The political science major provides a basis for careers in law, public administration, corporate and current affairs, and journalism, as well as graduate study in the field. The program includes a foundation in political theory and comparative politics, followed by studies of a range of political phenomena (democracy, nationalism, and citizenship) and institutions (the British parliamentary system, the European Community, etc.). The capstone course involves analysis and discussion of both classical and contemporary political theory.
PLT 150 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Politics and Government
Introduces students to political science by defining, exploring and evaluating the basic concepts of politics, political systems, government, state, nation and ideology. It outlines some of the central issues in politics: politics as art and/or science; power and authority in the state; political obligation; the rights and duties of the citizen; liberty and equality; economic systems and modes of production, political economy; liberalism, fascism, Marxism, conservatism, feminism and environmentalism.
PLT 202 (3 CREDITS)
Comparative Political Systems
Examines the political experience, institutions, behavior and processes of the major political systems. It discovers uniformities and differences, by examining first the history of relevant countries, then their political institutions and lastly contemporary politics in these countries.
INR 203 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to International Relations
Examines the fundamental history and concepts that aid understanding of international relations. The course surveys the emergence of the modern states system and studies main features of the international system since 1945. It covers relations between rich and poor countries, factors that influence foreign policy making and the impact of non-state actors on world politics. Theories about international relations and the increasing globalization of world affairs are explored.
PLT/SCL 206 (3 CREDITS)
Rich World, Poor World
Provides students with an introduction to development studies, seeking to explain both the existence of and persistence of a Poor World from a political, sociological, historical and economic perspective. The course addresses numerous issues as they affect the Poor World, and studies relations both within and between Poor World and Rich World. Topics include colonialism and postcolonialism, processes of industrialization, food security, inequality, nationalism, aid, democratization, and conflict, as well as an introduction to theories of development.
ECN 211 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics deals with global issues and includes a theoretical study of the national income and its component parts. This basic model is used to examine policy issues and contemporary problems relating to income and employment, inflation, growth and international trade and finance.
PLT 222 (3 CREDITS)
Major Political Thinkers
This course provides students with an introduction to political thought and political philosophy, as it has developed in the Western World since the time of the ancient Greeks until the end of the 19th Century. The origins of modern political thought – totalitarian, liberal, realist, feminist, socialist, conservative, democratic and post-modern – are discovered through the study of a range of major political thinkers, including Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Wollstonecraft, Marx, Mill, and Nietzsche..
PLT 301 (3 CREDITS)
British Politics: Inside Parliament
This course will introduce students to the main political institutions in the United Kingdom (the monarchy, the executive, parliament, political parties and electoral systems) and to important debates in contemporary British society, such as constitutional reform, Britain’s relations with Europe, the power of the media, gender debates and multiculturalism. The class combines theoretical and empirical approaches. Classes are supplemented by 10 sessions in the House of Commons with a Member of Parliament.
Prerequisite: PLT 150 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
SSC 304 (3 CREDITS)
Research and Writing Methods
The course is a requirement for all Social Science and Humanities majors. It differs from the other courses in the department in that students primarily work independently and meet for a weekly individual tutorial of their drafts. Students also work in peer group pairs, reading and commenting on each other's work. Students learn a series of important specific skills useful for postgraduate study and work: how to formulate a thesis on a topic of their choice in their discipline, draft, revise and complete a literature review and a proposal for their project. Students are also required to present their research orally according to conference standards taking into consideration the interdisciplinary nature of the class. The work done in the class serves as a preparation for the expansion of the project into the Senior Essay.
Prerequisite: Junior status and ENG 215.
PLT 312 (3 CREDITS)
Global Development Politics
Examines the global politics of development and of developing states, and various social, economic and environmental themes surrounding post-war attempts to promote development. The course will consider both development theory and practice in the context of globalization, and provide an overview of the history of global development from economic miracles to failed states. A range of contemporary development debates and issues are addressed.
Prerequisites: Any 100- or 200-level politics or international relations course or a sociology of development course.
PLT 350 (3 CREDITS)
Political Economy
This course examines the historical development of political economy, from liberal, mercantilist and radical political economy in the 18th and 19th centuries, to a range of 20th century scholars of political economuy. The object of study in the course is theories of capitalism, and addressed themes include the nature of market society, the relationship between state and market, economic growth and economic crises, market failure and government failure, and the relations between capitalism, democracy, authority, and the individual.
