POLS - Political Science
This course provides a basic introduction to the study of international politics. It considers some of the more prominent theoretical perspectives in the discipline and examines the major political, economic, social and environmental issues presently facing the global community. The course prepares students for advanced study in international politics.
This course introduces students to the political processes and the institutions of American politics. The course examines American political culture, gender and minority rights, citizen participation, national institutions, public policy, and foreign and defense policy.
This course introduces basic concepts and methods for the study of comparative politics. It also surveys and compares the political/socioeconomic development, political cultures/ideologies, political institutions, decision-making processes, and public policies of various countries in the world.
Open only to students in the Honors College. A special honors section of POLS 101S.
Open only to students in the Honors College. Special honors section of POLS 100S.
An introduction to various approaches to policy making followed by a detailed study of several of the most important domestic contemporary issues (housing, transportation, education, welfare, etc.).
Introduces the student to the United States legal system through an examination of its institutions, practitioners, and processes. Assignments explore (1) the anatomy of a law suit, (2) legal education in the United States, (3) basic methods of legal reasoning, writing, and argumentation, and (4) the function of judicial precedent within United States courts. This is a writing intensive course.
In-depth analysis of the American court system with an emphasis on the political behavior of the system's participants and the procedural dimensions of the court system.
Development of criminal procedure under the United States Constitution, with particular emphasis on the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Covers the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry in social sciences.
This course examines the public policy problems of various racial groups in America. It analyzes the extent to which the American political system protects and promotes the concerns of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asians.
The study of political theory delves into the central concepts that shape humanity’s capacity to think about and practice politics, including justice, liberty, equality, human nature, rights, power, democracy, and the various potential goals of political community. Students will study influential political thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Mill, Marx and Rawls.
This course is a survey of Virginia state and local government institutions, functions, processes, and behavior of political actors.
The course considers the origins, evolution, purposes, and relevancy of American political thought. It includes studies in democracy versus elitism; civil disobedience versus revolution; liberalism versus conservatism.
An examination of the United Nations and key issues facing the international community. Includes a three-day visit to United Nations headquarters in New York.
Analyzes and compares the major political functions and the social, economic, and cultural bases of European states. Also examines the contemporary movement for European economic, military, and political unity.
This course is intended to familiarize students with the struggles, advances, and setbacks of African peoples for state-building and socioeconomic development during the colonial and post-independence eras.
A survey of the lobby movement in America, its history and present status, with particular attention to current lobbies and interest groups and their impact on the national government.
Since it was established in 1945 the UN has inspired humanity, undertaken many of the world’s most difficult jobs, and provided great achievements and disappointments. This course examines the functioning of the UN, what it does best and worst, and the prospects for UN reform.
What are the roles and capabilities of the international organizations? This course examines the principles behind the world’s 300 IOs, including specialized, technical, and regional organizations, as well as alliances and non-governmental organizations. When do they replace states and other actors? When are they essential, when are they helpful adjuncts, and when are they irrelevant? This is a writing intensive course.
Introduces students to the primary mechanisms of the global political economy in allocating goods, income, wealth and the means to produce them, with emphasis on the international division of labor.
Comparative study of the various theories that attempt to explain the patterns of interactions among the different members of the global community. Draws on historical and modern cases to explain traditional and alternative theories.
This course is designed for intermediate students who are interested in the theoretical and systematic study of world politics. The course first introduces students to several major theoretical approaches to the study of world politics, and then applies these approaches to a number of major issues--ranging from conflict and cooperation, arms control, the protection of human rights, international trade, economic development, and environmental preservation. This is a writing intensive course.
This course presents those factors that go into the making and analyzing of American foreign policy, explores their application in decision making, and seeks to test their utilization against contemporary problems. This is a writing intensive course.
Examination of issues facing America as it debates the use of international force, including the range of national security choices, defense reform, and the tensions between American resort to warfare and global trends transforming the ability to use violence effectively. This is a writing intensive course.
Starting with the Soviet communist system, explores Russia's efforts to establish democracy and the rule of law, to fashion a productive, beneficial market economy, to establish viable relationships with the other former republics of the USSR and to craft advantageous foreign and military policies toward the West, Asia, and the developing countries.
This course is a survey of state and local government institutions, functions, processes, and behavior of political actors.
Analyzes European politics from World War II to the present. Emphasizes the foreign policies of major European states, including policies towards EU and NATO. This is a writing intensive course.
An examination of the development of the news media and the role of political communication and information in American politics. Analysis of the newsmaking process; media coverage of political campaigns, the President and Congress; the impact of the news media on the American public; and the interaction between public officials and journalists.
