Course
Handbook
Spring 2011
Faculty Roster
Programs and Services
Courses
Visit our web page at: www.polisci.uconn.edu
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare
for it today.”
— Malcolm X
FACULTY AND AREAS OF INTEREST: SPRING 2011
MARK A. BOYER, Department Head and Professor, Ph.D., University of Maryland, International
Relations, Negotiation and Bargaining Conflict and Cooperation, and Political Economy
OKSAN BAYULGEN, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Texas, Comparative Politics
KIMBERLY BERGENDAHL, Assistant Professor in Residence, Ph.D., University of Connecticut,
Public Law
SAM BEST, Associate Professor, Ph.D., State University of New York at Stony Brook, Survey Research,
Public Opinion, Mass Media and Political Behavior
J. GARRY CLIFFORD, Professor, Ph.D. Indiana University, American Diplomacy
ALISE COEN, Assistant Professor in Residence, Ph.D., University of Delaware, International Relations
RICHARD COLE, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Public Administration and
Public Law American Government
JEFF DUDAS, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Washington, Public Law
STEPHEN DYSON, Assistant Professor, Ph. D., Washington State University, International Relations
JEFF GYRNAVISKI, Assistant Professor in Residence, Ph.D., Duke University, Methodology
SHAREEN HERTEL, Associate Professor, Ph.D., Columbia University, Comparative Politic, Human
Rights and Social Movements
VIRGINIA A. HETTINGER, Associate Professor, Ph.D., Emory University, Judicial Politics and
Policy Analysis
RICHARD P. HISKES, Professor, Ph.D., Indiana University, Political Theory
KRISTIN KELLY, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Law & Society and Women &
Politics
PETER KINGSTONE, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, Latin American
Politics and Comparative Government
JEFFREY LADEWIG, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Texas, American Politics
JEFFREY A. LEFEBVRE, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, International
Relations and Comparative Politics - Middle East
CAROL W. LEWIS, Professor, Ph.D., Princeton University, Public Budgeting, Political Ethics, and
Public Administration
MICHAEL MORRELL, Associate Professor, Ph.D., Arizona State University, Political Theory and
Political Behavior
VINCENT MOSCARDELLI, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Emory University, American Institutions
SHAYLA NUNNALLY, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Duke University, African and African American
Studies
JEREMY PRESSMAN, Associate Professor, Ph.D., M.I.T., International Relations
HOWARD L. REITER, Professor, Ph.D., Harvard University, American Govt. and Politics
DAVID RICHARDS, Associate Professor, Ph.D., SUNY Binghamton, International Relations and
Human Rights
RONALD SCHURIN, Associate Professor in Residence, Ph.D., City University of New York, American
Government and Politics, Public Policy
LYLE A. SCRUGGS, Associate Professor, Ph.D., Duke University, Comparative Politics and Political
Economy
MATTHEW M. SINGER, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Duke University, Comparative Politics and Latin
American Politics
EVELYN SIMIEN, Associate Professor, Ph.D., Purdue University, American Politics, Political Theory
and Quantitative Methodology
JENNIFER STERLING-FOLKER, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Chicago, International
Relations
NARCISSE TIKY, Assistant Professor in Residence, Ph.D., University of Texas Dallas, Comparative
HEATHER TURCOTTE, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz, International Relations, African
Studies and Transnational Feminisms
CHARLES ROBERT VENATOR, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., UMass Amherst, Puerto Rican &
Latino(a) Politics and Public Law
BRIAN WADDELL, Associate Professor, Ph.D., City University of NY, American Politics and Public
Law
DAVID A. YALOF, Associate Professor, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, Public Law
YU ZHENG, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., UC San Diego, International Relations and International
Political Economy
CYRUS E. ZIRAKZADEH, Professor, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, Political Theory and
Comparative Politics
DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS (MAJOR)
Major Courses: A minimum of 24 credits in Political Science numbered 2000 or above (none on pass-fail
basis). Inter-departmental courses may not be included in the 24 credits. No more than 6 credits of
independent study and/or fieldwork can be counted towards the 24 credits.
A. Students majoring in Political Science must take introductory 1000-level courses in three of the
following four subdivisions: Theory and Methodology (1002), Comparative Politics (1202 or
1207), International Relations (1402) and American Politics (1602). It is recommended that these
courses should be taken during the student’s first two years of study.
B. All majors in political science must pass at least one course in four of the following six
subdivisions (total of 12 credits). A “W” or “Q” course may be substituted for the same numbered
course. Cross-listed courses may count only once toward this distribution requirement:
I. Theory and Methodology: 2072QC, 3002, 3012, 3022, 3032, 3042, 3052
II. Comparative Politics: 2222, 3202, 3206, 3208, 3212, 3216, 3225, 3228, 3232, 3235, 3237,
3245, 3252, 3255
III. International Relations: 3402, 3406, 3410, 3414, 3418, 3422, 3432, 3437, 3438, 3442, 3447,
3452, 2457, 3462, 3464, 3472
IV. American Politics: 2607, 2622, 3602, 3604, 3612, 3617, 3627, 3632, 3642, 3647, 3652,
3662, 3850
V. Public Policy and Law: 3802, 3807, 3812, 3817, 3822, 3827, 3832, 3842, 3847, 3852, 3857
VI. Race, Gender, and Ethnic Politics: 3052, 3210, 3216, 3218, 3252, 3418, 3464, 3632, 3642,
3647, 3652, 3662, 3807
Political Science 2998 and 3995 may be counted toward this distribution only with consent of the adviser.
POLS 3426, 3991, 3993, 3999, 4994, and 4997 may not be counted toward Group B distribution
requirement.
A minor in Political Science is described in the “Minors” section.
RELATED COURSES
At least 12 credits in courses related to Political Science courses taken from one or more other departments.
These courses must be numbered 2000 or above and cannot be taken on a pass-fail basis. All 2000-level
courses in Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Philosophy, and Sociology will meet this
requirement. Certain Inter-departmental courses and courses in other majors, such as English, Journalism,
Linguistics, Psychology and Communications Science, may be approved as related courses at the discretion
of your advisor.
MINOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Students must complete an introductory 1000-level course selected from among POLS 1002, 1202, 1207,
1402, or 1602. At least one additional 1000-level course is recommended. Students must complete at
least 15 credits of course work at the 2000’s level (or higher, with consent of instructor and minor
advisor). POLS 3991 and 3999 may not be counted toward the minor. POLS 2998 and 3995 may be
counted toward the minor only with consent of the advisor. A “W” or “Q” course may be substituted for
the same numbered course.
Students must complete at least 15 credits of POLS work at the 2000-level (or higher, with the consent of
instructor and minor advisor). Of these 15 credits, 9 credits (3 courses) must be taken from 3 of the 6
disciplinary subdivisions as they appear in the Distribution B requirement of the Political Science major.