Prerequisites: PLT 150, ECN 211 and Junior status.
PLT 352 (3 CREDITS)
American Politics
Examines the nature of politics and political processes in the United States. The course considers the theoretical and actual implementation of policy, firstly by examining the constitutionally mandated practitioners of policy and secondly by exploring its application throughout the latter half of the Twentieth Century.
Prerequisite: PLT 150: Introduction to Politics and Government
PLT 359 (3 CREDITS)
The European Union in the New International System
Historical beginnings of the European Union, its institutions and its economic performance. The Single European Act, the European Monetary System, social, political and economic aspects of integration and foreign policy cooperation.
Prerequisite: Junior status.
PLT 362 (3 CREDITS)
Policy Making in the Globalized World
This course investigates the process of policy-making in modern states. It explores how in the new globalized world governments “import” and “borrow” policy ideas from each other, while analyzing how the different actors – states, bureaucrats, think-tanks, policy-networks, lobby groups, citizens, etc – participate and influence the policy-making process. Through role-play activities (such as writing a political manifesto, advising a President on a foreign-policy issue, or enacting a policy-network in the policy process) students will understand the complexities of policy-making and the challenges that the modern state faces in the era of globalization.
Prerequisite: Junior Status
PLT 401 (3 CREDITS)
Political Theory and Concepts
Investigates the central concerns of Political Theory - such as liberty, equality and social justice, and considers particular recent developments including feminism, ecologism and multiculturalism. The course places particular emphasis on the development of ideas and debates in the 20th and 21st centuries. Writers whose work is of interest here include Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Michael Walzer, David Miller, Anne Phillips and Will Kymlicka.
Prerequisites: PLT 150 and PLT 222 and senior status.
SSC 410 (3 CREDITS)
Senior Seminar/Senior Essay
The Senior Seminar/Senior Essay is the capstone course for all Social Science, Humanities and Communications majors. It differs from the other courses in the department in that students primarily work independently and meet for a weekly tutorial with the aim of developing a substantial thesis driven research paper ( 6000-8000 words) related to a topic in their major. Students are also required to orally present their research according to conference standards taking into consideration the interdisciplinary nature of the class. The Senior Seminar team is facilitated by three faculty members from different disciplines - the idea being to stress interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary issues in the department. The course serves as a platform for postgraduate research as well as for professional outcomes.
Prerequisite: SSC 304 and Senior Status.
INR 306 (3 CREDITS)
Human Rights
This course will cover the evolution of international human rights and of the various national, regional and international mechanisms designed for their protection. It will examine the theoretical foundations of the idea of human rights in various civilizations and cultures, evaluate its legacy within western and non-western traditions, and examine its meaning and relevance in addressing major issues in the contemporary world. The class principally draws on the theories and methodological approaches of the following disciplines: Sociology, International Law and International Relations.
PLT 308 (3 CREDITS)
Political Sociology
At the heart of political sociology is a concern with the relationship between the state and society, a relationship that, as citizens, affects us all. This course explores the link between the people and the state in three interrelated respects: the concept of power, the theory and practice of revolution and the way politics affects the social fabric of daily life in technologically advanced, multi-media societies. In addition, a discussion takes place regarding the global significance of political and social change.
Prerequisite: Any 100- or 200-level sociology, political science or international relations course.
PLT 309 (3 CREDITS)
Citizenship: National and Global
Examines the theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship. Tracing the development of the concept from ancient societies to the present day, it examines both the theoretical constructs and the concrete political meanings of the term. The course therefore considers the development of the nation state and the establishment of both legal and social citizenship. The course also addresses the notion of global citizenship in the context of international governance as well as the globalization of both economies and environmental issues.
INR 310 (3 CREDITS)
Globalization: Power, Networks, and Identity in the New World Order
Combining perspectives from anthropology, sociology, business studies, and international relations, this interdisciplinary course addresses the vitally important and complex phenomenon of contemporary globalization. Topics for discussion include the worldwide diffusion of political, economic, and cultural practices and relations across continents and the organization of social life on a global scale. The course will feature guest lectures and pesentations by recognized experts in various aspects of the globalization process.