A survey of electoral politics and behavior, including the structure of the electoral system, contemporary political campaigning, political partisanship, voting behavior, and role of interest groups in the electoral process.
This course examines the evolution of environmentalism in the United States, including the policy-making process, science and the role played by the public and political institutions.
This is a comparative study of the main political, economic and social developments in the major countries of South Asia. Themes will include democratization, problems of economic development, the role of caste and religion, the causes of intrastate conflict and interstate conflict and the influence of global forces on the region.
Examines the evolution of Latin American politics, including early colonial and caudillo rule, populism and radicalism, the emergence of military regimes, and the reestablishment of constitutional democracies. Also considers contemporary economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues which condition state-society relations in the region.
This course examines political cultures/traditions, governmental institutions, decision-making processes, public policies, political organizations, and significant socio-political issues of such East Asian countries as China, Japan and Korea. In addition, it explores the collective impact of these countries on world politics and global economy. This is a writing intensive course.
This course examines the fundamental changes and continuities that the evolution of technology has brought to armed conflict. It explores the historical development of technology and warfare, emphasizing the role of cultural, social and political choice shaping the development of new military technologies and affecting how they are used. What is the future of Western assumptions about technologically dominated warfare?
Student participation for credit based on the academic relevance of the work experience, criteria, and evaluative procedures as formally determined by the department and Career Development Services prior to the semester in which the work experience is to take place.
Individualized practical experience in public bureaucracies, political groups, administrative agencies or law firms. Group seminars are held periodically under the supervision of faculty. Credits are commensurate with the level of the student's involvement.
A study of selected topics designed for nonmajors, or for elective credit within a major. These courses and any additional prerequisites will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.
A study of selected topics designed for nonmajors, or for elective credit within a major. These courses and any additional prerequisites will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.
This is a detailed study of the institutional and behavioral factors at work in legislative decision making, especially at the national level. Emphases are on the interrelationships among Congress, the Presidency, and the bureaucracy and on learning how to do research on specific legislation.
This course analyzes the causes, severity, potential consequences, and proposed solutions regarding global ecological issues with special attention to the scientific debate and the political and policy process. It examines environmental policies of national governments, regional/international organizations, and global conferences.
This course offers a broad overview of Morality Politics in the United States. Morality politics in the most basic definition is the legal sanctioning of right and wrong, or simply, the validation of a particular set of values. This course offers a broad overview of morality politics, as well as an examination of the historical foundations of legislating morality in the United States. Abortion, capital punishment, legalized gambling, same-sex rights, and drug policy are among the most controversial, polarizing, and widely discussed issues facing the public and policymakers in both contemporary and historical contexts. Although we will not examine each area that can be classified as a morality issue, we will focus on the prohibition of alcohol, the war on drugs, and the politics surround sex. We will examine both sides of each of these issues, with arguments being made both for and against each set of policies. Your task is to evaluate and discern between competing arguments based on the evidence presented on both sides.
The course explores the development of conflicting judicial and legal theories arising from Supreme Court enforcement of the First Amendment’s protection of speech and religious freedoms. Supreme Court opinions, along with the underlying theories that inform its decisions and rationales, are the focus of the assignments and class discussion.
The course covers the development of presidential power and activity, the contemporary operations of the Presidency, and the problems which may confront the institution in the future.
An examination of the vexatious line between the rights of individuals and those of the state in the American democracy, focusing on such major issues as freedom of expression and worship; freedom of the press; separation of church and state; privacy; and racial and gender discrimination.
An examination of separation of powers, federalism and the democratic process as reflected by Supreme Court decisions. Also, the Supreme Court as a political institution.
This course examines the political development of Black people in the United States by focusing on the relationship and processes of the American political system. The political dynamics of Black political thought, the Civil Rights Movement, and Black protest politics are also analyzed.
Examines the political activities which resulted in the passage of the nation's second Civil Rights policy, the 1960 and 1964 Civil Rights Acts, the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the 1968 Fair Housing Act. The course will analyze the underpinnings, leadership, and political strategies of the Civil Rights Movement.
The question of power, often ignored by education policy analysts and researchers, is a principal focus of this seminar. Issues ranging from the role of education in political socialization and the politics of affirmative action and equal opportunity are examined.
Examines women's place in political theory and the practice of politics in the United States. A major focus is to trace the development of women's political rights, the impact of public policy on the lives of American women and to see how women influence and participate in the political process.
A survey of and practicum in the basic techniques of quantitative research, including the logic of empirical research, the identification of data sources, and the use of appropriate statistical techniques.
An examination of the history of legal thought and developments of natural law, as well as an in-depth analysis of legal positivism and realism. Particular attention is paid to American legal philosophy.
