdisciplinary course considers the way we construct self-identity through our affiliation with various cultural and political groups- from the"Red Sox nation" to linguistic, economic, nationalistic and ethnic groups. It examines the central role of nationalism; its symbols, traditions and expectations; the role of the media; and the benefits and risks of our allegiance to these groups.
An examination of the little studied fourth branch of government. Bureaucratic power in the American political system is reconsidered.
46.265 State and Local PoliticsCredits: 3
Examination and study of politics and government at the state and local levels, with emphasis on Massachusetts and New England. Practitioners from state and local government will meet with the class.
46.270 Legislative PoliticsCredits: 3
A comparative study of the political realities and currents which affect policy making in the American Congress and the Massachusetts State Legislature. Among the areas of study will be the qualities which are essential to successfully run and hold onto legislative office and the influence those political factors have on the making of laws. Students will participate in a simulated campaign for state legislative office, which include budgeting, advertising and communicating a campaign message.
46.282 Contemporary Political TheoryCredits: 3
46.304 Politics of DevelopmentCredits: 3
46.307 American Political ThoughtCredits: 3
A survey of the historical development of American political thought from the colonial era to the present.
46.308 Political LeadershipCredits: 3
A study of the political leader as entrepreneur in several different settings.
46.310 'Isms' in American PoliticsCredits: 3
An examination of major ideological, philosophical and social currents.
Pre-Req: 42.101 College Writing I and 42.102 College Writing II.
46.313 Electoral PoliticsCredits: 3
This course will examine voting behavior in American elections: how voters make decisions, the changing nature of campaigns, the influence of money, media, and polling, and related matters.
46.314 Parties and Interest GroupsCredits: 3
An examination of party systems and coalitions in the US, their changing nature over time, the history of realignment, and the relationship of parties to interest groups.
46.316 Politics and FilmCredits: 3
Analysis of the role of film in creating, expressing, revealing, and responding to social and political ideas and values. Examines a variety of film and film styles and introduces students to elements of film theory, the theory of popular culture and the role of film in forming our ideas about the world.
46.318 Politics & AdvertisingCredits: 3
Examines the role political advertising plays in influencing public opinion, political agenda setting and voting behavior in comtemporary politics. Topics include: Overview of modern presidential campaigns; Propaganda, political symbolism and media literacy; Paid Advertising vs. free advertising, public relations and the emerging role of Special Interest Groups; Political rhetoric: "Framing, New Speak, and Spinning a mesage"; Objective vs. partisan coverage of events and its effects on political decisions, public opinion and voter's attitudes; Polling, and strategic/tactical decision making; Candidate selection, development, and packagin; Role, definition and types of emerging media in voting behavior.
46.320 Gender Law and PoliticsCredits: 3
Explores legal constructions of gender by examining Supreme Court cases, federal legislation, historical documents, news stories, and scholarly essays on sexual inequality in the United States. Topics include the evolution of the family as a legal (and illegal) reality; political regulation of reproduction and sexual activity; feminist critiques of economic inequality; the rise and fall of affirmative action; the changing role of gender in class consolidation; and ongoing debates about the relationships between public and private life.
46.321 Soccer and PoliticsCredits: 3
This course analyzes the social, political and business aspects of the World Cup, the most popular sporting event in the world. The course will study the evolution of the World Cup, from the 1930's when fascist regimes used the Cup to buttress their doctrines to the emergence of new soccer powers like the U.S.
46.323 Politics and BaseballCredits: 3
Introductory look at the interaction between the world of baseball and the social and political structures which influence the sport.
46.324 Politics of FootballCredits: 3
How the rise of pro football's popularity reflects changes in American society during the 20th century. An examination of how politics, economics and television created a sport that has become an American obsession, and some argue, a new religion.
46.327 The Dynamics of Sexual PoliticsCredits: 3
Starting with the constructionist approach of analyzing the sexual dynamics of ancient civilizations, we will expose how sex has been used as a political tool to further the cause of unrelated agendas, how attitudes about sex have changed from Greco-Roman times to the 1960's sexual revolution, culminating in the current political debate about Vermont's civil union laws. Join us in this academic endeavor to understand our roles as sexual beings both in history and in politics, as well as an exploration of our own attitudes towards differing sexualities.
46.329 Politics of College SportsCredits: 3
Current controversies over the role of college sports within in academic environment with particular attention to Title IX, the pivotal law that altered gender in college sports.
