Political Science
Office: 110 Rockefeller Hall, Website: politicalscience.vassar.edu,
Phone: (845) 437–5560, e–mail: polisci@vassar.edu
Professors: Richard Born, Sidney Plotkin, Stephen R. Rock (Chair),
Mary L. Shanley, Peter G. Stillman, Adelaide H. Villmoare; Associate
Professors: Luke C. Harris, Leah Hausb; Assistant
Professors: Andrew Davisonab, Katherine Hite, Timothy
Longmanab, Himadeep Muppidi; Adjunct Professors: Richard
Reitano,* Wilfrid Rumble*.
Requirements for Concentration: 10 units, including two of the
four introductory courses (Political Science 140, 150, 160, 170); 1
unit at the 100– or 200–level in each of the four major fields
of political science, i.e., American Politics, Comparative Politics,
International Politics, Political Theory; 2 units of graded 300–level
work (including one 300–level seminar to be taken in senior year).
No more than 1 unit of field work may be counted toward the major. After
declaring a major, no course in political science may be elected NRO.
Transfer students and students taking academic leaves of absence:
A minimum of 6 graded units in the political science major must be taken
at Vassar.
Senior–Year Requirement: One 300–level seminar.
Recommendation: Political Analysis (207) is highly recommended
to all majors because it deals specifically with a basic methodology
of political science.
Sequence of Courses: The department recommends that students
take Modern Political Thought (270) before electing subsequent 200–
and 300–level political theory courses. There is no requirement
to specialize in one of the four fields, although specialization is
permitted.
Advisers: The department.
Correlate Sequences in Political Science: Four correlate sequences
are available in political science: one each in American Politics, Comparative
Politics, International Politics, and Political Theory. 6 political
science units are required to complete each sequence. With the approval
of the sequence adviser, up to 2 units of political science credit transferred
from outside Vassar may count toward the completion of the sequence.
With the approval of the sequence adviser, a maximum of 1 unit of fieldwork
may count toward completion of the sequence. Up to 1 unit of work elected
NRO, taken before declaring a correlate sequence, may count toward completion
of the sequence. After declaring a correlate sequence, no course elected
NRO may count toward completion of the sequence.
Correlate Sequence in American Politics: Political Science 140;
three courses at the 200–level in the subfield of American politics;
one additional related 200–level course (to be determined by the
correlate sequence adviser and the student); and a 300–level course
in the subfield of American politics. Sequence Advisers: Mr. Plotkin,
Ms. Villmoare.
Correlate Sequence in Comparative Politics: Political Science
150; three courses at the 200–level in the subfield of comparative
politics; one additional related 200–level course (to be determined
by the correlate sequence adviser and the student); and a 300–level
course in the subfield of comparative politics. Sequence Adviser: Mr. Longman.
Correlate Sequence in International Politics: Political Science
160; three courses at the 200–level in the subfield of international
politics; one additional related 200–level course (to be determined
by the correlate sequence adviser and the student); and a 300–level
course in the subfield of international politics. Sequence Adviser:
Ms. Haus.
Correlate Sequence in Political Theory: Political Science 170;
three courses at the 200–level in the subfield of political theory;
one additional related 200–level course (to be determined by the
correlate sequence adviser and the student); and a 300–level course
in the subfield of political theory. Sequence Advisers: Ms. Shanley,
Mr. Stillman.
I. Introductory
The courses listed below are introductions to the four major fields
of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International
Politics, and Political Theory. First–year students would normally
elect one course each semester. Two introductory courses are required
of majors, and it is possible and sometimes desirable to take all four.
Introductory courses may be taken either semester.
140a or b. American Politics (1)
An analysis of the American political system and the structures and
processes by which public policies are formulated and implemented. Attention
is focused upon decision making in institutions of American national
government, such as Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court,
and upon political behaviorpublic opinion, voting, and other forms of
political activity. Attention is also given to evaluation of selected
public policies and contemporary issues, and questions of political
change. Mr. Born, Mr. Harris, Mr. Plotkin, Ms. Villmoare.
150a or b. Comparative Politics (1)
An examination of the political systems of selected foreign societies
chosen to illustrate major types: Western and non–Western, democratic
and authoritarian, and mature and developing. The political system is
seen to include formal institutions of government, such as parliaments
and bureaucracies; political parties and other forms of group life;
those aspects of the history and social and economic structure of a
society that are relevant to politics; and political beliefs, values,
and ideologies. Special attention is given to the question of political
change and development, whether through revolutionary or constitutional
process. Ms. Hite, Mr. Longman.