This seminar focuses on the politics of the American South from the 1940s to the present. Emphasis is on introducing students to contrasting explanations and analysis about the politics of the American South. This is a writing intensive course.
Surveys major areas of public international law (e.g., laws of warfare, law of the sea, conflict resolution, etc.). Emphasizes the relationship between international law and international politics.
Course provides a basis for understanding the role and importance of international organizations in contemporary international relations. Focuses on development and history of global organizations, with particular emphasis on the United Nations, and regional and functional organizations.
This writing intensive course explores cybersecurity policy and strategy and introduces students to the essentials of strategy development and policy making in cybersecurity. Topics considered include planning principles in cyber strategy; risk management and cybersecurity policy; the connections between cybersecurity policies, businesses, and governmental institutions; the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to develop and implement cybersecurity policy; the social, political and ethical implications that arise in cybersecurity policies and strategies; strategies to assess cybersecurity policy; and the ties between national security and cybersecurity policy.
This course explores the national security dimensions of cybersecurity and examines cyber war in international relations. Exploration of cyber war begins with an examination of cybersecurity as a component of national security and investigates the topics of U.S National Cybersecurity and other national approaches to cyber war. The topics of cyber deterrence, cyber as a military domain, the roles of international organizations in cyber war, cyber terrorism, the role of social media, and information warfare will be discussed. The international dimension of cybersecurity is also discussed.
This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the various dimensions of political participation in the United States. Central to this course is the act of voting, which is the cornerstone democratic institution. Students will gain an understanding of how individuals form political attitudes and how these attitudes manifest in the form of electoral behavior. Students will also be asked to think about some non-traditional forms of civic participation such as political protest and even violence. We will also spend some time discussing attitudes about democracy itself and the idea that support for American democracy has eroded. As part of this course, students will be asked to develop their analytical skills through the critical reading and discussion of scholarly works.
A study of origins of the Chinese revolution; development and functions of the Chinese Communist Party; government institutions; the defense establishment; evolution of foreign policy; and post-Mao political and economic reforms.
A study of Japan's historical political development and social patterns; government institutions; problems of the constitution; and foreign and defense policy.
A study of contemporary issues (political, economic, and strategic) in the East Asia area; the interactions of China, Japan, the United States, and the former Soviet republics in East Asia.
Students will study law as seen through the lens of fiction. Assignments draw heavily from classic and contemporary novels, short stories, plays, films, and perhaps television. As these artistic representations of law in action are explored, short theoretical readings help focus on questions of philosophy, politics, and justice. The course also explores the relationship between fiction and reality through appellate opinions and contemporary literature on the American legal system. The goal is to come to a better understanding of the potential blessings, dangers, and limitations of law.
This course aims to expose students to an examination of the workings of international politics from the viewpoint of Africans and African states. International relations have tended to look at the world from the viewpoint of its most powerful states. Yet, most the world's states - notably in Africa - are weak but have great potential global impact.
A study of the Fascist, Nazi, Stalin and Mao regimes and the forces that brought them to power and sustained them, including a study of the impact of their policies on their people and neighboring states.
Explores the essential characteristics of globalization and its implications for social relations and existing institutions.
An examination of the science of climate change and how United States political actors have responded to this global environmental challenge.
Since the end of the Cold War, weapons of mass destruction have emerged as one of the most dangerous and contentious issues in international affairs. The course examines how these weapons are made, how they proliferate, and how they are controlled.
This course focuses on one specific European country such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, etc. Examination of trends and events which most influenced the evolution of domestic politics and foreign relations from World War II to the present.
Ethnically based conflict is presently a pervasive worldwide phenomenon. This course examines internal and external factors causing ethnic conflicts and mechanisms for resolving or mitigating such conflicts.
An analysis of the political processes throughout the region and in selected nations of the Middle East. Topics to be discussed include inter-Arab relations, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iran-Iraq rivalry and foreign power involvement in the Middle East.
This course focuses on race, ethnicity, and the role and influence of African Americans in international affairs and American foreign policy making. It investigates the activities of African Americans in the international arena. The emphasis is on how African Americans have participated and the results of that participation from the era of slavery to Barack Obama.
Interdisciplinary research and preparation of a senior thesis in international studies This is a writing intensive course.
The advanced study of selected topics in American politics designed to permit small groups of qualified students to work on subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.
An examination and discussion of critical world issues based upon the Foreign Policy Association's Great Decision Series.
The advanced study of selected topics in political science which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.
The advanced study of selected topics which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.
Independent research in political science under the supervision of a faculty member.
Independent research in political science under the supervision of a faculty member.
