Political Science (POSC)

An exploration of political, social and economic issues and structures existing within and between states in the contemporary global community. Students are introduced to alternative approaches to analyzing these issues in diverse cultures and political settings. May be used for general education credit.

A general survey of Western political theory from Plato to Marx, including the foundations of political inquiry and the search for order and freedom.

An examination of institutions, processes and intellectual concepts which structure American political activity. The interaction of the political system with the changing American society and America's changing role in world affairs are also treated. The course provides an introduction to quantitative methodology. May be used for general education credit.

A survey of the field of international relations including consideration of the elements of national power, foreign policy, diplomacy, propaganda, foreign aid, war, international law and international organization.

A comparative study of selected political systems. Emphasis is on the structure of government, the political process and the conditions which either promote or constrain political change and stability.

Students learn how to conduct original research from theory formulation through data collection and hypothesis testing. Special emphasis on research and computer literacy.

This course examines the relationship between politics and film, broadly construed. The ability of film to inform and promote agendas on key political issues, and the way in which films reflect the world of ideas and political culture in which they are created will be explored in substantive areas that may include: social and political change, human rights and justice, the portrayal of political processes and institutions, and foreign policy.

A study of the manner in which the policy making process is conducted on the federal level. The function of political and governmental institutions in establishing public policy is examined through readings and observation. Enrollment in Washington Semester program required.

A study of state and local government in the United States with particular focus on Virginia. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the framework, functions, and problems of state and local governments.

This course is a study of the foundations of Western political theory as established by Plato and Aristotle, and developed by subsequent thinkers.

This course is a study of the ideas, principles and legacy of political theory as developed within the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Among others, and with some variation, works by St. Augustine, Alfarabi, Maimonides, St. Thomas Aquinas, Dante, Marsiglio of Padua, Christine de Pizan, Marsiglio Ficino and Machiavelli will be read. Other figures may also be covered, time permitting.

A study of political theory from Hobbes and Locke to Hegel, Green and other 19th century thinkers. The course will examine such ideas as freedom, political obligation, justice, progress, ethics and politics, and the relationship between the individual and the human polity.

An examination of political thinkers and their ideas from the end of the 19th century to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on the writings of Hannah Arendt, Jurgen Habermas, John Rawls and other contemporary thinkers who continue to engage in the pursuit of political inquiry.

A study of the relationship between normative political theory and ideology, emphasizing the philosophic foundations of modern political thought and its relationship to the emergence of various ideological positions in the 19th and 20th centuries. Includes a study of liberalism, conservatism, socialism, anarchism, nationalism, fascism, feminism, environmentalism and others.

This course investigates the importance of civic engagement for individuals and communities, long-term trends in civic behaviors and the implications of those trends. It explores traditional ways of preparing young people to be active and informed participants in civic and political life, as well as institutional, structural and political barriers to doing so. New, promising approaches to civic learning geared toward historically marginalized populations are also examined.

This course examines urban spaces and encourages students to think critically about place through the lens of several different academic disciplines. Topics include the importance of places cultivating feelings of community attachment and why it matters; designing places that promote informal social interactions and connectivity; celebrating cultural identities and confronting complicated histories; implications of transportation alternatives; creating places that are safe without being sterile; and common mistakes of the modern era.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the study of human rights within a U.S. political context. Course participants will examine the impact of federal, state and local legislation, the influence of US political actors, the work of advocacy organizations along with the responses from government institutions (the bureaucracy) and the American judicial system. The course will further student understanding of the complexities of human rights controversies and how consideration of these rights is conducted in practice in American society today.

A study of the legal aspects of the American democratic system. The development of the Constitution will be explored and case studies used to portray important events and changes.

An examination of the judicial interpretation of civil rights in America with emphasis on freedom of speech, due process of law and equal protection under the 14th Amendment.

What is the relationship between race and capitalism? How have individuals, institutions and nation-states employed racial categories and hierarchies to generate and distribute wealth and limited resources? This course introduces students to the conjunctive study of American racial politics and American political economy. Specifically, this course introduces students to the concept of "racial capitalism," which posits that race and capitalism are deeply intertwined, mutually constituted institutions. Students will become familiar with foundational literature and recent scholarship in the field that applies theories of racial capitalism to American politics and culture.