Completion of a minor requires that a student earn a C (2.0) grade or better in each of the required courses
for that minor.
Cross-listed courses may count only once toward the distribution requirement.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
The Department of Political Science has two levels of advising.
1) The Undergraduate Advising Office, located in Monteith, room 132 is run by Justine Hill. This
office handles: freshmen and sophomore advising, POLS Minor advising, Study Abroad/Transfer
credit evaluations, the enrolling of new Political Science majors and minors, the assignment of
faculty advisers, schedule revision request cards, etc. To schedule and appointment with Justine
please log into Advapp (our online appt. system) http://advapp.uconn.edu/
2) Faculty Advising, all juniors and seniors are advised by their assigned faculty advisor. Many of our
faculty also uses Advapp for scheduling of appointments so please go on and check. Also our
faculty has office hours which are posted on our website as well as in the POLS Main Office,
Monteith 137.
SENIORS NOTE: A final plan of study, signed by the student and major adviser must be filed at the
Registrar's Office, Wilbur Cross Building (Degree Auditing) no later than the fourth week of the semester in
which the student expects to graduate.
POLITICAL SCIENCE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Students are understandably interested in how a political science education can prepare them for future
careers. In addition to the courses offered by the department, students are encouraged to think seriously
about taking advantage of internship and study abroad programs offered by the University. Options 1-3
below are managed by the department internship coordinator and the enrollment policies below apply.
Option 4 is a joint offering of political science and the honors program and has different enrollment rules.
Please consult that program description for enrollment policies.
Eligibility for Options 1-3:
 Students must have junior or senior standing (minimum 54 credit hours)
 At least a 2.8 overall GPA
 Internships must be approved in advance by the Internship Coordinator
 Work done on-site must be substantive and related to the study of Political Science
 No retroactive credit will be given for internship work undertaken without being properly
enrolled in advance
Enrollment for Options 1-3:
 Students enroll must contact the Internship Coordinator to obtain consent to enroll.
 Enrollment for some internships will require that students submit forms to the Registrar’s office
or, for The Washington Center internships and summer internships to the Center for Continuing
Studies.
 Students and their supervisors must submit a signed contract by the date designated by the
internship coordinator.
1. Government-Related Internships (3 credits)
Students can work for a variety of state or federal agencies, interest groups, law firms, or the local
offices of U.S. senators and representatives. Students are responsible for arranging their own
internships. Recent requests for interns from several organizations are available from the
Internship Coordinator. Students are required to work a minimum of 126 hours during a semester
to qualify for internship credits. No more than three credits of POLS 3991 will be awarded for an
internship. Students may complete more than one internship, but the placement must be different
for the subsequent internships.
Grading: 3 credit hours of POLS 3991 on an S/U basis. Students must fulfill three requirements
to earn a satisfactory grade for POLS 3991: fulfill the number of hours required; receive a
satisfactory evaluation from the internship site supervisor; and submit any work portfolios or
journal entries as required by the Internship Coordinator. Failure to fulfill any requirement will
result in a grade of U (unsatisfactory).
2. Connecticut General Assembly Internships (variable credits)
Each spring semester, UConn students serve as interns at the state legislature during the entire
session. Applications are available from the Internship Coordinator in early October. Completed
applications must be submitted by November 1 and interviews are held in November or
December. Acceptance notices are sent in December. Students applying for this internship should
register for spring classes, as if not applying to serve as interns. This ensures enrollment in other
classes, if they are not accepted. Applicants accepted drop the other classes for which they preregistered.
Grading: POLS 3991 (Supervised Field Work) and POLS 3999 (Independent Study). POLS 3991
is graded on an S/U basis. Students must fulfill two requirements to earn a satisfactory grade for
POLS 3991: fulfill the number of hours required and receive a satisfactory evaluation from the
internship site supervisor. Failure to fulfill both requirements will result in a grade of U
(unsatisfactory). POLS 3999 is graded (A-F). The letter grade is based on the internship
coordinator’s review of documents submitted during the internship. General Assembly interns
must enroll in POLS 3991 and POLS 3999 at the same time. Dropping or failing to register for
POLS 3991 will result in a grade of F for POLS 3999, and dropping or failing to register for
POLS 3999 will result in a grade of U for POLS 3991. Failure in one of the courses results in
failure in the other course as well.
3. Washington Center Internship in Washington, D.C. (variable credits)
Students also have the opportunity of working in the nation’s capital in federal agencies and
departments, congressional offices, or government-related organizations. The University of
Connecticut participates in the Washington Center program in which interns work full-time and
also take a class. Information booklets and applications are available from the Internship
Coordinator or online at www.TWC.edu
Grading: POLS 3991 (Supervised Field Work) and POLS 3999 (Independent Study). POLS 3991
is graded on an S/U basis. Students must fulfill two requirements to earn a satisfactory grade for
POLS 3991: fulfill the number of hours required and receive a satisfactory evaluation from the
internship site supervisor. Failure to fulfill both requirements will result in a grade of U
(unsatisfactory). POLS 3999 is graded (A-F). The letter grade is based on the internship
coordinator’s review of the intern’s Washington Center portfolio and grades. Washington Center
interns must enroll in POLS 3991 and POLS 3999 at the same time. Dropping or failing to
register for POLS 3991 will result in a grade of F for POLS 3999, and dropping or failing to
register for POLS 3999 will result in a grade of U for POLS 3991. Failure in one of the courses
results in failure in the other course as well.
4. UConn Honors Congressional Internship Program
Students admitted to the program have the opportunity for one semester to become a full-time
Washington DC staff member for one of Connecticut's members of Congress or for the
Governors’ DC Office. As a staff member, you will participate in the daily functions of the office,
such as constituent service. Motivated interns usually earn additional responsibilities, such as
attending committee hearings, writing policy memos, and researching legislation. This potentially
career-defining opportunity is eligible to all UConn students in their Junior or Senior year and
with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Selection is on a competitive basis. More information and
applications are available through www.studyabroad.uconn.edu . The faculty contact is Professor
Jeffrey Ladewig in the Department of Political Science.
5. Summer internships
You can be an intern in the summer, from May to August! Internship credits can be earned
through Option 1 or through The Washington Center (Option 3).
Credit Information
To receive credit for an internship, students must enroll in the appropriate course(s) prior to undertaking
the work. No retroactive credit will be given for internship work undertaken without being properly
enrolled in advance. The Department of Political Science does not forbid monetary payment for
internship work, provided that such payment is incidental to the experiential learning to be gained from
the work. The Department of Political Science strictly adheres to the CLAS policy on internships; more
information on CLAS guidelines can be found at: http://www.clasccc.uconn.edu/approint.html
Students participating in The Washington Center and the General Assembly can earn up to 15 credits for
the internship and its related work. All other internships will earn 3 credit hours of POLS 3991 if the 126
hour minimum is met.
