Course Descriptions

Ssci 100: Citizenship and Social Change

In this course students will explore citizenship and social movements through the lens of three related disciplines: history, political science and sociology. Theories of democracy and civic engagement as well as histories of social mobilization and leadership strategies will be examined. Equipped with this knowledge bas, students will be encouraged to engage in personal reflection about their rights, responsibilities and possibilities as active citizens 4 credits.

Poli 100: American Government [Sample Syllabus]

Introductory course in political science stressing how policy-making is done at the national level. Beginning with the Constitution, an introduction is given to the three main branches of the U.S. government. Attention is also given to elections, economics, political parties, interest groups, and the federal system. Satisfies the distribution core requirement (categories 11-12). 3 credits

Poli 125: Introduction to Public Administration

Public Administration is a major subfield of political science and at the core of what government is all about. Subjects surveyed include ethics, leadership, budgeting, personnel, policy analysis, public versus private administration, clientele/stakeholders, bureaucracy, and democracy. 3 credits

Poli 195: Environmental Politics [Sample Syllabus]

This class is premised on the belief that environmental problems are ultimately political conflicts. Accordingly, we focus not only on the substance of environmental issues, but also on the public policy process, and on the skills, tactics and factors that influence the outcomes of the policy process. 3 credits

Poli 200: American Political Thought

A study of American political theory. The course focuses on the philosophical roots/origins of the American political tradition and surveys the evolution of political theory in American political history. Special attention is given to the period of the American Founding and the ideas that informed the Constitution. 3 credits

Poli 202: Contemporary Environmental Issues

This class addresses a varying collection of contemporary envinronmental issues, with the focus determined by the professor who is offering the course. Issues addressed may include environmental racism, sustainable development, smart growth, ecoterrorism and radical environmentalism, and other current issues of importance. The investigation focuses on the substance of the issues as well as policy alternatives. 3 credits

Poli 210, 211, 212, 213, 214: Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Politics

Each year the seminar will be focused on a special topic determined by the professor who is offering the course. One year the topic might be feminist politics; another year the topic might be the Supreme Court; another year political psychology might be the focus. 3 credits

Poli 218: Liberalism and Conservatism

The course is an examination of the two major political ideologies in contemporary American politics. It is designed to illustrate the connections between the two ideologies and the outcomes of American politics, e.g. public policy, law, political culture, and public discourse. The course also traces the intellectual roots of conservatism and liberalism. Seminal thinkers of each ideology are discussed and their contribution to the various strains of liberalism and conservatism are explained. 3 credits

Poli 221: Constitutional Law [Sample Syllabus]

Course explores impact of the Supreme Court on the doctrine of Separation of Powers and Federalism. Topics include presidential, congressional, and judicial powers; inter-branch constitutional relations; and the division of power between state and federal governments. Recommended for pre-law students. Poli 100 recommended to be taken before taking this course. 3 credits

Poli 222: Civil Liberties

An examination of Supreme Court cases dealing with civil liberties and civil rights such as the freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and press. The course also covers due process rights and issues related to criminal law (e.g. abortion, gay rights, assisted suicide) are examined by analyzing Supreme Court cases. The analysis of civil rights and liberties is placed in the context of the American political system and its search for ordered liberty. It is recommended that students should complete Poli 100 and Poli 221 prior to taking this course. 3 credits

Poli 225: American Legal Process

This is an introduction to the liberal arts study of law. It examines fundamental questions about the nature and functions of law in society. Topics include legal reasoning, discretion, wealth and power, role of the police, profession of law, juries and community participation, conflict resolution, and the conflicting images of law relative to freedom and obedience. 3 credits

Poli 229/Hist 229: Environmental History of the United States

This course surveys the evolution of American attitudes and values regarding nature, landscape and the environment. In addition, a close look is taken at the history of environmental change in particular regions and the politics of the environment in the 20th century, particularly in the post-World War II era.