160a or b. International Politics (1)
An examination of major issues in international politics, including
national and international security and production and distribution
of wealth, along with selected global issues such as human rights, ethnic
nationalism and ethnic conflict, migration and refugees, environmental
degradation and protection, and the impact of developments in communication
and information technologies. Attention is also given to the origins,
evolution, and the future of the contemporary international system,
as well as to competing theoretical perspectives on world politics.
Ms. Haus, Mr. Rock, Mr. Muppidi.
170a or b. Political Theory (1)
An introduction to the nature, types, and problems of political theory.
The core of the readings consists of selections from the classic works
of Western political philosophy. The relevance of the ideas of the classical
political philosophers to current political developments and scholarship
is emphasized. Mr. Davison, Ms. Shanley, Mr. Stillman.
Open to juniors and seniors by permission only.
II. Intermediate
Prerequisite: 1 unit of introductory political science, or by permission
of instructor which is generally granted to juniors and seniors with
sufficient preparation in related disciplines.
[207. Political Analysis] (1)
A study of the methods for collecting quantitative and qualitative
data in political science. In addition to exploring the logic of scientific
inquiry and methods of analysis, normative questions are raised concerning
the potential biases and limitations of particular modes of inquiry.
Research examples emphasize the special problems in cross–cultural
validation. Mr. Born.
Alternate years: not offered in 2001/02.
A. American Politics
234. Mass Media and Politics (1)
This course explores various forms of mass media, including newspapers
and journals, television, film, radio, and the internet as well as politics
in the contemporary United States. Among the topics examined are
the relationships between mass media and 1) electoral politics; 2) governance
at the national level; 3) crime and law and order; 4) politics of race,
class and gender. Ms. Villmoare.
236. The Law and Politics of Death in Modern America (1)
This course proposes to study the political, legal, philosophical,
technological, and social dimensions of death in the United States.
It begins with an examination of current scientific and moral questions
surrounding definitions of death (and life). From there we move to consider
assisted suicide, murder, lynching (as a particular form of murder),
and killing of batterers with particular attention to issues confronted
by the legal and political system. A final portion of the course engages
debate surrounding capital punishment. Throughout the course we focus
on the role of the state (especially the criminal justice system), legal
rights and claims, and political activism. Ms. Villmoare.
237. Law of Race and Gender Antidiscrimination in the U.S. (1)
This course explores the history of antidiscrimination law in the United States.
We start by examining how people of color and Euro–Americans were
defined as "races." Thereafter, we analyze the development
of antidiscrimination principles in America by focusing on a range of
Supreme Court decisions and Congressional initiatives developed in the
eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. An array of interdisciplinary
secondary sources as well as writings by lawyers, political scientists,
and legal scholars are used in this class. Mr. Harris.
238. Power and Public Policy (1)
An examination of the policy consequences of power in the United States,
including the role of the corporation as a policy making institution
and the influence of citizens and social movements on public policy.
The emphasis is on theories of power, relationships between economic
and political power, and the impact of power on ideology and the structuring
of policy alternatives, policy making, and policy implementation. Case
studies may include policy areas such as health, environment, tobacco,
technology, and mass media. Mr. Plotkin.
[240. The American Presidency] (1)
An analysis of the American presidency, with emphasis on recent presidents.
Topics include presidential nominations and elections; the nature and
use of presi–dential power; the institutionalized presidency; policy
making in the White House; the relationship between presidents and other
key political factors, e.g., the Congress, the bureaucracy, the media,
and public opinion; and the role of presidential personality and style.
Mr. Born.
Alternate years: not offered in 2001/02.
241. Congress (1)
An analysis of the contemporary and evolving U.S. Congress, its organization,
functions, and politics. Topics include congressional elections and
representation; the internal life and norms of the House and Senate;
the structure of power in Congress; interest groups and lobbying; presidential–congressional
relations; the congressional response to selected public problems; and
political change and the future of Congress. Mr. Born.
242. Law, Justice, and Politics (1)
An analysis of the interrelationships between law and politics in civil
and criminal spheres in the United States, focusing on the role
of the police, courtroom participants, and prison officials. Special
emphasis is given to decision making in criminal law at the local levele.g.,
pretrial negotiations, bail, and sentencing. Ms. Villmoare.