46.331 Animal Rights and Animal WelfareCredits: 3
The field of "animal studies" is a new academic field with many names, definitions, and areas of concentration. Interdisciplinary work in the field of animal studies engages with a wide range of academic disciplines spanning from the humanities through the social and 'hard' sciences. Some areas of inquiry focus on 'animals and literature' while others look at nonhuman animals through the lenses of feminist or queer theory. A range of other disciplines, from anthropology and history to biology and geography, are all emerging as critical components of the field.
We will also be engaging with material from a range of disciplines-which can be challenging at times, given the specialized jargon often found in various disciplinary texts-but our focus will be on the following question: how does the structure of the human-nonhuman animal relationship affect or determine the nature of public policy formation on issue domains with direct or indirect impacts on nonhuman animals, both nationally and internationally? In order to properly answer this question, we will draw heavily on philosophical and other texts that examine the lives and interests of nonhuman animals in their own right.
In a course of this nature, it is more often than not disingenuous to feign neutrality when it comes to animal-advocacy based research. This is especially true in a course about animals and public policy, where the decisions being debated and made are precisely those decisions about which animal welfare organizations and other interest group litigate and otherwise negotiate. Nonetheless, every effort will be made to understand as many perspectives as possible; this is not 'a course about animal rights', and the views in favor of using animals in food production or biomedical research will be presented, as will those opposed and some in between. You are expected to be respectful of any opinions presented, even-or especially-if they are very different from your own.
46.332 The Politics of FoodCredits: 3
The course will examine current debates in food politics over: regulatory politics and the appropriate reach of the state in food labeling, safety, and oversight; genetically modified food, organic and sustainable agriculture, the effects of economic globalization of the food supply chain and the future of the world food system.
46.334 Islam and PoliticsCredits: 3
The course will explain the nature of the relationship between Islam and Politics by examining the rise of the first modern Islamic movement, and by examining other Islamic movements that spread throughout the Muslim world.
46.335 Constitutional Law and PoliticsCredits: 3
Constitutional Development in America. An advanced study of constitutional doctrine as it has developed historically through the process of constitutional adjudication.
46.336 Privacy and PoliticsCredits: 3
Examines the historical development of the public/private dichotomy in present-day American politics and society. By studying landmark Supreme Court decisions, we explore the ways that claims to rights to privacy have affected women, gays and lesbians, racial minorities, children, and other historically disadvantaged groups. In addition, by focusing on the ways that technological developments have both inspired and undermined efforts to preserve personal privacy, we question whether individual claims to privacy can be met within the context of present-day political, economic, and social reality.
46.337 Civil Liberties Law & PoliticsCredits: 3
46.338 Political ParticipationCredits: 3
Political movements; voting and elections, parties and interest groups; civil disobedience in American politics. Consideration of causes, fluctuations and trends.
46.340 American Politics And LawCredits: 3
Perspectives on American Politics and Law. Advanced study involving extensive reading, writing and discussion seeking understanding of the major transformations impacting contemporary American Society, Politics, Law, Economics and Culture; consideration of different interpretations of these changes, and the ways in which they are manifested in shifting political attitudes and coalitions, and new problems and conflicts.
46.341 Equal RightsCredits: 3
Advanced study in law and politics involving extensive reading, writing and discussion of the complex interrelationship between social change and the development of constitutional doctrine focusing upon the area of Equal Rights.
46.342 Free Speech and the First AmendmentCredits: 3
Advanced study in law and politics involving extensive reading, writing and discussion of the complex and continuing controversies about the importance of free speech guarantee of the First Amendment and "the marketplace of ideas" in contemporary American society; the other important societal interests with which free speech comes into conflict; and the resultant limits upon speech that are frequently advocated or opposed.
Legislative Politics. An advanced study of representation, campaigns and elections, and the functioning of the American national congress within the American political system.
46.344 American PresidencyCredits: 3
An examination of the nature of the American presidency and its functioning within the American political system. Specific attention is given to the problems and evolution of the presidency since World War I.
46.349 Politics of Race and EthnicityCredits: 3
A study of the politics of race and ethnicity, focusing primarily on American society, and the racial and ethnic groups of the region.
46.350 Urban Politics and PolicyCredits: 3
A study of political power in, and the political structures of urban areas and the major issues and conflicts currently confronting them.
