17 courses with the subject PO, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PO 110Introduction to Politics3
An introduction to the basic elements of modern politics. There are two main focuses of the course. The first is on the forces which im- pact on politics generally: the global system, economic factors, ideol- ogy, and culture (i.e., symbols, belief systems, norms, and values). The second is on domestic institutional and organizational arrange- ments: constitutional structures, legislatures, executives, bureaucra- cies, judiciaries, and elections.
A study of the democratic principles and constitutional foundation of the American political system: the principles and practice of federal- ism; the powers and structures of the legislative, executive, and judi- cial branches of the national government; the role of political parties; pressure groups, public opinion, and voting behavior in the for- mation of public policy; and the basic domestic political problems confronting the nation today.
A study of the structures, powers, administration, and major policies and problems of state and local governments. Legal, political, and economic relationships between state and local governments with an emphasis on socioeconomic programs will be explored.
This course examines American political parties in terms of their composition and philosophies, and in terms of the framework within which they operate. Particular attention is paid to the emergence of the two-party system, American political culture, how candidates are chosen and elected, party affiliation, voting patterns in the electorate, campaign finance, and the extent to which American parties actually function as parties. Comparison is made periodically with party sys- tems in other countries for the purpose of achieving a wider perspec- tive.
A study of political leadership as it relates to the American Presi- dency. Discussion will focus on the institution of the Presidency, decision-making processes, the exercise of power, theories of presi- dential personalities, the historical evolution of the office, and the importance of the Presidency to American politics and society. Gen- eral issues that will be addressed are: the electoral process, voter per- ceptions, how the system limits the type of candidates who run, and the relationship between the President and her/his party.
A study of the manner in which civil conflicts are resolved in the legal system, the roles various parties play, and the issues that study the underpinnings of this system, most notably the values upon which it is built. Included will be an assessment of the proper roles of lawyers in society and the rules by which attorneys and judges are governed. Discussion will also address the alternative ways of resolv- ing civil disputes and the benefits which they represent. Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors only.
This course explores the importance of culture in defining gender roles, the division of political power between women and men, women’s changing political roles in the U.S., and the impact of those changes on governmental processes and public policy outcomes. The course includes discussion of how women of color have both affected and been affected by these changes. Other themes are the history of women’s political participation, gender differences in political partici- pation and behavior, and the challenges and opportunities for women as candidates and officeholders. Extensive attention is given to policy issues such as education, health care, reproductive rights, employ- ment, family law, and criminal justice.
An examination of various aspects of life in western Europe during the middle ages. Using ongoing comparisons and contrasts with the modern era, this course looks at issues such as who held political power and the basis on which they ruled; which salient social divi- sions existed; what people believed (or at least claimed they be- lieved); and what forces of change were transforming the European world.
PO 336Ancient Political Thought: The Search for Justice3
An analysis of the political thought of Ancient Greece in the 5th cen- tury B.C. with an eye to its relevance to contemporary societies. Within the central focus of exploring issues of what a just society is and how one might be achieved, specific topics are: the aims of the state; the concept and practice of democracy; tyranny and totalitari- anism; and the nature and objectives of power, class structure, and justice. Special emphasis will be placed on a comparison of the politi- cal ideas of Plato and Aristotle with those of more modern political philosophers such as Niccolo Machiavelli, John Locke, Edmund Burke, and John Stuart Mill.
The intention of this course is to enable students to understand more fully the global environment within which the United States oper- ates. After establishing an understanding of basic concepts such as state, nation, anarchy, and power, the course reviews issues such as the global system, the extent to which and the ways in which certain countries dominate the system, warfare, international law, the United Nations, world trade, and economic development.
A survey of the historical, political, and economic background of Latin American institutions. The role of the military, land reform, and nationalism will also be discussed. The function of O.A.S. and the inter-American relations, especially vis-a-vis the U.S., will also be 128 | analyzed. A special emphasis will be given to Mexico, Brazil, and Ar- gentina in relation to the problem of debt.