243b. Constitutional Law (1)
Leading decisions of the Supreme Court interpreting the Constitution
of the United States, with special reference to the powers of government
and the rights of individuals. Mr. Rumble.
244. Political Parties and Public Opinion (1)
An examination of the nature and roles of public opinion and political
parties in American politics, with emphasis on democratic means of political
participation and influence in contemporary America. Special attention
is paid to mass and elite political attitudes and behavior, techniques
of public opinion polling, the impact of public opinion on policy making,
recent national elections, campaign techniques and strategies, and the
changing party system. Mr. Born.
Alternate years: offered in 2001/02.
[246. African American Politics] (1)
(Same as Africana Studies 246) This course analyzes the diverse ways
in which African Americans have engaged in politics in the United States.
After briefly considering challenges facing the African American community,
the course looks at approaches to politics including active engagement
in the political system, Pan–Africanism and Black nationalism,
accommodation and assimilation, class–based struggle, and everyday
forms of resistance. The course concludes with a consideration of possible
policy alternatives advocated by various African American leaders. Writers
to be studied may include W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Booker T. Washington,
Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Jr., William Julius Wilson, bell hooks,
Manning Marable, Robin Kelley, Angela Davis, and Patricia WilliaMs. Mr. Longman.
Not offered in 2001/02.
247. The Politics of Difference (1)
This course relates to the meanings of various group experiences in
American politics. It explicitly explores, for example, issues of race,
class, gender, and sexual orientation. Mr. Harris.
B. Comparative Politics
[250. African Politics] (1)
(Same as Africana Studies 250) This course introduces students to the
great diversity of peoples, ideas, cultures, and political practices
found on the African continent. The course first investigates the causes
of the contemporary social, economic, and political challenges facing
African states, then analyzes the ways in which African populations
have responded to foreign domination, authoritarian government, unfavorable
economic conditions, and social divisions. The course uses case studies
of African countries to explore political issues within specific contexts
and pays particular attention to international involvement in Africa.
Mr. Longman.
Alternate years: not offered in 2001/02.
252. The Politics of Modern Social Movements (1)
This course examines continuities and transformations in both the study
and practice of modern political and social movements. The course explores
why movements emerge, how they develop, and what they accomplish. We
study several dimensions of collective action, including their organization,
leadership, ideology or programmatic content, and objectives. Our case
studies are rich and diverse, spanning actors and geographic regions,
yet we consciously draw comparisons across the cases concerning movements'
origins, the context of power relations and political positioning within
society. We also seek to understand the sometimes powerful, sometimes
subtle influences of twentieth century social movements on the nature
of socioeconomic, gender, racial and ethnic relations today. Ms. Hite
[253. Transitions In Europe] (1)
This course considers transitions in Europe, with a focus on Russia
and the European Union. An analysis of such changes as the collapse
of authoritarianism and emergence of democracy in the former Soviet
Union, the emerging democratic deficit in the European Union, marketization
in Russia, and the transition to a single European market in the European
Union. Ms. Haus.
Not offered in 2001/02.
[254. Western European Politics] (1)
A comparative analysis of political phenomena in Western Europe, with
a focus on Britain, France, and Germany. The course considers institutional,
economic and cultural approaches to analyze changes in social coalitions
and cleavages, and policy–making. Subjects discussed include unemployment,
labour unions, immigrant incorporation, and the rise and decline of
radical right wing parties. Ms. Haas.
Not offered in 2001/02.
255. Government and Politics in South Asia (1)
A comparative analysis of political phenomena in South Asia with special
attention to the interaction between traditional cultural patterns,
such as religion, caste, and language, and modern political forms, such
as parties, parliamentary institutions, bureaucracy, political associations,
and the military. Primary attention is given to India with some reference
to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Instructor to be announced.
Mr. Muppidi.
Alternate years: offered in 2001/02.
[256. Politics and Conflict in the Middle East] (1)
A comparative analysis of the causes and dynamics of selected intra–
and interstate conflicts in the Middle East: the Arab/Palestinian–Israeli
conflict, the gulf Wars of the 1980s and 1990s, and the conflicts over
Kurdistan and the Western Sahara. Also receiving attention are the various
institutional, economic, ideological, cultural, and technological factors
shaping these conflicts, their competing interpretations, and questions
concerning "just resolution." Mr. Davison.