PLT 320 (3 CREDITS)
Politics of Environmentalism
Examines the political, economic, ideological, and social dilemmas associated with environmental issues. The first section of the course addresses the historical roots of environmentalism, its key concepts, and a range of key thinkers and paradigms for understanding environmentalism as an ideology. The second section of the course explores the role of key actors engaged in environmental policy making, and important issues in contemporary environmental politics. Topics addressed include environmental movements and parties, global environmental regimes, the impact of the media on environmental issues, and prospects for green technologies and employment.
Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in international relations, politics, or sociology..
HST 323 (3 CREDITS)
The Rise of the Right: A History of Fascisms
This course is intended to be a comparative study of European and non-European fascisms from the end of World War I through to the early Twenty-First century. It explores some of the fundamental interpretative questions concerning the nature of fascism, the origins of the ideology, as well as some late nineteenth century/early twentieth century proto-fascist movements. The focus, however, is on individual fascist movements themselves, including European varieties such as Italy (where the Fascist prototype evolved), Germany (where it was taken to its extreme) and Spain (where its variant persisted until 1975), as well as the influence which fascism had outside of post-war Europe (apartheid South Africa, Peron Era Argentina, and Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq). The course will conclude with a discussion about the "return" of fascism, including: skinhead and Neo-Nazi violence, western immigration debates, ethnic cleansing, and the growth of the radical right. The course is highly interactive with guest speakers, class visits, and regular seminar sessions.
PLT/HST 324 (3 CREDITS)
Politics of the Middle East
Deals primarily with the politics of the Arab world, although Iran and Turkey are discussed where appropriate. This course is thematic rather than national in focus. Among the themes discussed are nationalism, revolution, the politics of oil, the great powers and the Middle East and religion in politics. A previous course in Middle Eastern history is strongly advised.
Prerequisite: PLT 150 or INR 203 or permission of instructor.
PLT 331 (3 CREDITS)
Ethnicity and Identity
Examines the questions of whether ethnicity is a universal phenomenon, and if ethnic conflict is inevitable. Investigates why ethnicity has become such an important tool of political organization in the 20th century. This course examines ethnicity, and to a lesser extent nationalism, as bases of social and political belonging and differentiation and sources of both creativity and conflict. Starting with the premise that identity is socially constructed, the ways in which ethnic identity has been formed and used in different societies will be examined. Different theories of ethnicity will be explored during the course, as well as specific case studies.
Prerequisite: Any lower division social science course.
COM 332 (3 CREDITS)
Political Communications
The course focuses on the role of political communications in the political process. It examines the relationship between governments, the media and the public in Western democracies, with emphasis on the UK and the US political systems. Starting with an overview of the role of the media in political theory, it moves to the examination of the origins and development of political marketing and public relations, the use of political advertising by political parties, and the representation of non-governmental actors in the media coverage. Furthermore, the course considers issues of national security and secrecy as well as changes in political communications brought about by the introduction of new technologies. Particular attention is given to the use of techniques and strategies during election campaigns.
Prerequisite: At least one 200-level COM, PLT or INR course.
PLT 332 (3 CREDITS)
Islam and the West
The aim of this course is to focus on the historical, political and religious relationships between "Islam" and the "West". Islam has for centuries been Europe's neighbor and cultural contestant with a history of conflict and co-existence. Since September 11 there has been increasing talk of a "clash of civilizations", but globalization has also created an interdependency of faiths which requires greater co-operation, understanding, and dialogue. A recurrent theme of this course will be whether it is possible to separate the world into monolithic entities called "Islam" and the "West". Why is one defined in terms of religion and the other a geographical designation? Further, we are increasingly witnessing "Islam in the West". Muslims are not confined to the Middle East but have spread in large numbers to Europe and the United States and there have been Islamic communities living in the Balkans and in parts of southern Europe for centuries. Another theme will be the relations between religion and state in Islam and Christianity. Is Islam inherently resistant to secularization as some scholars and Islamic activists believe?
Prerequisites: Completion of lower-division PLT, INR or HST core, or permission of instructor.
HST 338 (3 CREDITS)
Modern Japan: 19th and 20th Centuries
Traces Japan’s development from the dramatic period of westernization under the Meiji Restoration in the 1860s that set the path for determined growth and expansion in the 20th century, bringing it into conflict with international powers. The rebuilding of the nation under the occupation policies brought far reaching effects for Japan, creating a truly modern nation state far ahead of its Asian neighbors. The course will also include aspects of corporate culture, society and lifestyle that have contributed to the rapid growth and survival of Japan as an independent trading competitor in the 1990s.