Satisfying the minimum hours requirement for a Political Science degree
MAJOR: No more than six credits of POLS 3991 or 3999 can be counted toward the 24 credits of 2000level or higher required for the Political Science major.
More information on major requirements is available at:
http://www.polisci.uconn.edu/undergraduate/major.html
MINOR: No internship credits fulfill any requirement for the Political Science minor.
More information on minor requirements is available at:
http://www.polisci.uconn.edu/undergraduate/minor.html
Additional credits may count towards the total required for graduation. If you have any questions, please
see your major advisor.
What are POLS 3991 and 3999?
The UCONN Undergraduate Catalog specifies:
3991 Supervised Field Work. Either or both semesters. Credits up to 12. Hours by arrangement. Open
only with consent of the department head.
3999 Independent Study for Undergraduates. Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement.
This course may be repeated for credit with a change in subject matter. Open only with consent of
instructor and department head.
Questions?
Contact the Internship Coordinator Malia Bajpai malia.bajpai@uconn.edu.
HONORS PROGRAM
“Admission to the Honors Program:
Rising Sophomores apply through the University Honors Program. Application forms are available from
the Honors Program and should be submitted to the Honors Office.
Rising Juniors must meet the University’s requirements for honors admission and additional
requirements approved by the Department of Political Science.
University Requirements:
3.2 total GPA
Faculty Evaluation Form and Letter
Resume
Statement of Interest
Transcript
Major Consent Form
Political Science Requirements:
3.5 GPA in Political Science or closely related courses (based on a minimum of 4 courses)
Two-page statement of scholarly interest
Following specific instructions for Faculty Evaluation Form and Letter
Students interested in applying to the honors program must arrange an appointment with
Professor Jeremy Pressman( jeremy.pressman@uconn.edu )before preparing any application
materials or requesting any recommendations.
Students must obtain essay instructions from Professor Pressman and submit all documents to Professor
Pressman in order to obtain major consent.
Admission is limited by space availability.”
INDEPENDENT STUDY
The purpose of independent study (Political Science 3999, sections 02-35) is to enable students to study
subjects that are not offered in other courses. Students, who have at least a 2.0 in Political Science and wish
to work closely with a faculty member, should first contact the appropriate faculty member. The format
could include the writing of a research paper or an individual tutorial. The consent of the department head is
also required on an independent study authorization form, obtained in the Political Science Office, Monteith
137.
PI SIGMA ALPHA
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honorary society for political science majors based in Washington, DC.
Membership signifies academic achievement within the field. All members receive a certificate of
membership as well as permanent enrollment in the society's membership rolls maintained by the
National Office. The purpose of Pi Sigma Alpha is to stimulate scholarship and interest in the subject of
government by providing tangible recognition to students who have excelled in the field.
At the beginning of each academic year, the department's faculty advisor issues an open invitation for
qualified majors to join UConn's chapter. Membership dues cover the certificate, an informal luncheon
with the political science faculty (hosted by the chapter) during the Fall semester, and an induction dinner
during the Spring semester. Other activities depend on the enthusiasm and interest of the chapter's
members.
Membership is open to all students who meet the following requirements:
· A declared political science major
· A grade point average of 3.300 or higher in the major
· The completion of at least 3 2000-level (or higher) political science courses (not internships)
If you meet these requirements and want to join:
· Submit an application form*
· A check for $60.00 made out to "Pi Sigma Alpha” (Personal Check or Money Order Only)
Deadlines: Fall Semester – October 1st
Spring Semester – February 1st
*Application forms are available outside the Poli Sci Department Office (Monteith 137) or on our website. Please
DO NOT make checks out to the faculty advisor or the department; checks must be made out to the organization
itself ("Pi Sigma Alpha").
Pi Sigma Alpha faculty advisor is Prof. Matthew Singer; matthew.m.singer@uconn.edu
PRE-LAW PROGRAM
Questions regarding the Pre-Law program should be directed to Rebecca Flanagan in the CUE Building
(486-1756) or http://www.prelaw.uconn.edu/
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
The Study Abroad Programs Office, part of the International Affairs Division, is located in Center for
Undergraduate Education (CUE) building Room 303. Political Science students who are aiming for a
career in the Foreign Service, international business, international organizations, or in the countless other
occupations where foreign training would be helpful are particularly encouraged to consider one or another
of the many foreign study opportunities offered by the University of Connecticut. Even students who are
committed to a domestic career are enriched by a study abroad experience. In addition, the initiative that is
generally required to undertake a study abroad program--especially when learning a foreign language is
involved--is invariably viewed positively by prospective employers and graduate and professional schools.
Please remember that your adviser must approve all study abroad plans. More information and applications
are available through www.studyabroad.uconn.edu.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ASSOCIATION
This association is open to all students in the University, but it is of special interest to political science
majors. It seeks to provide opportunities to increase their knowledge and understanding of international
events. The Association organizes a variety of special activities, such as lectures, debates, and discussions,
as well as International Week and an annual forum on International Careers. Members also participate in
regional and national student conferences in international affairs and Model United Nations at Harvard and
in New York. For more information, see Stephen Dyson, Monteith Room 202.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Political Science students are urged to consider the possibilities offered by the University's Cooperative
Education Program. Under this program students will take six months off to work during their junior or
senior year, thereby normally extending their graduation date by one semester. Job placements are found
for students in a career area, which they may hope to follow after graduation. Students can learn more about
this program in the Cooperative Education Office. Once you have done this students are urged to speak
with their departmental adviser about how this might fit into their overall program. Majors may earn up to 6
credits (independent study) for a research paper in conjunction with their cooperative placement.
ROPER CENTER
The Roper Center, located on the 3rd floor of the Homer Babbidge Library (HBL), brings together in
computer readable form an on-campus collection of social, economic and political data for instructional
and research use in the social sciences. As a full time center, the staff is available for assistance in all
phases of instructional and research activities requiring computer-related resources.
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AWARDS AND PRIZES
A departmental committee selects award recipients. Further information may be obtained by contacting
the Political Science Office, Monteith Building, Room 137, 486-2440.
Undergraduate Awards
I. Ridgway Davis Pre-Law Scholarship: Given annually to an undergraduate with an outstanding
academic record who has been accepted for entry to law school.
Fund for Legal Studies Fellowship: Given annually to two undergraduate students, with preference
to seniors, in recognition of scholarly achievement and who intend to pursue degrees in political science,
with priority given to students who plan to enter law school after graduation.
Mark S. Rudy Scholarship: Given annually to a full-time CLAS undergraduate student who intends
to study law and have a serious interest in a career which includes providing legal services to the
disadvantaged.
Augusta H. Gerberich Scholarship: Given annually to a junior or senior majoring in political
science whose special field of interest is international relations. Preference is given to female students.
The award is based on high levels of scholastic aptitude and scholastic success, financial need, and
promise of leadership.