Not offered in 2001/02.
[257. Legacies of Violence] (1)
A comparative analysis of the legacies of political violence for both
democratic and democratizing regimes. Legacies expressed through "formal"
political institutions (i.e., constitutions, laws, political parties),
and through more "informal", or cultural, expressions of authoritarianism
(i.e., collective memories, symbolic acts and phenomena, day–to–day
social relations) which together influence the scope and depth of democracy
in post–authoritarian politics. Case studies include Italy, Germany,
Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the former Yugoslavia, and the Czech
Republic. Ms. Hite.
Not offered in 2001/02.
258. Latin American Politics (1)
An examination of major political issues and challenges facing contemporary
Latin America, from ongoing processes of democratization and economic
liberalization, to new efforts at regional integration and peace–keeping.
The course also explores movements for socially sustainable development
and citizenship rights on the part of non–governmental organizations
and networks. The course uses country cases from throughout the region,
including the Southern Cone, the Andes, Central America, and Mexico.
Ms. Hite
C. International Politics
[261. Theories of War and Peace] (1)
An inquiry into the causes of war and peace among states. Explanations
at various levelshuman, societal, governmental, internationalare considered.
The course aims at an understanding of those factors which lead individual
states into conflict with one another as well as those which incline
the broader international system toward stability or instability. Mr. Rock.
Alternate years: not offered in 2001/02.
264. The Foreign Policy of the United States (1)
Key factors which shape the formulation and execution of American foreign
policy are identified, primarily through a series of case studies drawn
from postWorld War II experience in world affairs. Normative issues
concerning the decision–making process and foreign policy goals
and means are also discussed. Mr. Rock.
[265. International Political Economy] (1)
This course analyzes the relationship between politics and economics,
and explores change in the global political economy. Subjects considered
include the rise and decline of empires; international institutions
and their implications for cooperation and conflict; and globalization
and its implications for inequality and democracy. Ms. Haas.
Not offered in 2001/02.
266. Defense Policy and Arms Control (1)
An examination of American defense and arms control policy since 1945.
Particular atention is given to the theory and practice of conventional
and nuclear deterrence, and to the analysis of such contemporary issues
as proliferation, the role of women and gays in the military, and the
problem of economic conversion. Mr. Rock.
Alternate years: offered in 2001/02.
268. The Politics of Globalization (1)
Globalization is increasingly seen as a new and powerful force in world
politics, but there is intense debate over what this new force is and
what its effects are. This course introduces students to some of the
more prominent ways of theorizing globalization and explaining the politics
underlying the economic, social and cultural effects it generates. Mr. Muppidi.
269. National Model United Nations (1)
Prepares students to participate in the National Model U.N. in New
York. Students represent a country and its policies, research the country's
history, its economic and political systems, and its foreign policy.
Participation in the Model U.N. occurs in April. Mr. Reitano.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor; requires application early
in the a–term.
One 4–hour period.
D. Political Theory
270. Modern Political Thought (1)
A study of selected modern political theorists, such as Machiavelli,
Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Mill, and Arendt. Among the themes stressed
are theories of sovereignty, the development and varieties of liberalism
and individualism, different theories of community, the relationships
between politics and economics, and the relationship between the individual
and the state. Mr. Stillman.
[271. American Political Theory] (1)
Studies of American political theory, particularly issues surrounding
the meanings of democracy, political obligation, and equality. Readings
include works about the government of Native American peoples, Spanish
and English colonial rule, the U.S. Constitution, the postCivil
War amendments, women's suffrage and women's rights, and the political
and constitutional challenges posed by a pluralistic or multicultural
society. Mr. Stillman, Ms. Shanley.
Not offered in 2001/02.
[273. Interpreting Politics] (1)
A detailed study of the philosophical underpinnings of various modes
of interpreting politics: empiricism/positivism; interpretive/hermeneutic
inquiry, critical theory, rational choice theory, realism, and discourse
analysis. Aim is to understand the central concepts and goals of each
approach, the kinds of explanations they seek to offer, and the views
they posit regarding the relationship between politics and theory, on
the one hand, and politics and the political analyst, on the other.
Mr. Davison.
Not offered in 2001/02.