This class will explore housing law and policy. Topics include private landlord tenant laws, public and other federally subsidized housing, fair housing and the history of racial segregation, fair housing and the accommodation of physical and mental disabilities, tenant screening and evictions based upon criminal records, domestic violence and housing, sub-prime mortgage lending, foreclosures, manufactured-homes, the eviction crisis, and trends to create more affordable housing.

This course introduces students to the issues and processes involved in protecting the personal liberties of criminal suspects, focusing on the 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments. Topics include search and seizure, arrests, use of force, interrogation and confession, right to counsel, pretrial identification, the Exclusionary Rule and other remedies for constitutional violations.

A study of the development and significance of political ideas that have influenced American society and government.

This course will explore the nature and value of human rights by investigating some major debates over their status and meaning, and by examining some of the ways people have tried to secure human rights in practice.

Throughout the entire history of Black life and contact with what we call "The West," Blacks throughout the African diaspora have interrogated, analyzed and problem-solved questions of oppression, freedom and justice. How, exactly, did Black people, to paraphrase W.E.B. DuBois, become "a problem?" What role do politics, history, law, economics and culture play in problem-solving racial oppression and securing freedom and justice? How do interrelated social dynamics (such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, etc.) shape and reflect Black political demands and mobilization? What is the most appropriate lens through which Black intellectuals, both organic and academically credentialed, should analyze and interrogate the persistence of anti-black violence and discrimination? In short, how do Black people finally get free? In this course, we will examine some of the most salient of these reflections and the multiple traditions of Black political thought they represent. Students will develop their ability to critically assess disparate articulations of the relationship between domination, freedom and justice in Black political thought from the 18th century to the present. In doing so, students will develop a well-rounded view of this expansive literature while interrogating their own political and philosophical commitments.

This course explores American political thought from Reconstruction (ca. 1866) to the present day, drawing largely on primary sources, including writings by political leaders and activists, political theorists, philosophers, public intellectuals and religious thinkers.

This course examines the political thought of James Madison (1751-1836). Madison was a profound political thinker who read voraciously, thought deeply, and wrote eloquently and carefully about many of the leading political questions of his day - and ours. In this class, we will read, understand and critically assess what Madison contributed to these political dialogues and more generally to the American political tradition.

This course examines the core themes, concepts and debates in the subfield of Comparative Politics and how they apply to politics in selected countries around the world. The course emphasizes those themes and cases of greatest use to students pursuing careers in education and explores approaches to teaching this content in a variety of classroom settings.

This course serves future social studies teachers. It investigates the importance of civic engagement for individuals and communities, long-term trends in civic behaviors, and the implications of those trends. It explores traditional ways of preparing young people to be active and informed participants in civic and political life, as well as institutional, structural and political barriers to doing so. New, promising approaches to civic learning geared toward historically marginalized populations are also examined.

A comparative study of the processes of political development in the developing nations of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Attention is given to the special problems confronting these nations and their implications for the global systems.

In recent decades, social movements have mobilized people concerned about issues ranging from the rights of ethno-racial minorities, women, sexual minorities and immigrants to the environment, human rights and world peace. This course will examine the origins, modes of action and impact of such movements. We will apply the comparative method to analyze social movements in the United States and abroad, investigating how different socioeconomic and political contexts shape social movements based on common issues. The course will emphasize how social movements emerge and function within and alongside existing structures of formal politics.

The course offers and in-depth consideration of the political development of the European Union, the EU policy-making process, and contemporary issues that confront European leaders and citizens.

This course involves comparative analysis of the development and dynamics of political regimes in western Europe. Attention is given to political institutions, political participation, public policy, and political and economic trends since 1945.

This course involves comparative analysis of the development and dynamics of political regimes in central and eastern Europe. Attention is given to pre-communist, communist, and post-communist politics and to explaining political and economic trends since 1989.

A study of public policy formation and implementation in selected advanced industrial and Third World nations.

This course examines the various manifestations of cultural pluralism, a situation that occurs when multiple ethnic, religious, and/or linguistic groups coexist within a single state. This course considers different institutional and policy approaches to coping with cultural pluralism.

A comparative study of the political institutions, processes and current issues in the Latin American states, and an analysis of their importance in regional and global relations.

In-depth exploration of specialized topics in the area of American politics. The topic for each semester will be announced on MyMadison.

