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POL 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences (3)
This course examines the social sciences in their historical context, and their relationship to the individual and the group. It provides a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of individual and group behavior as well as a sense of how economic, political, and social systems function. (Also listed as ECO 100, PSY 100, and SOC 100.)
POL 204 American Government (3)
An introductory survey and analysis of the political processes that describe the operations of the federal, state, and local branches of government. Intergovernmental relations are examined.
POL 205 American Policy Process (3)
An introduction to the political dynamics of forming national public policy in the United States. For students with a basic understanding of American government institutions, the course uses case studies to focus on several different areas of policy.
POL 210 Western Political Concepts I (3)
A survey of classical and modern political theory from ancient Greece to 18th-century Europe. The role and authority of the individual and the state are examined in various theoretical contexts.
POL 211 Western Political Concepts II (3)
An introduction to political theory focusing on political thought from the Enlightenment to the present. Topics range from classical liberalism to the concepts of Marx and Lenin.
POL 220 International Relations (3)
An historical survey of the relations between states and an examination of the main conceptual approaches, both past and present, that influence the way policymakers attempt to order their nation’s relations with foreign countries.
POL 225 Comparative Government I (3)
A study of the nature and functions of government through a survey of the main types of national governmental systems and an investigation of their similarities and differences.
POL 226 Comparative Government II (3)
Extends the study of governments from the European parliamentary governments discussed in POL 225 to the constitutions of African, Asian, and South American countries and to autocratic regimes. Prerequisite: POL 225.
POL 250 Research and Writing (3)
An introduction to the sources and methods used in political research and writing. This course contains a significant component in the use of computers.
POL 300 State and Urban Politics (3)
A survey of the structure of state and urban political units and institutions. An examination of their policy and decision-making processes and an investigation of state-federal relations.
POL 310 Political Parties and Interest Groups (3)
An analysis of group theory in a democratic society. The course examines the influence of interest groups in American politics at the federal and state levels. Prerequisite: POL 204 or POL 205.
POL 315 The Presidency (3)
A survey of the historical development and the constitutional powers of the office. The course analyzes the principal roles in national and world politics played by modern presidents. Prerequisite: POL 204 or POL 205.
POL 320 The Congress (3)
A review of the history of Congress and a description of its functions, its structure, and the legislative process. The course examines current and historical issues that relate to the proper role of Congress in the American scheme of government. Prerequisite: POL 204 or POL 205.
POL 325 Voting Behavior (3)
A study of the voting behavior of the American electorate and its representatives and the causes of that behavior. Prerequisite: POL 204 or POL 205.
POL 332 American Foreign Policy (3)
A history of the policies of the United States toward other governments and an analysis of the principal factors to be considered in formulating and executing American foreign policy. Prerequisites: POL 204 or POL 205, and POL 220.
POL 335 American Constitutional Law I (3)
An introduction to the federal judiciary in American government and a survey of the principal decisions of constitutional law that have influenced the development of the American polity. Prerequisite: POL 204 or POL 205.
POL 336 American Constitutional Law II (3)
A survey of the principal decisions concerning individual rights under the Constitution and a study of the role of the judiciary in American government. Prerequisite: POL 335.
POL 340 National Security Policy (3)
A study of the role of national security policy in contemporary world politics. The course examines strategic thought, modern warfare, the history of U.S. strategic doctrine, intelligence, and U.S. national security institutions. Prerequisite: POL 220.
POL 345 20th-Century Russian Politics (3)
Introduces students to the shaping of Soviet and Russian foreign policy and the role of the Soviet Union and Russia in world politics from 1917 to the present. Policy from Lenin to the present is examined. Prerequisite: POL 220 or POL 225.
POL 350A-F Area Studies (3)
The content of particular area studies courses ranges from the study of politics of particular nations or groups of nations to the relations among states in a geographic area. A description of each area studies course is made available to students prior to registration. Prerequisite: POL 220 or POL 225.
POL 355 Contemporary International Politics (3)
Focuses on issues, institutions, and international relations since World War II. Prerequisite: POL 220.
POL 360 Statesmanship and World Politics (3)
Examines the statecraft of several political leaders of the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisite: POL 220 or POL 225.
POL 400 Internship (3-6)
Senior students may register for an internship with cooperating public service agencies in the greater Washington area. Prerequisite: permission of the dean of Arts and Sciences.
POL 405 Political Ideologies (3)
A study of ideology as a particular form of political theory. The course examines writers such as Bakunin, Marx, Lenin, and Hitler, and political doctrines such as socialism, communism, nihilism, and fascism. Prerequisite: POL 210 or POL 211.
POL 420 Senior Seminar (3)
Provides an opportunity for majors to explore more thoroughly a subject previously studied in the Politics curriculum. The focus of each seminar is a student paper demonstrating appropriate skill in research and writing on political topics.
POL 421 Project (3)
An investigation of a selected topic in the emphasis discipline. The project is intended to demonstrate ability to conduct independent research and present the results in writing of commendable quality. Prerequisite: permission of the dean of Arts and Sciences.