274. Thorstein Veblen and the Politics of Capitalism (1)
Among the critics of American capitalism, Thorstein Veblen produced
an original and penetrating study of American society. Veblen's critique
focused on capitalism as a business culture whose archaic political
habits distort its economic promise. This course surveys Veblen's critique
as a guide to the politics of contemporary American capitalism. Themes
include connections between money and the price system, consumption,
waste, absentee ownership, democracy, militarism, and gender. Veblen's
influence on such later critics of the system as C. Wright Mills and
Herbert Marcuse are examined, along with trenchant critics of Veblen,
such as Theodore Adorno. Mr. Plotkin.
[275. Ideology and Politics in the Muslim Middle East] (1)
In this course we will study various Muslim interpretations of Islam
and its role in politics in the Middle East. Readings will focus on
different interpretations on the relationship between Islam and politics
in the region and the material and institutional contexts of selected
states within which those interpretations emerge. These states will
include Iran (an Islamic Republic), Turkey (a Laicist Republic), and
several states in the Arab world. Readings will also include material
on women in Islam and Sufism. Mr. Davison.
Not offered in 2001/02.
276. Utopian Political Thought (1)
A study of major Western utopias from Thomas More's to the present,
including proposed "good societies," dystopias such as Brave
New World, and existing communities, such as theme parks, suburbs,
and malls, that are utopian or can be analyzed through utopian principles.
Central themes include the treatment of change, progress, and ideals;
idealism versus realism; and problems of political critique and political
prograMs. Mr. Stillman.
Alternate years: offered in 2001/02.
278. Feminism and Political Theory (1)
Explores selected topics of importance for both political philosophy
and feminist theory. Examines disputes surrounding such concepts as
equality, liberty, reverse discrimination, autonomy, privacy, and citizenship,
and may utilize classic texts as well as contemporary writings. Particular
attention is paid to the diversity of experiences and perspectives among
American feminists. Ms. Shanley.
Alternate years: offered in 2001/02.
283a The Politics of Culture and Economy in Africa (1)
(same as African a Studies 283a) This course is situated at the interface
of the fields of cultural studies and political economy. The class examines
the political economy of culture- the material conditions under which
African people imagine, represent and reproduce their societies -Ðas
well as the culture of political economy- the social framework of thinking
through which Africans engage the global market and the local contexts
of their daily economic production. At the point of intersection between
culture and economy are profound statement and actions that problematize,
pluralize, specify and contextualize African political thought. This
course therefore involves a set of interrogations around the notion
of "the political" in Africa. Particular attention is paid to forms
of popular cultural production, informal economies and the mechanisms
of transaction and exchange that work to generate new and dynamic understandings
of territory, power, and belonging. This course uses readings drawn
from political economy, comparative politics, cultural studies and African
studies. Ms. Mwangi. Two 75- minute meetings.
E. Other
290a or b. Field Work (1/2 or 1)
Individual or group field projects or internships with prior approval
of the adviser. Students are expected to do substantial directed reading
in theoretical material specifically related to the field placement
prior to or in conjunction with the field experience; to develop in
consultation with a faculty supervisor a set of questions based on the
theoretical reading to guide the field observations; to submit a written
report relating the theoretical reading to the field observations or,
in lieu of a report and at the option of the department, to take a final
oral examination administered by two faculty members. No more than 1
unit of field work (either 290, 291, or a combination of the two) may
be counted toward fulfilling the requirements of the minimum major.
The department.
298a or b. Independent Work (1/2 or 1)
Independent work is normally based on a student's desire to study with
an instruc–
tor a specialized aspect of a course taken with that instructor. One
unit normally entails substantial directed reading and/or the writing
of a long paper and biweekly conferences with the instructor. In no
case shall independent work satisfy the sub–field distribution
requirement. The department.
III. Advanced
Prerequisite for all advanced seminars: permission of the instructor
and normally a relevant course at a lower level. Enrollments, in general,
are limited to twelve students. The content of seminars can vary from
year to year depending upon inter–ests of students and instructors.
Seminars might focus on topics too specialized to receive exhaustive
treatment in lower–level courses; they might explore particular
approaches to the discipline or particular methods of research; they
might be concerned with especially difficult problems in political life,
or be oriented toward a research project of the instructor.
A. Optional Senior Thesis
300. Senior Thesis (1)
A 1–unit thesis, written in the fall semester.