46.351 Irish PoliticsCredits: 3
For students of Politics, Ireland is perhaps one of the most fascinating examples of a territory that has undergone, and continues to undergo dramatic transformations in its governing structures, its passionate struggles for freedom, civil wars, colonial resistance and modern nationalism. This class will study the political history of Ireland before and during its time as a part of the United Kingdom, through the partition of the island into two states, and up to the modern politics of both the Republic of Ireland and the British state of Northern Ireland.
We will examine the results of the 1998 "Good Friday Agreement". Then we will dissect and evaluate modern Irish institutions of government, in the Republic and in the North.
Students will research the competing ideologies and present arguments supporting the parties and organizations that propound these ideologies, like Sinn Fein, the IRA, the Uster Unionist Party and Unionist paramilitaries in the North; the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in the South.
46.353 Public Policy and AdministrationCredits: 3
An examination of the little studied fourth branch of government. Bureaucratic power in the American political system is reconsidered.
46.355 Government Fiscal PolicyCredits: 3
46.357 Thoreau in Our TimeCredits: 3
Addresses American environmental values and politics; attitudes and behavior towards the environment. Special attention to current issues.
46.358 Global Environmental PolicyCredits: 3
46.359 British PoliticsCredits: 3
46.360 European PoliticsCredits: 3
An analytical examination of selected modern European political systems, emphasizing similarities and differences in political culture, behavior, institutions, and performance.
46.361 Southeast Asian PoliticsCredits: 3
A study of Southeast Asian countries, their anti-colonial struggles and their patterns of political development. Attention is also given to the recent struggle among the former Indochinese states and the broader international involvement in the region.
46.363 Politics of ChinaCredits: 3
A study of the recent development of governmental institutions, parties, and ideology in China. Emphasis is placed on the processes of nation-building in the post World War II period.
46.366 Russian PoliticsCredits: 3
Conflict and Change in the former Soviet Union. An examination of the relationship of politics to the functioning of post-Soviet societies. The influence of politics on economy, education, family life, religion, etc.
46.368 Middle Eastern PoliticsCredits: 3
Utilizes an appreciation of Middle Eastern attitudes and values in developing insight into the tensions within the Middle East and between the Middle East and the western world.
46.370 Latin American PoliticsCredits: 3
46.371 Caribbean PoliticsCredits: 3
A comparative study of the political, social, cultural and economic forces that have led to the current situations in the countries of the Caribbean area (Mexico, Central America and the islands).
46.374 Democracy and DevelopmentCredits: 3
Explores the theories and experiences of countries newly converting to democracy in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the former Eastern Bloc. Also examines the strategies and prospects for development among the same countries.
46.375 Politics of Pacific RimCredits: 3
An examination of the politics, policies and institutions of Japan, the "four tigers" and other countries of the Pacific rim area.
46.376 Democratic Movements in SouthEast AsiaCredits: 3
46.378 International Political EconomyCredits: 3
An examination of the politics of global economic relations stressing the role of international institutions, multinational corporations and other international actors on the policies of the nation-state.
46.380 American Foreign PolicyCredits: 3
A study of the processes of American foreign policy in the contemporary world.
46.384 International Politics of Human RightsCredits: 3
This course will address the history, content, structure, law, and politics of international human rights. Using interactive participatory class format students will learn analytical and critical thinking skills as well as written and oral communication skills.
This coure will address the history, functioning, structure and politics of international organizations in world politics. International Governmental Organizations as well as Non-Governmental Organizations on the global and regional level will be analyzed and discussed. In a participatory and interactive class format students will develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
46.389 Politics & TerrorismCredits: 3
46.395 International Law and PoliticsCredits: 3
This course will address the history, content, functioning and politics of International Law. It will deal with public law as it has developed throughout history and how it guides the politics of states and other actors in international relations.
46.397 Seminar: Labor Law & PoliticsCredits: 3
Consideration of a variety of political, legal and social issues involving labor relations, unions, employment, and dispute resolution, and their place in American society.
46.399 Judicial Review SeminarCredits: 3
An advanced examination of the contemporary controversy over judicial activism.
46.401 Research SeminarCredits: 3
Requires the writing of a substantial paper (or production of an equivalent project.) Typically, students should select a 300 level seminar course from among Departmental offerings that are of interest, all of which involve the writing of one or several papers, and select one paper or topic to expand upon. The student should then register in the Research Seminar section for the appropriate supervising instructor and expand the paper into a more substantial form.
Pre-Req: 46.201 Intro Political Analysis.
46.402 Women in IslamCredits: 3
46.404 Reading Seminar: Russian PoliticsCredits: 3
Extensive and advanced readings on post-Soviet systems.
The course will examine the ethnic, political, religious and social changes in the modern Middle East. The course will start with an introduction to the diverse identities all over the Middle East and then it will comparatively examine a number of those identities.
46.411 Dynamics Power and AuthorityCredits: 3
This course surveys theories of power, authority, participation, and politics. Building on these theories, students will examine changing social, political, and economic patterns of inequality based on class, race (and related divisions of ethnicity, religion, caste, nationality), and gender. Reviews various approaches to altering these dynamics (business strategy, public policy, community and social movements). Cuts across units of firm, community, region, and nation, along with corresponding governmental institutions, and links theoretical analysis with study of practical problem solving. Instructor-initiated cases drawn from a variety of national experiences. Students will learn techniques of power analysis and prepare a power analysis project.
46.418 American Courts and Judicial ProcessCredits: 3
This course will study the organization of and the processes employed by American Courts in an intensive participation format. Using simulations and mock trial problems, students will develop analytical, critical reasoning and public speaking skills.
Students take part in a simulation of the proceedings of a regional or international organization, e.g., U.N., O.A.S., O.A.U., or the Arab League. They study all aspects of the selected institution but concentrate on key economic, social and security issues discussed in the body's debates. The course aims to give the student a clearer understanding of the forces and constraints which shape the foreign policies of individual states.
We know that we are part of a global economy and that many of the things we buy and consume are produced in other countries. But what do we know of how they are made? Do we understand that there may be hidden costs in the price we pay for goods at the supermarket, in a department store? Understanding the nature of global trade is critical for us to be effective citizens in the world. Perhaps more important is that we understand how goods are produced and traded - what many think of as "fair" trade. The subject of Fair Trade isn't simply limited to the production and sale of coffee and chocolate. Fair Trade principles encompass environmental issues, human rights, and politics. Once aware of the ramifications of consumerism on all parts of the world, including the United States, people can make informed choices about the products they buy, the companies that employ them, and the political views they support. By the end of this course students should understand the major ideas and tools used to comprehend complex international and global trade relations. Students will understand the way in which goods are produced for global markets and the possible human and environmental costs such production entails.
46.444 Advanced Research MethodsCredits: 3
Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be examined with a focus on locating and utilizing available data to study social questions.
46.445 Politics of Repression and DissentCredits: 3
A focus on the dark side of politics - political repression, including politically motivated imprisonment, torture, murder, and disappearance- and the struggle of critics to bring about change through non-violent and violent demonstrations, general strikes and armed resistance.
The course examines the roots of political discord in the Arab East starting with colonialism and progressing to the contemporary state of dissension. Throughout the course the stress on the effect of this discord on comparative domestic politics and international relations in the region will be examined.
46.491 Directed StudyCredits: 1-3
Directed study offers the opportunity to engage in an independent study or research project under the supervision of a department member. Working closely with the instructor, students define and investigate a research problem in an area of special interest and present the results of their investigation through a combination of readings and papers and/or a significant research paper.
Advanced and intensive reading and other activity in connection with the study of selected international organizations.
46.495 Advanced Tutorial In PoliticsCredits: 3
A program of directed study in which the advanced student develops an evaluative and critical essay. The purpose is to sharpen and refine techniques for scholarly research and presentation. This course may not be offered in place of the required seminar course.
46.496 Practicum Experience RequirementCredits: 3
A program of study and research for political science majors only stressing involvement in and first-hand knowledge and observation of the political life and relationships of national, state and local institutions. The purpose is to acquaint the student in a directed way with political institutions and political behavior. Specific requirements vary depending upon the nature of the program undertaken by the student. The course will be graded S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).
Pre-Req: Political Science Majors only.
46.497 Practicum in the Law Requirement.Credits: 3
A program of study and research which includes involvement in and first-hand knowledge and observation of the legal system and legal practice. Open only to political science majors and, with certain restrictions, legal studies minors. The course will be graded S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).
Pre-Req: Political Science Majors only.