Poli 232/His 232: The Vietnam War

This look at the Vietnam War begins by examining the history of Vietnam but focuses on the American experience. Three central questions are addressed: How and why did the U.S. get involved? What was the nature of that involvement and what went wrong? And what were/are the lessons/results of the war? 3 credits

Poli 234: American Foreign Policy

Stresses evaluation of U.S. foreign policy and its world role. Analyzes how and by whom policy is made, its goals, and its domestic/foreign consequences. Primary emphasis is on U.S. policy since WWII. 3 credits

Poli 241: Comparative Politics: Asia [Sample Syllabus]

A comparative study of a variety of political systems emphasizing Asia. Survey of topics/problems related to economic development, democratization, government structure, and foreign relations with the United States. Specific countries examined include China, Japan, India, Indonesia, and South Korea. Satisfies distribution core requirement (categories 17-18) for Non-Western World Perspectives. 3 credits

Poli 242: Comparative Politics: Europe

A comprative study of a variety of political systems emphasizing Europe. Survey of topics includes government structure, political parties and coalitions, social movements, European integration, economic transition, and foreign relations with the United States. Special emphasis on Britain, France, Germany, Poland, and the European Union. 3 credits.

Poli 244: Comparative Politics: Global Balkans

A comparative study of the regions of the world known as the "global Balkans." The great powers are once again trying to gain influence due to the geopolitical significance of the Caucasus and the Central Asia regions. Ultimately, this "new great game" has the potential to affect the balance of forces in the Muslim world and beyond; and impacts contemporary domestic politics in these culturally diverse states and regions. 3 credits.

Poli 250: Leadership

In this course the subject of leadership is studied from many different perspectives. The questions studied include: What is leadership? Is there a moral aspect to leadership? What are the types of leaders? Why do followers follow? 3 credits

Poli 280: Global Environmental Politics

The emphasis is on the political and economic rather than technical and scientific nature of global environmental problems. Topics include diplomacy and negotiation, the role of international institutions and non-governmental organizations in promoting and funding various "sustainable development" strategies. 3 credits.

Poli 290: Research Methods in Social Science

An introduction to reading, writing and conducting qualitative and quantitative research in the social sciences. Special attention is given to the logic of research design, including: research questions, variables, hypotheses, and data analysis. This course is important particularly to those students going on to graduate school and those who plan on working in politics. 3 credits

Poli 291: American Presidency [Sample Syllabus]

An overview of the development of the modern American presidency. Topics include the selection process; the executive branch; and the relationship between the president, the press, the Congress, the courts, and the public. Also covered are the powers, roles, and responsibilities of the president. 3 credits

Poli 292: American Congress

A study of the role of Congress in the American political system. The course examines the Framers' view of legislative power and pays particular attention to the role and meaning of representation. The course also covers the organization and structure of Congress including the committee system, the law making process, and the leadership of each house. 3 credits

Poli 300: State and Local Politics [Sample Syllabus]

A general overview of an introduction to the structure and policy making process of state and local government. It also includes some analysis of federalism - how state and local government fits into the American constitutional framework. The course addresses budget issues, political participation, and direct democracy. 3 credits

Poli 302: Politics of Russia

An energy exporter with one of the largest nuclear stockpiles in the world today, Russia continues to be a formidable power. Challenges facing Russia affect not only order and stability inside Russia, but also international security and the global economy. This course is designed to facilitate a greater understanding of Russian domestic and foreign policy. We will examine the political institutions/legacies, political process, political culture, leadership, public opinion, and contemporary challenges facing Russia. 3 credits.

Poli 303: Geopolitics [Sample Syllabus]

Investigates politics among nation-states and the conduct of international relations, with particular attention paid to the role of power and the geographic location of each country. Satisfies LS World Cultures/Geography core requirement and the distribution core requirement (categories 17-18). 3 credits

Poli 313/RIAP 313: Intelligence and National Security [Sample Syllabus]

An introduction to national security decision-making in the U.S. with special emphasis on the role of intelligence in formulating policy. Historical overview of national security politics and strategy since WWII. Description of major institutions and processes involved in national security policy-making. Survey of significant national security problems and their changing nature in the 21st century.