A comparative study of the institutions and social, economic, and global processes that affect contemporary African states. Political developments explored include the construction and transformation of postcolonial states, ethnic conflict, economic crisis and reform, and regime change.

This course involves comparative analysis of political institutions, social dynamics and economic processes in the contemporary Middle East. The course also focuses on the ways that global developments affect and are affected by Middle Eastern states and peoples.

A study of the political systems of the major countries of East Asia, including Japan, China and Korea. Issues discussed include political development and democratization movements in the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China and the Republic of Korea.

This undergraduate course provides an introduction to key institutions, transformations, and issues in contemporary Chinese politics.

In what sense is mental health political, and how can political science contribute to discussions around mental health? In this course, we will investigate how mental illness and mental health have been defined over time and examine historical developments in mental health policy from the 19th century to the post-Covid era. We will then turn our attention to how politics and mental health affect one another. How do mental health diagnoses (particularly clinical depression and anxiety) affect political attitudes and political behavior? In turn, how do political events and public policy outcomes affect individuals' propensity for anxiety or depression? The course will conclude by considering the mental health of politicians themselves, the status of mental health care today and factors that will shape access, treatment and outcomes into the future.

In-depth exploration of specialized topics in the field of international affairs. The topic for each semester will be announced on MyMadison.

A study of how citizens acquire politically relevant attitudes and how these attitudes influence their political behavior. The effects of the mass media on voting behavior are also considered. Emphasis is placed on U.S. voting behavior but behavior in other nations is also covered.

Hacking for Diplomacy is a project-orientated course that takes real problems from the Department of State, the intelligence community and other federal departments and agencies and has students use the Lean Launch Pad Methodology to test problem understanding and potential solutions. The course provides students the opportunity to serve as resource to help address critical problems facing the U.S. government today. Participation in this course promotes engagement between students and stakeholders from a range of government agencies and provides hands-on opportunity to solve real national security and foreign policy problems. A network of such courses across the U.S. is providing a system that can develop solutions that match government end users' in weeks.

This course will focus solely on the central role of political parties in the United States. Even though parties are not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution and the framers despised them, they quickly formed and have come to dominate our political environment. Fully understanding political parties is essential for the political science student.

Study of modern day political campaigning with emphasis on campaign structure, strategy, and the relationship between candidates and political consultants. The course assesses the consequences of the changing nature of political campaigns for democracy in the United States.

This course is centered on the politics of race and ethnicity within the United States of America. More specifically, it discusses how the U.S. government has and continues to shape patterns of racial inequality through public policy. By the end of the course, students will develop a broad, conceptual understanding of how racism is woven into the fabric of our society.

This course provides a historical context to the current conversations regarding immigrant integration, immigration policy and immigration reform. The course will focus on the development of our nation's immigration policies and the role that the social construction of race and gender has played in shaping decisions regarding immigration and citizenship. The course will also focus on international and forced migration, including the laws that govern those seeking refuge and asylum, and asylum policy in the U.S.

An analysis of the mobilization and lobbying activities of interest groups in the American public policy system, with an emphasis on the origin and maintenance of interest organizations; diversity and bias in the interest group system; lobbying influence and policy advocacy strategies, tactics, and targets; and the regulation of lobbying and related campaign finance activities.

The electoral process is one of the primary means by which Americans can hope to influence public officials, and thus public policy, in the United States. Elections provide voters an opportunity to hold political officials and political parties responsible for their actions in office; ideally, elections as a means of accountability should serve to keep office holders responsive to the public's needs. In reality, however, there are many impediments that may preclude the democratic system from functioning as effectively as it should, such as low levels of voter knowledge and voter turnout, changes in primary election scheduling, and even mathematical complications posed by the Electoral College system. Only by studying elections can we understand the complexity of our political environment, and how factors beyond voter preferences and candidate agendas can shape election outcomes in the United States.

An investigation of the processes for making foreign policy, underlying premises influencing specific policies and substance of American foreign policy.

In-depth exploration of specialized topics in the area of comparative politics. The topic for each semester will be announced on MyMadison.

An introduction to English government and law. Outings include visits to the Houses of Parliament, trials, and other events of political and legal import.