Fannie Dixon Welch Scholarship: Given annually to a junior or senior female political science major
with a special interest in international relations and public policy who is a Democrat, registered in
Connecticut.
Senior Writing Prize: Given annually to the students who write the finest honors or distinction thesis.
Alvin Dozeman Award: Given annually to the undergraduate junior or senior who prepares the best
paper on his or her internship experience.
John G. Hill, Jr. and John G. Hill, III/Political Science Excellence: Given to upper division
students, usually seniors, who have achieved outstanding academic records or who otherwise merit
special recognition and who will not be receiving another award.
Audrey P. Beck Scholarship: Given to a junior or senior majoring either in political science or
economics on the basis scholastic achievement and evidence of intent to pursue a career in public policy
broadly defined. Award decision made jointly by Economics and Political Science Department on an
intermittent basis.
Jaime B. Cheshire ’99 Endowed Internship Award:
To provide financial support for
undergraduate enrolled in the University’s Department of Political Science within the College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences.
Irving Smirnoff Award: Given annually to undergraduate juniors and/or seniors to provide
financial support.
Reiter Senior Award for Graduate Study in Political Science: Given annually to the
undergraduate senior who plans to study Political Science at the graduate level.
Graduate Student Awards
Norman Kogan Fellowship: Given annually to a graduate student in political science who specializes
in the study of Western European politics.
Fund for Legal Studies Fellowship: Given annually to a graduate student in Political Science who
specializes in public law.
Governor Abraham Ribicoff Fellowship: Given annually to a graduate student in political science
who specializes in the study of American politics. Preference is given to residents of Connecticut.
George F. Cole Dissertation Fellowship:
Awarded to a graduate student in political science
conducting dissertation research in public law. Preference given to a student studying the administration
of criminal justice.
Michael Dunphy Award: Given annually to a graduate student with a strong interest in American
government, society, history, or culture. The Political Science Department shares this award with History
and Sociology.
Everett Ladd Fellowship in American Politics: Given annually to a graduate student with the
highest scholastic standing who intends to pursue American Politics as a Ph.D. field.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
1002
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
ROBERT VENATOR
MWF 9:00-9:50
Scope: Provides an introduction to the study of the history of political thought through a discussion of
political ideas and ideologies articulated by political thinkers and other critics. The course will explore
questions of justice, democracy, the state and violence.
Readings: The course will use several books and course readings available in HuskyCT.
Requirements: Weekly journals, a mid-term, a paper, and a final exam.
1002
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
ROBERT VENATOR
HONORS SECTION
MWF 10:00-10:50
Scope: Provides an introduction to the study of the history of political thought through a discussion of
political ideas and ideologies articulated by political thinkers and other critics. The course will explore
questions of justice, democracy, the state and violence.
Readings: The course will use several books and course readings available in HuskyCT.
Requirements: Weekly journals, in-class presentations, a mid-term, and a final exam.
1007
INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS
GLEN MITOMA
TuTh 2:00-3:15
Scope: Human Rights is a powerful idea in our time, but it is also the focus of numerous controversies: it
is not only an ideal but also a political tool, which different forces try to bend to their own ends. This
course will open with a focus on the structural elements of human rights – basic human rights concepts
and institutions. We will then turn to a number of contemporary debates in the field. Throughout the
course, we will address the challenge of contemporary human rights advocacy. By the end of the
semester, students will have developed a thorough understanding of the institutions and processes related
to human rights; familiarity with key intellectual debates; and their own views on the political and social
implications of differing policy and advocacy strategies.
1202
INTRODUCTION TO COMPARTIVE POLITICS
ALISE COEN
TuTh 9:30-10:45
Scope: Why have some countries transitioned to democracy while others have not? What patterns can
we observe in the nature and impact of political protest and social movements across countries? How do
individuals and groups in different societies engage in the construction of their national identities? These
and other topics will be explored as we survey contemporary politics and political trends in selected
countries and regions across the world. In addition to gaining a comparative perspective on world
politics, students will also gain an understanding of the concepts, methods, and theoretical frameworks
crucial to the study of Comparative Politics.
1202
INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS
PETER KINGSTONE
TuTh 12:30-1:45
Scope: This course will introduce students to issues in comparative politics through a systematic evaluation
of the challenge of establishing and maintaining democracy. In particular, the course will examine how
differences in political representation, political design, and historical experience produce widely differing
patterns of policy making.
Readings: The course will use 3 texts and a collection of articles.
Requirements: 4 mid-terms and several reading quizzes.
1207
INTRODUCTION TO NON-WESTERN POLITICS
OKSAN BAYULGEN
MWF 10:00-10:50
Scope: This course is an introduction to the politics of developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin
America and the Middle East. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the characteristics
and costs of underdevelopment, external and internal obstacles to development, as well as the major
themes and issues that concern people living in these countries. Although the emphasis will be on
arguments, debates, and analytical constructs, students will from time to time be exposed to specific case
material from developing countries as it relates to discussions.
Readings: Two textbooks
Requirements: One midterm, 1 short paper
Format: Lecture, discussions, films
1402
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
STEPHEN DYSON
(*main lecture time –discussion sections listed in people soft)
MW 11:00-11:50
Scope: International politics, a sub-field of political science, is concerned with accumulating knowledge
and generating explanations about what happens when states, international organizations, and non-state
actors such as terrorist groups interact on the world stage. Consider these questions:
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Why do states go to war?
When do diplomatic solutions win out?
Under what conditions can an organization such as the United Nations be effective?
What motivates terrorists?
How do international money markets constrain and compel national economies?
We will seek answers to these and other questions in this course through a mixture of exploring theories,
acquiring substantive knowledge, and gaining direct experience of international issues through
simulations. The course is divided into two sections. Part one reviews approaches to studying traditional
international relations issues, in particular how a state decides upon a foreign policy and how that foreign
policy becomes an international outcome. Part two explores the new agenda of international politics. The
increasing interconnectedness of the world and the apparent breakdown of aspects of state sovereignty has
not only provided new explanations for why things happen in international politics, but has also brought a
raft of new issues and actors, such as terrorist groups, onto the international stage. Throughout, the goal of
the class is to provide a comprehensive survey of the major issues in and approaches toward international
politics.
1602
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS
RODRIGO PRAINO
MWF 8:00-8:50
Scope: This course is an introduction to American politics both for intended political science majors who
will go on to more advanced, specialized courses and other students who want a general, basic
understanding of the subject. It is designed to cover a broad range of material in such a manner that students
can understand the wide variety of questions that have interested American political scientists and the many
styles of analysis they have employed in dealing with them. Throughout the course an effort is made not
only to convey systematic factual information, but to encourage understanding of concepts and evaluative
perspectives that various observers of our politics have developed.