Poli 320: Environmental Philosophy

Examination of the philosophical aspects of environmental politics, including the underlying philosophical reasons for environmental policy and conservation. Specific topics include property rights, environmental protection, stewardship, and capitalism. The ideas of pertinent thinkers like Locke, Hobbes, Burke, Thoreau, Rousseau, Hardin, Pinchot, William Ophulus, Malthus, Ehrlich, Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold, and John Muir are covered. 3 credits

Poli 321: Environmental Law

Taught utilizing a law school approach - including a moot court experience-the purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth look at current U.S. environmental law, as well as the underlying technology implicit in a successful environmental law framework. This course will provide an excellent opportunity to improve your oral communication skills. 3 credits

Poli 322/Crjs 322: Legal Research and Writing

This course will introduce students to the legal research process through both classroom and library experience. Students will become familiar with the major sources of legal research and will complete a research assignment which will require the use of all types of sources. This course will also emphasize the principles and techniques of legal writing. Prerequisites: Junior/Senior standing or permission. 3 credits.

Poli 330/Soc 330: Statistics in Social Science

This course is designed to teach the terminology and methods of descriptive statistics and to introduce students to inferential statistics so that political science, sociology, social work, and criminal justice majors can be informed consumers in their field, carry out basic statistical tests, and to help prepare those students who go on to graduate school. 3 credits

Poli 334: International Relations

Surveys the language, theories and concepts of international relations. Fundamental overview of 20th century diplomatic history is combined with an examination of persistent global problems such as war and peace, international cooperation, arms proliferation, human rights, and the role of the United Nations in global problem solving. 3 credits

Poli 336: Model United Nations Simulation

This one-credit course involves an in-depth examination of the purpose and procedures of the U.N. Students engage in research and participate in intercollegiate competitions simulating U.N. decision making. 1 credit

Poli 380: International Political Economy

This course introduces students to the politics of contemporary global economic relations. Topics include trade, finance, economic development, industrial policy, and the behavior of multinational corporations. Special emphasis is placed on the role of global institutions such as the World Trade Organization, North America Free Trade Agreement, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. 3 credits

Poli 400/Phil 400: Political Theory [Sample Syllabus]

A study of major figures on the history of political theory and their particular political theories. The primary purpose of the course is to analyze the relationship between political theory and political action. The course covers the three general historical periods: ancient, Christian, and modern. Some of the political thinkers and theories covered include: Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Burke, and contemporary figures like Voegelin and Rawls. 3 credits

Poli 436: World Politics [Sample Syllabus]

The course focuses on the theoretical and historical foundations for world politics. Novels like Lord of Flies, 1984, and Brave New World, as well as Machiavelli's The Prince, are used to discuss and illustrate the nature of world politics. Particular emphasis is given to the relationship between human nature and international politics. The course also uses historical examples to illustrate different approaches to world politics. Satisfies the LS World Issues core requirement and the distribution core requirement (categories 17-18). 3 credits prerequisite: Seniors only

Poli 437: Political Science Project

Designed to help seniors conducting research on their senior projects. Seminar will combine exploration of contemporary political science research methods and applications (e.g. survey research, focused case study, participant observation), issues of social science epistemology, and development of individualized student research projects. 3-9 credits

Poli 438: Senior Honors Thesis

Seniors only and only permission of the department. Students wishing to write a traditional thesis, especially those who plan on attending graduate school, are encouraged to discuss their interests with the political science faculty. Thesis is normally only allowed after successfully completing the Political Science Project course. 3 credits

Poli 475/476: Internships

Off-campus experiences in Erie, Washington, D.C., and other sites that are individually tailored to promote the student's career plans. Examples of typical placements are law firms, the offices of congressional representatives or local officials, government agencies, and mass media sites. 3-6 credits