This course investigates the significance of ethical questions in the theory and practice of contemporary international politics, introducing a variety of normative approaches that shape the issues of peace and conflict, morality and justice in global affairs. Practical case studies will also be used to address issues of policy relevance, with particular attention paid to the American experience.

This course is an empirical and normative investigation of the relationship between war and justice. Empirically, it examines the causes of war and the ways in which wars end. From a normative perspective it raises the questions of when are wars just; how should a just war be fought; and what is a just peace.

The course will focus on the Latina/o/x populations in the United States and how the category of 'Latino' came into existence. Furthermore, students will learn how Latina/o/x identity has evolved over time as well as become politically salient within 21st century politics. The goal is for the student to develop a broad, conceptual understanding of how the term 'Latino' came into existence as well as how individuals who identify as 'Latina/o/x' have politically organized throughout history.

This course is an introduction to how Black political scientists and Black communities have developed and articulated a Weltanschauung or worldview that situates their political thought, behavior, productions, leadership and pathways to liberation from historical, contemporary, transnational and intersectional frameworks. Topics discussed in this course include political organizing for social justice; political thought and philosophy; formal and informal political leadership; race, gender, class and sexuality; electoral politics; and more.

This course explores how anti-Blackness, racialization, transphobia, misogynoir, violence and more impact the everyday lives of Black women and gender expansive communities from a transnational Black feminist lens.

This course is centered on the policies surrounding the U.S. and Mexico border, with a focus on the effect these policies have had on Latina/o/x populations. Students will examine peer-reviewed studies of immigration policy, public opinion and political rhetoric, as well as individual accounts of the immigrant experience. By the end of the course, students will have an increased understanding of how border policy has historically evolved and the Latino/a/x population reactions across time.

This course takes a close look at key topics in international laws of war, also known as international humanitarian law (IHL). It is intended to be a survey of international laws of war. It is assumed that students are coming to the course with no or little background in this area of the law (either through study or prior experience), or in related fields. Building upon a foundation of assigned readings on core IHL topics, this course will examine complex and controversial topics such as drone warfare, human rights in counterterrorism and the obligations of military personnel. Students will acquire knowledge of IHL by discovering its rules applicable to practical cases taken from contemporary practice.

A study of the institution of the American presidency focusing on the sources, bases and character of the power required by the president for effective executive action. Relationships of the presidency to foreign affairs, Congress, the public, party structure and the administrative establishment will also be considered.

In-depth exploration of specialized topics in the area of political theory. The topic for each semester will be announced on MyMadison.

An examination of the role religion has played and continues to play in American politics. Besides providing an overview of how religion has influenced electoral, legislative, and judicial outcomes, the course will provide an in-depth examination of particular aspects of religion's role in political life.

A study of the causes and consequences of women's political marginalization in the United States and abroad. The course examines socioeconomic and political dimensions of gender inequality, exploring how women have worked through social movements, electoral politics, and public policy initiatives to overcome obstacles to their political empowerment.

This course examines the role of minority groups in American Politics. Attention is given to five groups (African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and women) that for reason of race or gender have faced institutional discrimination and political domination in the United States.

Study of the legislative process will concentrate on the operation of Congress with regard to such matters as its rules and procedure; relationships to the presidency, the bureaucracy, pressure groups and the courts; and a discussion of its current problems.

An investigation of the American court system. The course focuses on the role of the judiciary in American politics, the difference between judicial and other political and bureaucratic decision-making processes, the selection of judges, the decisions made by judges and other actors interacting with the courts, and the impact of court decisions on American society.

An examination of the Supreme Court appellate process in the United States from its beginnings with the lower court opinion through oral argument. Class is conducted as a seminar in which students are expected to engage actively. Students study substantive areas of constitutional law and the common law system of precedent.

This is a project-oriented course that takes real problems from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and other federal agencies and has students use design thinking and entrepreneurial start-up principles to test problem understanding and potential solutions. The course provides students the opportunity to serve as a resource to help address critical problems facing the U.S. government today. Participation in this course promotes engagement between students and stakeholders from a range of government agencies and provides a hands-on opportunity to solve real national security and defense problems.

In-depth exploration of specialized topics in the area of public policy. The topic for each semester will be announced on MyMadison.

A study of the evolution, theory and practice of peace studies. The course focuses on how we wage and resolve conflict, how we effect social change, and how we provide for security through nonviolent means.

This course examines the concept of security in a globalized world, paying particular attention to threats to individuals and groups in the post-Cold War international system. Topics include the transition from state security to individual security, human development, human rights, military intervention, responsibility to protect, and global governance.

A study of the causes and consequences of violent political conflict between and within states. The course emphasizes the theoretical explanations of conflict initiation, escalation, and termination, with applications to both individual cases and broader patterns of conflictual behavior.

Examination of the role of international law in world politics. Particular attention will be given to the effects of international law on patterns of international exchange and interaction. Case study and other forms of political analysis will be used.

Study of the evolution and role of contemporary international organizations in the larger context of world politics. Emphasis on the ways in which the changing patterns of political power influence the processes and effectiveness of such organizations.

A study of the political dynamics and implications of international economic relations.

Application of concepts and insights learned in the classroom to contemporary policy problems and practical activities. The topic of this course will vary from offering to offering. The exact courses required will vary with the subject matter of the simulation.

This course introduces students to a novel topic in political science or public affairs. Content will vary from offering to offering.

This course examines major threats to international security in the post-Cold War world. Topics include the changing global security environment, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and ethnic conflict. The effectiveness of economic sanctions, deterrence, international organizations, preventative war and other tools in dealing with these threats in critically examined.

Systematic study of political terrorism with emphasis upon the destabilizing effect that it has upon the international community.

An examination of the political dynamics of social, economic, security and governance problems faced in rebuilding societies that are emerging from a period of intense conflict. Emphasis on institutional and behavioral challenges brought about by conflict; strategies employed by domestic and international actors to promote democratic, just and secure societies after conflict; and standards that can be used to assess the success, failure and durability of a newly emerging political system.

Fates of Empire looks at several different historical empires to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on what makes empires succeed or fall apart. The course will apply a variety of theoretical approaches from history, political science, economics and geography to consider each case study and the broader concept of empire. This class is particularly aimed at students in the social studies teacher licensure programs, to help them learn how to apply the history in middle and high school classrooms.

An examination of techniques and principles for the analysis of future political conditions and future government decisions.

This course is a study of the media's role in the political system, concentrating on the dynamic and interdependent relationships among journalists, politicians, the public and public policy. The course explores media and politics theories; how media practices and technologies shape political decision making; how political forces influence media institutions; and how public opinion and media narratives are shaped.

This course is a study of the media's role in the political system of the United Kingdom, concentrating on the dynamic and interdependent relationships among journalists, politicians, the public and public policy. The course explores media and politics theories as they apply to the British context; how UK media practices and technologies shape political decision making; how political forces influence British media institutions; and how public opinion and media narratives are shaped within a parliamentary democracy.

A research-oriented tutorial designed to integrate student's prior knowledge and strengthen lifelong learning skills.

This course offers practical preparation for students admitted to Washington Semester internships. Students learn how to improve and tailor resumes and cover letters, articulate skills and interests, interview effectively, and network professionally. The course introduces D.C.'s internship landscape, search tools and timelines, and professional norms. Assignments include a targeted resume, cover letter(s), references list, LinkedIn profile refinement, writing sample selection and a curated list of internships with a search plan. Permission of the instructor is required for enrollment.

This research-oriented senior seminar provides an overview of the discipline of political science and the different approaches to research in the field. A major research project will strengthen the research, information access and lifelong learning capacities of the student. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.

This course will provide students with experiential learning opportunities in policymaking, campaigning, media, legislative politics and lobbying. A research paper relating the internship to the student's academic work will enhance the learning experience.

This course provides students with opportunities for experiential learning in a legislative, policy-making, campaign, constituency, interest group or criminal justice organization. A research paper related to the internship and a presentation based on the experience are required. No more than three credit hours can be counted toward the political science major. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll.

Provide Washington Semester participant with opportunities for experiential learning in a Washington, D.C.-based legislative, policy making, campaign, constituency, interest group or criminal justice organization. Requirements include 360 work hours, a research paper related to the internship, a career report, a daily log, and regular meetings with faculty-in-residence. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing, 15 credits of political science, public administration or political communication, and successful application to Washington Semester program.

Research in a selected area of political science as arranged with a faculty sponsor. Research outline must be approved by faculty sponsor and department head the semester before registration. Course may be repeated.