Course Catalog • Political Science

An introduction to basic American governmental institutions, political processes, and policy. Four written assignments; midcourse examination or book review; final examination. Instructor: Heather Yates.

Textbooks and e-readings (separate purchase):

• Lowi, Ginsberg, and Shepsle. American Government, 10th ed., W.W. Norton, 2008.

An introduction to the comparative study of political systems emphasizing governmental structures, parties, electoral techniques, and recent trends in the field. The course also considers major differences between (1) representative and autocratic systems, and (2) developed and underdeveloped nations. Thirteen written assignments; unsupervised midcourse examination; supervised final examination. Instructor: Raminta Stockute.

Textbooks (separate purchase):

• Sodaro. Comparative Politics: A Global Introduction, 3rd ed., McGraw Hill Companies, Inc., 2008.

A study of the nation-state system including the role of nationalism, sovereignty, and power. Patterns of state action including neutralism, collective security, war, and cooperation through international organizations are stressed. Specific examples of contemporary international problems are also analyzed and discussed. Five written assignments; two case studies; midcourse and final examinations. Instructor: Terilyn Huntington.

Textbooks (separate purchase):

• Mingst. Essentials of International Relations, 4th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2008.
• Mingst and Snyder. Essential Readings in World Politics, 3rd ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2008.