301–302. Senior Thesis (1 or 2)
A 1–unit thesis written in two semesters or a 2–unit thesis
written in two semesters.
B. American Politics Seminars
341. Seminar in Congressional Politics (1)
This seminar focuses on the theme of congresspeople and their constituentsa
subject that has become quite popular among congressional scholars.
While the theme is broadly construed, most of our attention is focused
on congressional elections. Here we study reapportionment and redistricting,
campaign finance reform, the too–often ignored subject of recruitment
of congressional candidates, the role of national party organizations
in congressional campaigns, the emergence of sophisticated campaign
techniques, how the Republicans managed to "nationalize" the
1994 midterms and win their landslide victory, why divided party control
of government has been so pervasive in the U.S., and how congresspeople
continually cultivate the support of constituents over their entire
term of office through casework and project assistance. Mr. Born.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
One 2–hour period.
343. Seminar in Constitutional Theory (1)
Explores the constitutional rights of members of groups that previously
were relegated to second–class citizenship in the United States.
Forms of discrimination based upon group factors such as gender, race,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, economic class, and
religion are considered. Mr. Harris.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
One 2–hour period.
346. Seminar in American Politics (1)
An examination of selected topics in American politics. Ms. Villmoare.
Prerequisite: by permission, normally an intermediate–level course
in American politics.
One 2–hour period.
348. Seminar in Democracy and Power in America (1)
An examination of tensions and adjustments between democratic ideals
and the structures and practices of political and economic power in
the United States. Mr. Plotkin.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor, normally an intermediate–level
course in American Politics.
One 2–hour period.
C. Comparative Politics Seminars
[352. Seminar on Multiculturalism in Comparative Perspective] (1)
(Same as Africana Studies 352) This seminar explores the political
significance of cultural diversity. Based on the comparative analysis
of the United States and other multicultural states, the course
examines how and why racial, ethnic, linguistic, and religious identities
become grounds for political action. The course examines the formation
of identity groups and considers the origins of prejudice, racism, and
discrimination. The course also considers peaceful means that governments
can use to accommodate cultural diversity. In addition to the United States,
countries studied may include South Africa, Rwanda, India, and Yugoslavia.
Mr. Longman.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
One 2–hour period.
Not offered in 2001/02.
[354. Seminar on the Politics of Religion in Africa and the Diaspora]
(1)
(Same as Africana Studies 354) In recent decades the influence of religious
organizations and movements on politics has emerged as a major focus
within the social sciences. In this course, we consider issues of religion
and politics within the specific context of Africa and the African Diaspora.
Topics include religious involvement in democratization movements in
countries from South Africa to Haiti, the rise of Islamist political
movements in places such as Sudan and Algeria; conflicts and interactions
between religious traditions; the political implications of syncretic
religious movements such as Umbanda and Kitawalism; and the significance
of the Black church in African American politics. Mr. Longman.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
One 2–hour period.
Not offered in 2001/02.
355. Seminar on Violence (1)
This seminar explores the many manifestations of political violence.
Drawing primarily from cases in the Third World, we examine: 1) how
governments and societies address systematic violations of human rights
of their pasts; 2) organized insurgency and counterinsurgency response;
and 3) extremely high levels of violence as an every day social phenomenon.
The seminar attempts to address the influences, linkages, and implications
of past and present violence for these societies; present and future
politics and culture. Case studies come from Latin American, Africa
and Southeast Asia, and students are encouraged to focus on a country
case in consultations with the instructor. Ms. Hite.
[357. Seminar in Political Psychology] (1)
This seminar explores topics and approaches in the realm of political
psychology, including: psychologically–based explanations for both
individual and collective citizen political behavior; political psychology
studies of political elites; psychologically–understandings of
state and nation; and political psychology approaches to inter–state
relations. Ms. Hite
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
One 2–hour period
Not offered in 2001/02.
D. International Politics Seminars
360. Seminar in International Conflict and Cooperation (1)
An examination of selected topics in international conflict and cooperation.
Mr. Rock.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
One 2–hour period.
362. Seminar in International Politics: Migration and Citizenship
(1)
An inquiry into the causes and consequences of migration from developing
countries (such as China, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Algeria)
to developed countries (e.g., The U.S., France, Britain, and Germany).
The seminar first addresses different explanations for why people move
across state borders, and considers the role of economic forces, smuggler
networks, transnational social networks, and the legacies of colonialism.