PLT 348 (3 CREDITS)
Gender, Politics and International Relations
Explores the field of gender and politics. It addresses both theoretical and practical concerns. Starting from an analysis of gender, the course moves on to a discussion of feminist theory, followed by feminist criticisms of political and IR theory. The main body of the course is comprised of the examination of a range of issues from gendered perspectives including: political participation, social movements, citizenship and the state, nationalism and irredentism, war, development, international organizations, environmental degradation, and poverty.
Prerequisites: PLT 150 and INR 203 or equivalent.
INR 360 (3 CREDITS)
Miracle to Meltdown: East and South-East Asia
Follows the developmental trajectory of East and South-East Asian states in the post-colonial era. The course will address both the international context and the internal social, political and economic dynamics of these states. Particular emphasis is placed on different theoretical and empirical explanations for both the phase of rapid economic growth (the ‘miracle’) and the 1997/1998 Asian Economic Crisis (the ‘meltdown’).
Prerequisite: Two 100- or 200- level Political Science or International Relations courses or permission of advisor.
PLT 364 (3 CREDITS)
Religion, Identity and Power
The recent emergence of a number of religious movements in many parts of the world has raised important questions about the role of religion in political and social life. This course explores the relationship between religion, political identity and its expression between and across nation-state borders. By focusing on a number of religious movements, such as various Islamic revivals and the new Christian right, this course will examine the various ways in which religious traditions are used as identity-building vehicles, particularly at times of cultural transition and social change. It examines how the internet and other communication networks serve as mediums for Religious identity formation.
HST 367 (3 CREDITS)
Nationalism and Conflict
This course is intended to be a comparative study of the various forms of nationalism, dictatorship, and democracy that evolved and emerged across Central/Eastern Europe (CEE) during the "short" twentieth century (1914-1990). It will seek to identify how CEE has been defined and how it came to take its present form. The main focus of this course will be on the various ideological currents that have shaped the region's history -- in particular nationalism, democracy and Communism. In addition, it will explore the conflicting arguments and different historical interpretations with regard to the key events of the period, including hte development of nationalism, the emergence of fascism and Communism, the casues and courses of the two world wars and the Cold War, and finally, the causes behind the "reunification" of Europe after 1989.
PLT 380 (3 CREDITS)
Democracy: Theory and Practice
This course analyses the rise of democracy as an idea and as a practice using both theoretical and historical approaches. The course aims to (1) provide an introduction to the central models of democracy (namely classical democracy, republicanism, liberal democracy, deliberative democracy and cosmopolitan democracy); (2) to analyse problems associated with the practice of liberal democracy, namely political engagement, the advent of post-democracy and the rise of populism: and (3) to analyse the practice of democracy in Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and its relation with Islam.
Prerequisite: PLT 150.
PLT 382 (3 CREDITS)
Politics of sub-Saharan Africa
Follows the crises, conflicts and attempts to promote stability, economic development and democratic systems of government in sub-Saharan Africa. The course will address the many social, political, economic and security problems that countries in this region face by following a historical trajectory from the Colonial era through to modern times.
Prerequisite: Two 100- or 200- level Political Science or History or International Relations courses.
PLT 383 (3 CREDITS)
Russian Politics and History
This course focuses on the political evolution of the world’s first Communist state - its birth, development, collapse and recent transformation. The course will introduce students to the major developments in Russian politics and history over the last century, from the revolution of 1905 to the First and Second World Wars, to the Cold War, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union and to its successor.
Prerequisite: Any 200-level HST, PLT, or INR course
PLT 384 (3 CREDITS)
Modern China
Examines aspects of China’s history such as the Opium Wars, the downfall of the Empire in 1911, the growth of nationalism and the ensuing civil war, the rise and decline of Maoism and the role of China in world politics, with particular reference to its increasing economic importance.
Prerequisites: Two 100- or 200-level history courses or permission of adviser.
PLT 386-399 (3 CREDITS)
Special Topics in Political Science
An advanced course on a topic of current interest or in a faculty member's specialty.
Degree Planner/GCL form - for students who started in September 2009 or later.
Degree Planner/GCL form - for students who started in September 2007 or later.
