POL 104 American Government
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. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: SS-1, GP, ETH. (3)
POL 205 American Policy Process
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. Recommended Prerequisite: POL 104. (3)
POL 210 Western Political Concepts I
An introduction to political theory focusing on political thought from ancient to early modern times and on the fundamental conceptions of political theory. (3)
POL 211 Western Political Concepts II
A study of various political theories and ideologies from early modern to contemporary times. Topics include liberalism, conservatism, and political ideologies. (3)
POL 220 International Relations
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. (3)
POL 225 Comparative Government I
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. (3)
POL 226 Comparative Government II
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: a grade of C or better in POL 225, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 250 Research and Writing
An introduction to the sources and methods used in political research and writing. (3)
POL 300 State and Urban Politics
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. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 205, or permission of the instructor. (3)
POL 310 Political Parties and Interest Groups
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. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 205, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 315 The Presidency
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. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 205, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 320 The Congress
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. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 205, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 325 Voting Behavior
A study of the voting behavior of the American electorate and its representatives and the causes of that behavior. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 205, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 332 American Foreign Policy
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: a grade of C or better in POL 220 and POL 250, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 335 American Constitutional Law I
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. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 104 or POL 205, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 336 American Constitutional Law II
A survey of the principal court decisions concerning individual rights under the United States Constitution. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent and POL 335, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 340 National Security Policy
A study of the role of national security policy in contemporary world politics. The course examines strategic thought, modern warfare (including terrorism and indirect warfare), the history of U.S. strategic doctrine, intelligence, and U.S. national security institutions. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 220 and POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 345 20th-Century Russian Politics
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. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 220 or POL 225, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor . (3)
POL 350A-F Area Studies
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. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 220 or POL 225, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 355 Contemporary International Politics
Focuses on issues, institutions, and international relations since World War II. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in POL 220, a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 360 Statesmanship and World Politics
Examines the statecraft of several political leaders of the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in POL 220 or POL 225, a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 400 Internship
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. (3-6)
POL 405 Political Ideologies
A study of ideology as a particular form of political thought. The course examines the origins of ideology, its distinguishing characteristics, and various examples of ideology. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 210 or POL 211, and a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 420 Senior Seminar
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. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in POL 250 or its equivalent, or permission of instructor. (3)
POL 421 Project
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. (3)