The seminar then addresses immigrant incorporation and reactions to
immigration in developed countries through an analysis of such subjects
as immigrant entrepreneurship in New York City, relations between unions
and immigrants, citizenship policy in France, Germany and the U.S.,
and the incorporation of immigrant children or the second generation.
Ms. Haus.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
One 2–hour period.
363. Decolonizing International Relations (1)
Colonial frameworks are deeply constitutive of mainstream international
relations. Issues of global security, economy, and politics continue
to be analyzed through perspectives that either silence or are impervious
to the voices and agencies of global majorities. This seminar challenges
students to enter into, reconstruct, and critically evaluate the differently
imagined worlds of ordinary, subaltern peoples and political groups.
We draw upon postcolonial theories to explore alternatives to the historically
dominant explanations of international relations. Mr. Muppidi.
E. Political Theory Seminars
373. Seminar in Political Philosophy (1)
A study of a major theorist, school, or problem in political philosophy.
Mr. Stillman.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
One 2–hour period.
[375. The Three Religions of the Book and Political Theory] (1)
An examination of theories underlying contemporary theopolitical thought
and practice through an examination of the primary and secondary canons
of the Judaic, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Topics include: interpretations
of power, authority, obligation, citizenship, justice, peace, war, and
the role and function of the state. Readings include contemporary accounts
of the persisting of each traditions' view of politics in contemporary
political theory and practice. Mr. Davison.
Not offered in 2001/02.
[376. Seminar in Feminist Theory In Political Thought] (1)
This seminar studies feminist theory concerning families and public
policies affecting family life in the contemporary United States.
We examine the impact of reproductive technology on family formation
(including "surrogate motherhood," sperm and ovum donation);
single motherhood and welfare policy (from the Moynihan Report to the
Contract with America); adoption (particularly transracial adoption
and "open" adoption); legal and social aspects of same–sex
marriage and same–sex parenting; and the philosophical and political
aspects of the "family values" debate. We pay particular attention
to the impact of race and class on each of the issues we study. Ms. Shanley.
Prerequisite: by permission only of instructor.
One 2–hour period.
Not offered in 2001/02
380a Contested Rights (1)
This course examines the concept of "rights"
as it has developed in Western political thought. The course looks at
landmarks of public affirmations of rights, including the French Declaration
of the Rights of Man, the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution,
the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and recent international
treaties and conventions on the rights of women and indigenous peoples.
It also studies distinctions among notions of natural rights, political
rights, civil rights, and human rights.
In addition to these historical and philosophical
examinations of the concept of "rights," the course studies
a number of controversies involving specific alleged rights. These may
include the right not to be a slave; to hold property; to organize as
workers and to strike; to vote with particular emphasis on ex-slaves
and women in the nineteenth century, and blacks and hispanics in the
twentieth century; and to have a family. The course examines contemporary
controversies such as those over whether children, the unborn, animals
and future generations can be said to have rights. Ms. Shanley
[384. Seminar in Political Theory] (1)
An examination of selected theorists and problems in contemporary political
theory. Mr. Davison.
Not offered in 2001/02.
387a The Colonial State and Its Forms of Power (1)
(Same as Africana Studies 387a) This seminar examines the late (19th
and 20th Century) colonial state. We begin from the premise that colonialism
was based on particular trajectories of thinking about such political
categories as "citizen", "subject" and "state."
We attempt to understand the conditions that made colonialism possible,
as well as examine the ways in the interaction between Europe and its
colonized spaces was embedded in the relationship between knowledge
and political rule. This dynamic interaction between colonizing powers
and colonized people had implications not only for the colonies and
their inhabitants, but also for metropolitan societies and their political
communities. Readings are drawn from political theory and comparative
politics, as well as the interdisciplinary and broad field of colonial
and post-colonial studies; material focuses mostly on colonialism in
Africa and Asia. . Ms. Mwangi. One 2-hour meeting.
F. Other
399a or b. Senior Independent Work (1/2 or
1)
Independent work is normally based on a student's desire to study with
an instructor a specialized aspect of a course taken with that instructor.
Normally 1 unit entails substantial directed reading, the writing of
a long paper, and biweekly conferences with the instructor. This course
cannot be used to satisfy the requirement of 2 units of 300–level
work in the major. In no case shall independent work satisfy the subfield
distribution requirement. The department.