1602
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS
DAVID YALOF
(*main lecture time –discussion sections listed in people soft)
MW 10:00-10:50
Scope: This course is an introduction to American politics both for intended political science majors who
will go on to more advanced, specialized courses and other students who want a general, basic
understanding of the subject. It is designed to cover a broad range of material in such a manner that students
can understand the wide variety of questions that have interested American political scientists and the many
styles of analysis they have employed in dealing with them. Throughout the course an effort is made not
only to convey systematic factual information, but to encourage understanding of concepts and evaluative
perspectives that various observers of our politics have developed. Along with lectures held twice a week,
individual sections will meet once a week. Work and discussion in sections—intended to supplement
lectures, as well as assigned readings, will determine a significant portion of the final grade.
1602
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS
RONALD SCHURIN
HONORS SECTION
TuTh 8:00-9:15
Scope: This course is an introduction to American politics, designed both for students who intend to
major in political science and who plan to go on to more advanced, specialized courses, and for other
students who want a general understanding of the subject. The class consists of three closely related
elements:
1. An examination of the American political system’s formal structure, including a review of the
Constitution and its amendments, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal
government, evolution of civil rights and civil liberties, and the role of state and local government
in the federal system.
2. An overview of key elements of what is conventionally called “politics”--political parties,
campaigns, and elections;
3. An examination of some of the forces and interests that have a major impact on government,
including bureaucracy, the media, public opinion and lobbies.
2072Q QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
JEFF GRYNAVISKI
TuTh 9:30-10:45
Scope: An introduction to quantitative research methods widely used in conducting thoughtful research in
social sciences in general and political science in particular. Specific topics that will be covered include
data description, probability theory, inferential statistics, and non parametric statistics. Upon the
conclusion of this class, the student should be able to understand how different types of statistics can or
cannot be used to analyze political phenomena, including public policy affairs. Students must have taken
MATH 101 or a passing grade on the Q readiness Test.
2072Q QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
JEFF GRYNAVISKI
Tu 2:00-4:30
Scope: An introduction to quantitative research methods widely used in conducting thoughtful research in
social sciences in general and political science in particular. Specific topics that will be covered include
data description, probability theory, inferential statistics, and non parametric statistics. Upon the
conclusion of this class, the student should be able to understand how different types of statistics can or
cannot be used to analyze political phenomena, including public policy affairs. Students must have taken
MATH 101 or a passing grade on the Q readiness Test.
2607
AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES
RONALD SCHURIN
TuTh 11:00-12:15
Scope: An analysis of the aims, organization, and growth of political parties in the United States.
2998
GENDER AND GLOBAL POLITICS
HEATHER TURCOTTE
MWF 12:00-12:50
Scope: This course engages with the theories and methods of critical feminist, queer, ethnic, and area
studies’ approaches to global politics. The course focuses on the politics of knowledge production in
international relations, and the ways in which the nation-state system is built through the regulation of
bodies. Particular attention is paid to colonial and imperial histories of state violence that configure ideas
of race, sexuality, gender, and geopolitics through structures of inequality, as well as the ways in which
various communities build solidarity and shift the terrains of global justice. Topics of analysis include
gender violence, political economy, citizenship, labor migrations, international development,
militarization and security, human rights, and the multiplicity of justice.
2998
POLITICAL VIOLENCE
DAVID RICHARDS
MWF 1:00-1:50
Scope: An analysis of the forms and causes of political violence. Topics include the psychology of violent
behavior, revolutions, genocide, state violations of human rights, and terrorism.
2998
DEMOCRATIZATION & DEVELOPMENT
NARCISSE TIKY
MWF 3:30-3:50
Scope: This course focuses on the processes of democratization in historical and comparative perspectives
and on the interactions between democratization and development. The course introduces students to the
processes of democratization as it discusses issues related to democratic transition and consolidation.
Lectures and readings will cover all regions of the world, but the course’s focus will be thematic, rather
than regional. We begin with a survey of definitions of democracy and democratization; we then move
on to discuss the major theories of democratization, and finally we highlight the relationship between
democratization and topic such as the state, civil society, and globalization. The second half of the course
explores the concept of development and discusses its relationship with democratization. Challenges to
both democratization and development will be investigated.
2998
POLLING IN AMERICA
SAM BEST
TuTh 3:30-4:45
Scope: Public opinion is the currency of a representative democracy. It is the expression of what people
expect, desire, and think of their government. And it is what politicians follow, influence, and are held
accountable to. Throughout the course, we will consider the structure and dynamics of public opinion,
analyzing both what influences it, as well as how it shapes other aspects of politics and public life.
2998
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS
MARK BOYER
HONORS SECTION
TuTh 11:00-12:15
Scope: This course seeks to provide students with the means to critically analyze environmental concerns
globally. As a result, the course is inherently interdisciplinary, as students will need to understand
concepts from economics and the biophysical sciences to grapple with the environmental problems facing
the global community today. The course is also squarely focused on the environment as a global
problem, as most environmental problems present transboundary policy challenges for which current
political structures are ill-equipped to handle. Thus, environmental solutions demand policy options that
are difficult to formulate in contemporary national and global politics.
Requirements: Several reflective essays; group research project.
2998
THE POLITICS OF PRIVACY
KRISTIN KELLY
HONORS SECTION
Tu 1:30-4:00
Scope: This seminar will provide students with a thematic overview of the topic of privacy from a wide
variety of disciplinary perspectives. The thematic focus of the course (Privacy in the Information Age)
will provide student’s with the opportunity to engage in a on-going discussion with one another about the
impact of technology and scientific advances on how privacy how is conceptualized, valued, enacted, and
protected.
Readings: 4 paperbacks, ECR and Online articles.
Requirements: Moderately heavy reading necessary for participation in graded seminar discussion,
weekly writing assignments, two short papers, final exam
Format: Seminar discussion
2998W RACE, AMERICAN POLITICS, AND PUBLIC POLICY
SHAYLA NUNNALLY
MWF 2:00-2:50
Scope: This course examines multi-racial politics among American Indian, Asian American, black,
Latino, and white racial groups, with emphasis on the development of writing and research skills. Special
attention is paid to the historical development of race and the contemporary politics of race for public
policies relating to poverty, education, immigration, the environment, health, and reparations.
2998W
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
JEREMY PRESSMAN
MWF 9:00-9:50
Scope: This course will focus on security issues such as terrorism, alliances, nuclear proliferation, and
war. There will be reading, papers, and other assignments including simulations. Participation will be a
significant part of the course grade.
2998W AMERICAN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
VICNENT MOSCARDELLI
TuTh 9:30-10:45
Scope: Using both contemporary and historical case studies of political leaders in the United States, the
course gives students the opportunity to develop their own answers to the age old question: Do great
leaders make history or does history make great leaders? The course focuses on the ways in which
American political institutions, American political culture, and American democratic principles define
opportunities and constraints for political leaders, both inside and outside of government.
