Take me to the Fall Time Schedule
Primarily for First and Second Year Students
101. Introduction to Political Theory.
(4). (SS).
Through a study of the classic texts in political theory such as Plato,
Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, and Tocqueville we will consider the
questions and answers that have been raised and proposed over the centuries
in the search for the best political regime. Consideration of the meaning
of familiar concepts such as justice, equality, liberty, community, and
democracy are part of this investigation. (Saxonhouse)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
111. Introduction to American Politics.
(4). (SS).
This is a broad survey of government and politics in the United States which
explores a wide range of topics including elections, interest groups, the
presidency, Congress, and the courts.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
140. Introduction to Comparative Politics.
(4). (SS).
This course examines how democracy evolves and functions in different settings
around the world. We start with the emergence of democracy in Western Europe,
examining the factors that give rise to it and help it survive. We then
examine the origins of fascism in Germany and Japan; and the rise of communism
in Russia and China, attempting to understand why these alternatives to
democracy flourished in those settings - and why they later collapsed. This
leads to an analysis of the current struggle between reformers and hardliners
over the move to market economies and liberal democracy in Russia, China,
and Eastern Europe, and an assessment of the prospects for democracy in
Mexico and Nigeria. Finally, we examine the probable evolution of democracy
in advanced industrial societies. In addition to two lectures, there are
two meetings a week in relatively small discussion sections, designed to
encourage active discussion of these topics. Cost:3 (Inglehart)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
160. Introduction to World Politics.
(4). (SS).
The primary purpose of this beginning course is to expose the student to
the core questions that should be asked at any beginning of the study of
international politics. Who are the major actors in international affairs?
What kind of order exists in relations among nations? What mechanisms exist
for change? What regularities exist in the behavior of actors toward one
another that give shape and direction to the system? We shall try to get
at some of the questions raised by using three of the major approaches students
in the field utilize to select the behaviors they wish to study. One approach
is to study the process of decision-making in foreign policy. Another approach
is to study the effects that differences in national growth have on the
politics among nations. A third way is to study the way the international
system constrains the actions of individuals and groups. The major elements
of the course are contained in four sets of lectures. (1) The decision-making
approach; (2) effects of national growth on international politics; (3)
problems and consequences of different types of international systems; (4)
global trends in contemporary world politics including such topics as imperialism,
neocolonialism, international economics and interdependence, developed-developing
world relations, international organizations, and the limits to growth.
There will be one, possibly two, exams during the term, plus a final. Other
requirements may include a 12-15 page essay and such additional assignments
as may be made by individual section leaders. Cost:3 WL:1 and 4 (Lemke)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability