Courses
PO 105 American Politics 3 Cr.
A study of the theoretical, institutional, and behavioral elements of the U.S. political system. Prerequisite: Freshmen or sophomore standing. Offered: Fall, Spring.
PO 106 Introduction to Public Policy and Administration 3 Cr.
An introductory examination of theoretical and practical approaches to policy making and administration, the essential steps in the process and the roles of key actors at all levels. This course prepares students for more in-depth study of all other facets of the political realm. Prerequisite: Freshmen or Sophomore standing.
PO 188 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
PO 202 Introduction to Comparative Politics 3 Cr.
An introductory course that acquaints students with the comparative study of politics. The course will compare executive and legislative relationships, electoral systems, ideologies, and political parties. Various countries from around the world will be used to illustrate the application and consequences of different institutions and ideas. Credit cannot be earned in both PO 202 and POLS 306. Prerequisite: Freshmen or Sophomore standing.
PO 215 International Relations 3 Cr.
An inquiry in assumptions, theories, and dogmas of the modern state system. Examination and evaluation of such topics as realist theory; conflict resolution; game theory; decision-making theory; and ecopolitics. Prerequisite: Freshmen or Sophomore standing.
PO 220 Research Methods 3 Cr.
An introduction to the methods of political analysis, standard nomenclature, and basic research methods relied upon in the study of politics. Emphasis is placed on quantitative methods and ethical issues in conducting research. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher.
PO 288 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
PO 300 Special Topics in Politics 3 Cr.
Select topics offered in Politics. Permitted to be repeated thee times under a different topic. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
PO 301 Special Topics in International Relations 3 Cr.
Select topics in the area of International Relations. A maximum of three classes may be applied to the student record when taken under different course title/topic. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: PO 215, Grade of C or higher.
PO 303 Political Philosophy 3 Cr.
After introducing the political philosophies of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, this course explores the ideas of major Western thinkers from the Renaissance through the Industrial Revolution. The course not only examines each philosopher's understandings of power, justice, equality and freedom, but also contemporary applications and implications of these ideas. Prerequisite: Sophomore 2 or higher.
PO 305 Geopolitics 3 Cr.
Geopolitics will give students an increased appreciation of the influence of geography on political decision-making. This course will help students "visualize" world politics and understand how geography affects both national and transnational political behaviors. Students will learn to think and write critically about such issues and forces as globalization, development, and conflict. Students will develop an understanding of how interests and perceptions are shaped by geography. Prerequisite: PO 202 or PO 215, Grade of C or higher.
PO 310 European Politics 3 Cr.
A study of the political systems, cultures, and issues of selected countries from western, northern and southern Europe as well as Russia and the European Union. This course will also consider the relationship between domestic and foreign policies and the relationship between the United States and Europe. Prerequisite: PO 202, Grade of C or higher.
PO 312 The Presidency 3 Cr.
A study of the presidential office and its relationship with the major American political institutions. Prerequisite: PO 105, Grade of C or higher.
PO 313 Political Parties and Interest Groups 3 Cr.
A study of political parties and interest groups as they influence the decision making process, the formulation of government policy, and the selection of official personnel. Prerequisite: PO 105, Grade of C or higher.
PO 314 The Legislative Process 3 Cr.
A study of the national and state legislatures in the United States through a combination of lectures, readings, contact with legislators, and actual investigations on the state legislative scene itself. Prerequisite: PO 105, Grade of C or higher.
PO 315 Public Opinion and Political Behavior 3 Cr.
A study of the development of political attitudes and the formation of public opinion; the influence of public opinion on governmental policy through its relationship to political participation representation and leadership. Prerequisite: PO 105, Grade of C or higher.
PO 320 Topics in Area Studies 3 Cr.
Selected topics in area studies will be offered on occasion. This course will be used to cover subjects not included in the regular offerings in comparative politics. Topics may include the politics of a particular country or region such as Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, or the Middle East. A topics course may also be offered on a particular issue area such as foreign and defense policy, healthcare policy, welfare policy, or environmental policy. Permitted to be repeated thee times under a different topic. Prerequisite: PO 202, Grade of C or higher.
PO 321 U.S. Constitutional Law 3 Cr.
Introduction to the evolution and structure of the American constitutional system, focusing on the federal relationship, the separation of powers, and judicial review, relying primarily upon the case method of analysis. Sophomore 2 or higher or Permission of Instructor.
PO 324 Civil Liberties 3 Cr.
An examination of the relationship of individuals to government, relying primarily upon the case method of study, with specific consideration of problems of equal protection, due process, privacy, and freedoms of speech and religion. Sophomore 2 or higher or Permission of Instructor.