Grading: midterm, final, three essays (ranging from approx. 5 to approx. 15 pages), occasional in-class
writing assignments, and class participation.
2998W WOMEN AND POLITICS
KRISTIN KELLY
TuTh 11:00-12:15
Scope: This course looks at the relationship between the political system and the sex/gender system in
the United States by investigating the roles that women play in the American political system as citizens,
subjects and leaders. Through a consideration of specific policy issues we will also consider the impact
of politics and government on women’s lives.
Readings: 3 paperbacks, ECR and online articles.
Requirements: Moderately heavy reading necessary for participation in class discussion, Midterm, Final,
one 12-15 page research paper on a topic developed by each student. 2 short assignments.
Format: Lecture with an emphasis on class discussion.
2998W CIVIL RIGHTS & LEGAL MOBILIZATION
VIRGINIA HETTINGER
MWF 1:00-1:50
Scope: The NAACP waged a long-term legal strategy that eventually led to Brown v. Board of Education
and its related cases. In this class we re-examine Brown v. Board of Education, with special attention to
the backlash that resulted. We then examine the litigation strategies that were used to combat
discrimination against women and homosexuals. In the process we will explore how the courts are well
suited or ill suited as instruments change when fighting for civil rights. We will examine how and when
social and political backlash follows court decisions such as these.
2998W MODERN POLITICAL THEORY
MICHAEL MORRELL
Tu 3:30-6:00
Scope: This course is a survey of the political theories of the modern period (17 th-19th Centuries),
primarily Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Edmund Burke, Mary Wollstonecraft,
Karl Marx, John Stuart Mill and Friedrich Nietzsche. We will also make connections between those
theories and contemporary politics. Readings for the course will be from primary material. The course
requirements include reading quizzes, several writing assignments, and two exams. The class will include
a mixture of background lectures and class discussion, so your participation in class is vital to the learning
experience. Although it is not required, you will be better prepared for the course if you have already
taken POLS 106: Introduction to Political Theory.
3002
CLASSICAL AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THEORY
ALEXANDER REGER
MWF 8:00-8:50
Scope: This course explores some key historical texts that have contributed to the establishment of the
intellectual foundations of Western Political Thought. The focus will be on selected narratives by Plato,
Aristotle, Cicero, and St. Augustine, among others. The course will examine the role of Greek, Roman,
and early Judeo-Christian political ideas and intuitions, and their relevance to the present.
Required Texts: Will be available through the UConn Coop.
Grading & Assignments: Class Participation, Quizzes, Group Project, Final Paper, Final Exam.
3042
THEORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS
RICHARD HISKES
MWF 11:00-11:50
Scope: At virtually every level of politics today, and even within most other forms of social interaction,
issues of so-called “human rights” are insistently being raised. From corporate abuses to domestic violence,
from “ethnic cleansing” to genetic engineering, from hunger to development, from nuclear war to
psychological torture, from institutionalized racism to popular justice, from language to law, from mutilation
to rape, from artificial insemination to assisted suicide, from sexual discrimination to the institutionalized
punishment of “deviance,” from international courts to local school boards, from free speech to acts of
terror, from outer space to the ecology of the earth, questions of human rights constitute much of
contemporary discourse. In this course, we will explore many of these issues from the perspective of the
legitimate place of rights in their articulation and their resolution. This course is a core course within the
new University minor in human rights. As such, enrollment is somewhat limited to political science majors
and human rights minors. Over enrollment in the course must be discussed with the instructor.
Readings and Requirements: The reading material for the course will come primarily from historical and
contemporary works in philosophy and political theory, and will be heavy in terms either of number of
pages, content, or both. Course meetings will be centered not on lecture but on mutual discussion of the
reading and on applications to current events. Specific requirements include weekly quizzes on the reading,
several short writing assignments, a semester project, and a final exam.
3208W POLITICS OF OIL
OKSAN BAYULGEN
MWF 2:00-2:50
Scope: This is a course on the complex relationship between oil and politics. It seeks to develop students’
research, thinking and writing skills about the role of oil in the international political system as well as in
domestic politics. Today, oil undeniably affects all aspects of our lives but who really controls oil
resources and what does that mean for national and international distribution of political power? How has
the contest over oil resources affected the relations among nations as well as the economic, political,
social and environmental development of oil-rich countries? What are the alternatives to oil and what
needs to be done to reduce dependency on it? This course will address these questions as well as analyze
and compare individual cases of how oil shapes the way we think about the world.
Readings: Several books and a course packet
Requirements: 1 midterm, research project
Format: lecture, discussion, films
3212
COMPARATIVE HUMAN RIGHTS
SHAREEN HERTEL
MWF 1:00-1:50
Scope: The subject of human rights is generally organized around several core theoretical concepts,
including but not limited to: 1) the divisions between what are called different “generations” or types of
rights; 2) the distinction among different aspects of state responsibility for rights; and 3) the spheres in
which rights are realized (i.e., public versus private sphere). This course explores and challenges these
core concepts by contrasting human rights experiences in different world regions and subject areas.
3214W
COMPARATIVE SOCIAL POLICY
LYLE SCRUGGS
MWF 9:00-9:50
Scope: This course is a survey of modern welfare state institutions in Western democracies. The course
will focus on three major areas of social policy: healthcare, pensions and unemployment insurance.
3235
LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS
PETER KINGSTONE
TuTh 11:00-12:15
Scope: This course examines the challenges facing Latin Americans as they try to construct durable,
meaningful democracies. The course will explore the developments in the region and examine how
poverty, inequality, poorly functioning political institutions, and inadequate legal systems all threaten
democracy. We will focus in particular on the historical experiences in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico,
Bolivia and Venezuela.
Readings: The course will use a collection of articles.
Requirements: A mid-term, a final, several reading quizzes, and an oral presentation.
3252
POLITICS IN AFRICA
NARCISSE TIKY
MWF 1:00-1:50
Scope: The course offers an overview of key social, political, and economic issues in the evolution of
African politics since the colonial era. The focus is on explanations for what many perceive to be a crisis
of the African states. We will put a special emphasis on domestic struggles for the control and/or
distribution of scarce resources and the influence of international politics on political and economic
developments in Sub-Saharan Africa. While Northern African countries will enter into some of the
concerns of this class, the bulk of the course material will consider the particular historical developments
and contemporary issues of the politics of the vast region to the south of the Sahara.
3406
GLOBALIZATION AND POLITICAL CHANGE
ALISE COEN
TuTh 12:30-1:45
Scope: The term “Globalization” has been employed to refer to such diverse trends as the spread of fast
food restaurants, the internationalization of environmental activism, and the acceleration of human
trafficking. How can one term encompass such different phenomena? In this upper level political science
course we will engage the various meanings of globalization and its cultural, political, economic, and
security implications. Topics to be covered include how new forms of media and technology have
impacted politics in different parts of the world, to what extent globalization is “Americanization,” and
the prospects for an emerging global culture or world government.