This course analyzes the causes, severity, potential consequences, and proposed solutions regarding global ecological issues with special attention to the scientific debate and the political and policy process. It examines environmental policies of national governments, regional/international organizations, and global conferences.
The course explores the development of conflicting judicial and legal theories arising from Supreme Court enforcement of the First Amendment’s protection of speech and religious freedoms. Supreme Court opinions, along with the underlying theories that inform its decisions and rationales, are the focus of the assignments and class discussion.
This course examines the political development of Black people in the United States by focusing on the relationship and processes of the American political system. The political dynamics of Black political thought, the Civil Rights Movement, and Black protest politics are also analyzed.
Examines the political activities which resulted in the passage of the nation's second Civil Rights policy, the 1960 and 1964 Civil Rights Acts, the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the 1968 Fair Housing Act. The course analyzes the underpinnings, leadership, and political strategies of the Civil Rights Movement.
The question of power, often ignored by education policy analysts and researchers, is a principal focus of this seminar. Issues ranging from the role of education in political socialization and the politics of affirmative action and equal opportunity are examined.
Examines women's place in political theory and the practice of politics in the United States. A major focus is to trace the development of women's political rights, the impact of public policy on the lives of American women and to see how women influence and participate in the political process.
This seminar focuses on the politics of the American South from the 1940s to the present. Emphasis is on introducing students to contrasting explanations and analysis about the politics of the American South.
Surveys major areas of public international law (e.g., laws of warfare, law of the sea, conflict resolution, etc.). Emphasizes the relationship between international law and international politics.
Course provides a basis for understanding the role and importance of international organizations in contemporary international relations. Focuses on development and history of global organizations, with particular emphasis on the United Nations, and regional and functional organizations.
An examination of current theories and research on political behavior, conventional and unconventional modes of political participation, and the impact of participation on the political system.
A study of origins of the Chinese revolution; development and functions of the Chinese Communist Party; government institutions; the defense establishment; evolution of foreign policy; and post-Mao political and economic reforms.
A study of contemporary issues (political, economic, and strategic) in the East Asia area; the interactions of China, Japan, the United States, and the former Soviet republics in East Asia.
Students will study law as seen through the lens of fiction. Assignments draw heavily from classic and contemporary novels, short stories, plays, films, and perhaps television. As these artistic representations of law in action are explored, short theoretical readings help focus on questions of philosophy, politics, and justice. The course also explores the relationship between fiction and reality through appellate opinions and contemporary literature on the American legal system. The goal is to come to a better understanding of the potential blessings, dangers, and limitations of law.
This course aims to expose students to an examination of the workings of international politics from the viewpoint of Africans and African states. International relations have tended to look at the world from the viewpoint of its most powerful states. Yet, most the world's states - notably in Africa - are weak but have great potential global impact.
A study of the Fascist, Nazi, Stalin and Mao regimes and the forces that brought them to power and sustained them, including a study of the impact of their policies on their people and neighboring states.
An examination of the science of climate change and how United States political actors have responded to this global environmental challenge.
An analysis of the political processes throughout the region and in selected nations of the Middle East. Topics to be discussed include inter-Arab relations, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iran-Iraq rivalry and foreign power involvement in the Middle East.
The advanced study of selected topics which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.
The advanced study of selected topics which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.
Independent research in political science under the supervision of a faculty member.
The formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy under changing domestic and external circumstances. Models of decision making; interrelationships of economic, political, and military factors; major trends in contemporary American foreign policy making.
Comparative study of foreign policy behavior. Internal and external factors in formation and implementation of foreign policy. Examination and application of foreign policy models.
Examines U.S. national security policy, strategy and the use of force, the formulation and execution of policy, the international dimension of national security, and contemporary issues in national security.
Power and authority in Russia and the other successor states of the former Soviet Union. Although focusing on Russia, the course embraces the contemporary internal politics of the states in the space between Germany and Japan/China including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Emphasizes research methodology and strategies.
An advanced survey and research on contemporary Chinese politics, political and economic reforms; intellectuals and politics; China's experience of socialist revolution and economic construction; and foreign policy.
This course covers the fundamental concepts, ideas, and approaches to the study of interdependence and transnationalism. It seeks to expose students to the nature, role, and impact of economic, technological, strategic, and cultural interdependence. Cases of interdependence and transnationalism are explored in the post-Cold War era. Some focus is placed on how interdependence and transnationalism are impacting the power of the state.
Analysis of the forces shaping national and transnational economic institutions and their policies on a range of contemporary issues, including North-South relations.
The advanced study of selected topics which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.
The advanced study of selected topics which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.
Independent research in political science under the supervision of a faculty member.