PO 326 Model United Nations 1 Cr.
Model United Nations is an experiential learning activity that culminates in an annual conference where students assume the role of a United Nations member state and represents that states positions in committees that mirror the institutional structure of the UN. Students research and write position papers that are presented at the national conference. During the conference, students collaborate and develop consensus to produce written policy proposals on current global challenges debated at the United Nations. Conference attendance mandatory. 1 Credit hour. Three accumulated hours will comprise one 3 credit course. Can be used for PO free elective or free elective. Open to all majors. Prerequisite: Instructor and Department Permission. Offered: Spring.
PO 330 American Citizenship 3 Cr.
Using the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as a foundation, this course examines what it means to be a citizen of the United States. The course addresses such questions as: What are citizens entitled to and what do they owe the state and each other? Is there an obligation to obey political authority? Is there ever an obligation to disobey authority? An important consideration is the role of the military in American political life and in particular, the relationship between the military ethic and republican values. Prerequisite: PO 105, Grade of C or higher.
PO 331 State and Local Politics 3 Cr.
The primary objective of this course is to gain an understanding of the role of the state and local political institutions within the context of American federalism. Emphasis is placed on procedural and policy differences as well as political issues in state, regional, and local governments. Prerequisite: PO 105, Grade of C or higher.
PO 333 American Foreign Policy 3 Cr.
Through studies of the three "levels of analysis" personal political psychology, bureaucratic politics, and international relations-this course examines the processes of American foreign policy formulation and execution; it explores the objectives, methods, and consequences of major U.S. foreign and military policies. If practicable, students will take part in role-playing simulations. Prerequisite: PO 105 or PO 202, Grade of C or higher.
PO 340 Revolution and Forces of Change 3 Cr.
A critical analysis of several revolutions that will examine causes, outcomes, and accepted explanations in an attempt to discern generalities applicable to all revolutions. Prerequisite: PO 202, Grade of C or higher.
PO 348 Asian Politics 3 Cr.
A study of the political systems, cultures, and issues of the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, North and South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, and India. This course will pay particular attention to the relationship between the West and Asia, the processes of "modernization," and the role of Asia in contemporary international relations. Prerequisite: PO 202, Grade of C or higher.
PO 388 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
PO 400 Independent Study 3 Cr.
An opportunity for qualified upperclassmen students to engage in an intensive reading or research program in fields of interest not satisfactorily covered by regular course offerings. Periodic conferences will be required. Permitted to be repeated thee times under a different topic. Prerequisite: written consent of the instructor to a specific project presented by the applicant; junior status or higher. Offered: Occasionally.
PO 403 Internship 3-15 Cr.
Direct participation in the practical workings of state, municipal, and Federal government. Ordinarily open only to seniors. Offered on availability to internships. Credits to be determined by instructor. Maximum 15 credits toward degree. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
PO 405 International Organizations 3 Cr.
This course focuses on the increasingly influential and varied roles international organizations play in the world today from peace and security to international development, human rights, and environmental protection. It traces the evolution of the thinking behind, and efforts to establish international organizations, and analyzes not only their promise and challenges, but also their successes and failures to date. Although particular attention is paid to the United Nations and its many affiliated bodies, regional organizations (e.g. European Union, Organization of American States, African Union, NATO), international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multi-national corporations are also assessed. Prerequisite: PO 215, Grade C or higher. Offered: Alternate years.
PO 410 Capstone Seminar in Political Science 3 Cr.
A research and writing course designed to introduce students to graduate standards of original research and critical writing in political science. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
PO 412 War and Peace 3 Cr.
An inquiry into the ostensible causes of war-- biological, economic, psychological, strategic, and theological; and an examination of the purported causes of war -- personal probity, military counterpoise, political utopia, and world government. Preparation of a substantial paper is required. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
PO 415 International Law 3 Cr.
This course examines the development of international law, and assesses its effectiveness in governing the relations among nation-states. The course examines early as well as more recent efforts to build a body of such law. It compares international law with domestic law, and explores the principal sources of international law. The course uses cases to analyze the development of international law in areas such as extraterritorial jurisdiction, the range of sovereignty, diplomatic relations, the treaty system, arbitration and adjudication, the use of force, human rights, the environment, and economic relations. Prerequisite: PO 215, Grade C or higher. Offered: Alternate years.
PO 488 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
PO 490 Honors in Political Science 3 Cr.
A substantial, sequential, research and writing project. See description of department honors program. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. Offered: Occasionally.
PO 491 Honors in Political Science 3 Cr.
The second semester of honors in political science. Devoted to writing and defending the honors thesis. Prerequisite: PO 490, Grade of B or higher and Permission of Instructor and Program Coordinator.