3406W GLOBALIZATION AND POLITICAL CHANGE
NARCISSE TIKY
MWF 11:00-11:50
Scope: This course is designed for upper level undergraduate students with a solid grounding in
comparative politics. It explores the impact of globalization on contentious politics. It also explores the
varied effects that transnational advocacy networks, campaigns and social movements have on national,
regional and international politics.
3418
INERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND LAW
JENNIFER STERLING-FOLKER
TuTh 9:30-10:45
Scope: This course explores the concept of organization at the international level. It focuses on the variety
of international entities that comprise global politics, the types of services rendered by international
organizations, and the role of international law in global and inter-state affairs. Students must have at least
54 credits to be considered for this class.
Readings: Several books.
Requirements: Exams, a variety of short writing assignment, in-class exercises. Active participation and
presentations as class size and time permits.
Format: Combination of lecture, discussion, and group activities (as time and class size permits).
3437
RECENT AMERICAN DIPLOMACY
J. GARRY CLIFORD
MWF 9:00-9:50
Scope: The focus is on the historical record of American diplomacy since Woodrow Wilson. Focus is on
the perennial questions of American Diplomacy--processes, role of public opinion, armed forces,
executive-legislative interaction, negotiating techniques, "great debates" over foreign policy.
Readings: Paterson, Clifford, American Foreign Relations: A History, vol. 2; Link, Wilson; Herring,
America's Longest War.
Requirements: Term paper is optional. Two midterms.
Format: Primarily a lecture course.
3464
ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT
ALISE COEN
TuTh 3:30-4:45
Scope: What historical and contemporary factors explain the ongoing tensions between Israel and the
Arab world? What variables are at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in particular, and are there
prospects for its resolution? This upper-level political science course will explore the dynamics of the
Arab-Israeli conflict from its historical origins to its modern-day manifestations, with special attention to
interests, ideology, identity, and the involvement of outside powers. Topics to be covered include:
Zionism, Palestinian and Arab nationalisms; the British mandate; the refugee crisis; the war of 1967; the
peace process; and the role of political violence.
3472
SOUTH ASIAN WORLD POLITICS
ELIZABETH HANSON
TuTh 4:00-5:15
Scope: This course looks at the relations of the countries of South Asia— Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—with each other and with the rest of the world. It is a
course in international relations, and as such, its orientation is toward broader issues of world politics,
using South Asia as a case. It analyzes the problems of development and security that confront these
countries as part of the developing world. Part I provides a brief introduction to the domestic settings of
these countries, focusing on issues of democracy and ethnic conflict. Part II looks at the relations of the
countries in the region with each other, focusing on the conflictual relationship between India and
Pakistan and the implications of nuclear weapons for the region and beyond. Part III looks more directly
at the region’s economic and political relations with the rest of the world, focusing on the conflict in
Afghanistan.
Readings: 2 books , 1 case, and numerous articles on electronic reserve
Requirements: 2 midterms, final, short paper
Format: Lecture with discussion as important component
3604
CONGRESS IN THEORY AND PRACTICE
JEFF GRYNAVISKI
TuTh 12:30-1:45
Scope: This course covers the historical origins, development, and contemporary politics of the United
States Congress. In addition to covering congressional elections and the legislative process, the course
introduces students to a variety of topics involving Congress, including: the quality and nature of
representation in both the House and Senate, the recruitment of congressional candidates, the party
leadership organizations, the committee system, relations with the other branches of government, and the
role of lobbyists.
3612
POLITICAL OPINION AND ELECTORAL BEHAVIOR
SAMUEL BEST
TuTh 12:30-1:45
Scope: This course investigates the structure and practice of American elections. The first part of the class
will focus on the electoral system in the United States covering topics like the electoral college,
registration rules, the nominating process. The second part will examine political behavior, investigating
topics such as candidate choice decisions and voter turnout. We will discuss theories from the political
science literature as well consider actual cases in electoral politics.
3617
AMERICAN POLITICAL ECONOMY
JEFFREY LADEWIG
TuTh 9:30-10:45
Scope: This course is an introduction to a number of aspects in political economy. First, we will analyze
two of the seminal theoretical works in the field. Second, we will specifically address some of the
principle policy issues in American Politics from a political economy perspective. Finally, the course will
briefly address more fundamental and philosophical questions concerning the relationship between
economics and politics.
3642
AFRICAN AMERICAN POLITICS
SHAYLA NUNNALLY
MWF 1:00-1:50
Scope: This course examines the historical and contemporary politics of African Americans and their
political development. The course surveys literature about African Americans' identity, consciousness,
ideologies, partisanship, public opinion, and general relationship with political institutions in the
American political system.
3647
BLACK LEADERSHIP AND CIVIL RIGHTS
EVELYN SIMIEN
MWF 10:00-10:50
Scope: This course has been designed to introduce students to black leadership, specifically the principles,
goals, and strategies used by African American men and women to secure basic citizenship rights during the
modern civil rights era. Through critical examination of dramatic and poignant events, students will arrive
at some understanding of how African American men and women influenced the political process via public
persuasion, grassroots mobilization, and direct action. Students are expected to 1) participate in class
dialogue, 2) read new and recent scholarship, and 3) review a rich array of sources—oral histories, memoirs,
documentary films, music, and archival sources on the modern civil rights movement. In short, this course
focuses squarely upon the modern civil rights movement starting with the murder of Emmett Till and ending
with the march from Selma to Montgomery. Requirements of this course include class dialogue, huskyct
activity, random quizzes, short writing assignments, as well as a midterm and final exam.
3802
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
VIRGINIA HETTINGER
MWF 10:00-10:50
Scope: This course encompasses the principles of the United States Constitution and how these principles
relate to the organization, powers, and limits of the government, as well as to the relationship between the
government and the American people. The most fundamental principles include separation of powers,
checks and balances, federalism, and individual rights. This course will focus more on the institutional
dimension of constitutional law, emphasizing presidential, congressional, and judicial powers, and
questions of federalism. The course will also cover the takings clause, and the due process clause to a
limited degree.
3807
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES
KIM BERGENDAHL
TuTh 2:00-3:15
Scope: This course focuses on the role of the United States Supreme Court in interpreting the claims
made by individuals to their rights and liberties in light of governmental actions. The major cases
covered include those pertaining to free expression, the press, religion, criminal procedure, privacy, and
race and sex discrimination.
3812
JUDICIARY IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS
DANIEL TAGLIARINA
MWF 12:00-12:50
Scope: This course is a study about how the U.S. Supreme Court matters in American politics. We will
study how the Court, as an institution, affects diverse institutional, cultural, and political terrains.
Consequently, we will see how the Supreme Court has diverse authority regarding constitutional matters,
but is also limited in the impact it has on politics. This is a course about the Court’s effect on politics, and
not about the internal workings of the Court or the development of legal doctrine. Readings include books
and articles about legal topics where the Court has been intricately involved.
3817
LAW AND SOCIETY
KIMBERLY BERGENDAHL
MWF 3:00-3:50
Scope: The American society may influence the making and interpretation of the law just as the law and
its subsequent interpretations may have a considerable impact on the American society. This course
considers such scenarios after a thorough presentation of classic and contemporary legal theories as well
as an introduction to the American judicial process. Some of the highlighted subjects to follow include
reproductive rights, hate speech and pornography, race and gender discrimination, selected cases dealing
with the rights of the accused, and selected civil law cases.
3827
POLITICS OF CRIME & JUSTICE
KIMBERLY BERGENDAHL
MWF 2:00-2:50
Scope: This course analyzes how the tension that exists between the interest in protecting the rights of the
accused and the interest in protecting the needs of society influence the policies and actions of each one of
the interdependent parts of the American criminal justice system: law enforcement, prosecutors, the
courts, and corrections. Theories of justice and punishment are also considered in this course.
3842
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
CAROL LEWIS
TuTh 11:00-12:15
Scope: Is government working? How can it be improved? Who are the bureaucrats and what do they
do? A comprehensive overview of public administration as a field of study and a profession, this course
introduces students to a broad array of literature, concepts, and practices. Case studies, videos,
discussion, and exercises apply theories to public sector management and policy.
Requirements: Texts; daily newspaper, examinations, cases, and internet research.
Format: Lecture, structured discussions, cases, exercises and films.
3852
POLITICS OF BUDGETING
CAROL LEWIS
TuTh 2:00-3:15
Scope: Should budgets be balanced? Should taxes be cut? How are student loans financed? Who gets, who
pays, and who decides? This course explores the politics of public budgeting at the federal, state, and local
levels of government—about one-third of US economic activity. Emphasis is on political, institutional,
legal, and professional aspects of governmental spending and taxation; decision-making processes and the
structure and role of the budget in government and policymaking are examined. Stress is on analytic tools
and concepts while contemporary problems and controversies illustrate and apply basic principles. The
Internet is used as a source of information and political communication.
Readings: Main readings include a text, a daily major newspaper, Internet resources, and reserve readings.
Requirements: Midterm, final, exercises and cases, simulation, and a report on field work (budget hearing)
and Internet research.
Format: Lecture, discussion, and experiential learning through videos, case studies, exercises, a simulation,
and field observation.
GRADUATE COURSES
5010
CLASSICAL AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THEORY
MICHAEL MORRELL
M 4:00-6:30
5215
COMPARATIVE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT
SHAREEN HERTEL
M 4:00-6:30
Scope: This course is designed to engage advanced graduate students in a critical appraisal of the process
of political development in less-industrialized states (e.g., countries in Africa, Latin America and the
Caribbean, Asia and parts of Europe). Together, we will explore why and how state, market and social
forces interact to shape political outcomes in these places. We will focus, in particular, on gender, racial
and ethnic, class, and religious dynamics.
5305
FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS
STEPHEN DYSON
W 4:00-6:30
Scope: Foreign Policy Analysis, an approach to international relations, aims to understand the processes
by which state foreign policies are made, utilizing interdisciplinary insights to explain specific events and
generate policy-relevant knowledge. In contrast to broad theories of international relations, which tend
toward probabilistic statements of general outcomes, the focus in foreign policy analysis is on explaining
why specific states do specific things at specific times, with generalizations of a midrange, contingent
nature. Foreign policy analysis is a radically integrative enterprise, drawing upon theories of politics,
psychology, and sociology, and in many ways represents the necessary connective tissue between
international relations theory and the real world.
This graduate seminar offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of foreign policy analysis, with
training in classic and cutting edge approaches.
5406
SEMINAR IN THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
BRIAN WADDELL
Tu 1:30-4:00
Scope: This course introduces graduate students to some of the central debates over understanding the
American state and modern American political development. Unlike some approaches this course seeks to
comprehend modern American political behavior in terms of the structural forces the constrain and direct
our politics. These structural forces include: the institutional forces of the American political system and
their historical development; the evolving institutional policy frameworks developed during key historical
turning points that have strengthened the national government and thereby altered the American political
system; and the evolving American capitalist economy with which our political system co-exists and codevelops. This course looks at how past political-institutional developments and evolving economic
forces impinge on the possibilities for political change, and we will examine important turning points in
modern American political history and how scholars debate their significance. After reviewing the
scholarly debates, we will focus especially on the New Deal period in the first half of the course. The
second half of the course will focus on the origins and development of the unique American welfare state,
taking us from the New Deal, through the Great Society and Reagan "revolution", and to the present.
Course requirements include enthusiastic course participation, and we will begin each class with each
student commenting on that week's reading. There will be a take-home midterm and a take home final.
5460
COMPARATIVE SOCIAL POLICY
LYLE SCRUGGS
W 1:30-4:00
Scope: Research Seminar on theories of development and change in national social policies, with an
emphasis on comparative social insurance: pensions, unemployment and healthcare.
5515
CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION
DAVID YALOF
M 1:30-4:00
This graduate seminar (conducted in the form of a traditional reading colloquium) explores the theories
and process of constitutional interpretation in the United States, with an emphasis on the role the Supreme
Court plays in defending and enforcing civil liberties. Privacy, equal protection, free expression and
religious freedom will receive extended attention, and students will have the opportunity to consider at
length the role that judicial review plays in a democracy.
5600
NATURE AND POLITICAL INQUIRY
JENNIFER STERLING-FOLKER
Tu 4:00-6:30
Scope: This course is meant to be an introduction to the study of politics at the graduate level. All Ph.D.
students are strongly encouraged to enroll in it, and terminal MA students should consider taking it as
well. This course is an introduction into the “discipline” of political science; so we will spend some time
looking at the history and current state of the field, its reigning paradigms, obsessions, delusions, etc.
The course begins with the question first posed by Aristotle and later David Hume: “Is a science of
politics possible?” We will also need to understand what has passed (and passed on) as political
“science”, and what methods are currently used by persons who call themselves political scientists. Only
then can we prepare ourselves to go and do likewise.
Requirements: As a seminar this course requires a great deal of reading and discussion of current issues
in political science. The reading load will be somewhat heavy (the equivalent of one book a week,
usually). Writing assignments will include several short papers, and a longer paper due that the end of the
course.
5605
SEMINAR IN QUANTITATIVE METHODS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
JEFFREY LADEWIG
Th 1:30-4:00
Scope: This course is an introduction to some of the statistical methodologies most commonly used in
Political Science. We will begin with a quick review of basic statistics: for example, central tendency
theories, probability, and correlation. Then, we will explore OLS regression: for example, assumptions,
model creation, and diagnostics. Finally, throughout the course, we will read a number of journal articles in
order to better understand and evaluate the use of OLS regression techniques.