40 courses with the subject POLI, 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.
Students will be introduced to the methods and basic principles of political science. This course will cover the major subfields of political science: national government, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Attributes: *Social Sciences Gen Ed, Liberal
The content of this course will vary by term and section. Students may repeat this course for credit as long as the topic differs. Please refer to the Term Guide for course topic offerings. Attributes: Liberal
Foundation #2: Historical and Comparative Perspectives Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to): Code Title Credits
The student will examine the issue of race in contemporary US politics. Students will examine issues relating to white supremacy/white nationalism, immigration and demographic/cultural change, and how racial resentments connect to economic issues, among others. Students will explore how these issues affect electoral politics, campaigns, and how office-holders govern. We will learn how politicians and partisan media use these issues to move public opinion, and how mainstream media cover these issues. Cross-listed with HIST 2013. Attributes: Liberal Full Catalog 2026-2027 - DRAFT COPY 927
Introduction to Global Politics is about the concepts and dynamics of globalization and the world around us. Students will explore the historical development, key ideas, and contemporary issues that shape our interconnected world. The course covers topics such as the evolution of global and national political systems and institutions, the impact of globalization on politics, economics and culture, and current understandings of issues as broad as equality and inequality, political insecurity, hunger, health, energy, and the environment. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of global politics and develop skills to analyze current global issues. Attributes: Social Science Gen Ed, *Social Sciences Gen Ed, Liberal
The founding of the United States of America is one of the defining events of world history, and the political ideas of the founding generation continue to be invoked all manner of political debate. But questions about the founding generation remain: How did the American founding generation understand terms like 'liberty,' 'democracy,' and 'freedom'? How did diverse individuals and communities interpret the ideas associated with the American founding? What were the intellectual and historical contexts that made the founding possible? Students in this course will read primary and secondary texts, and apply contemporary and historical evidence, to gain a fuller appreciation of the complexity of the founding period and U.S.’s founding ideas in order to better understand some of today’s political contests, challenges, and ideas. Attributes: American History Gen Ed, *US History & Civ Engmt Gen Ed,
In this course students will learn about the ancient foundations of political theory and political science, with an emphasis on the two giants of ancient political thought: Plato and Aristotle. Students will study some of the most famous and influential ideas in the history of Western thought, including: the Philosopher-King, the allegory of the cave, the idea that 'man is a political animal', the Golden Mean, and the nature of justice. Students will also examine and evaluate these ideas within the context of diverse and contemporary critiques. Attributes: Western Civilization Gen Ed, *Humanities Gen Ed, Liberal Last Generated 2:01 pm 05/26/26
Comparative Politics is the study of domestic political systems around the world. Specifically, students will consider various approaches to the comparative study of political systems, institutions, forms of government, ideologies and practices. Possible themes include: globalization, political economy, political violence, and the characteristics of developed and developing countries. Students will gain an understanding of global studies and be able to analyze and evaluate past, present and future geopolitical issues from a comparative perspective and their impact on wellbeing and sustainability. This course was previously SOC-263414 Comparative Politics. Attributes: Social Science Gen Ed, *World Hist & Glb Awnss Gen Ed,
The course explores the concept of culture and cultural differences with a specific focus on how differences impact international relations. In this current period of globalization, it is more important than ever to be informed about international affairs and the impact of cultural differences as illustrated, for example, by the growing nationalistic fervor of mainland China. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Intro to Sociology and/or Psychology, or Intro to Cultural Anthropology and, preferably an introductory course in international relations. Attributes: Liberal
Justice (4 Credits) In this course, we will explore different theoretical approaches to democracy as a form of government that promotes equity, justice, and the inclusion of citizens in their own governance. We will examine the way that power, privilege, justice, and rights exist within complex networks of social structures and systems. It is recommended that students have a foundational understanding of the U.S. political system, such as might be acquired in POLI 2010, or an equivalent study. Attributes: *Diversity Gen Ed, Liberal
The Balkans is a region where power has changed hands as rapidly as ethnic and national boundaries. This course examines the complexity of the regional and ethnic conflicts in the Balkans, especially since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It reviews major political events, international relations and foreign policies between Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Yugoslavia, and Albania. Comparing and contrasting ethnic conflict in the Balkans with similar conflicts in other regions, students will formulate practical insights about the diverse nature of ethnic conflict and the possibility of either defining universal approaches to manage them, or building a strong locally defined approach to ethnic conflict resolution. Finally, it examines questions related to nationalism and the impact of globalization. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Intro to Sociology and/or Psychology, Intro to Macroeconomics, European History, and/or a course in US foreign relations. Attributes: Liberal
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the processes of formulating foreign policy. This includes the main theoretical approaches that will shed some light on the most significant agents in the policy-making process. It addresses the subject from the perspective of levels of analysis and different approaches of studies that illustrate the differences of the behavior of states in an interactive international system. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: This course assumes grounding in relevant theories related to international relations. Attributes: Liberal Last Generated 2:01 pm 05/26/26
The course provides a comprehensive understanding of international human rights and international humanitarian law and how both bodies of law complement each other. The course examines in great detail the various aspects and controversies in the human rights debate and considers the obstacles to the implementation of human rights as universal norms. It traces the evolution of international humanitarian law from the beginning of the 19th century to the present. Moreover, the course examines the concept of war and how it has changed since the end of World War II; the threat posed by terrorist and extremist groups; the difficulty of distinguishing civilians from combatants on the battlefields; and the role and contribution of the United Nations and its successes and failures in developing and enforcing human rights norms. The course ends by examining the role of international tribunals in enforcing international humanitarian law and its prosecution of individuals who violated the law. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Ethics or U.S. History, familiarity with the United Nations. Attributes: Liberal
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the core themes of international law. It covers a wide array of topics: from diplomatic immunity to the United Nations charter provisions, and from the recognition of governments to international law as it applies to war crimes. After an introduction presenting the historical development of the theory and practice of international law, the course then examines the sources of international law such as treaties, customs, general principles, and judicial decisions. Moreover, the course examines various forms of jurisdiction as they relate to institutions under international law, including states and governments as they relate to international organizations, individuals, companies, and groups. Prerequisites: The course assumes prior coursework related to international relations. Attributes: Liberal
This course examines international organizations, their origins, purpose, function, and their role in international politics. The course will examine the birth of major international organizations and institutions such as the League of Nations, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, among others. In addition, the course will examine the role of international organizations in conflict avoidance, containment, and resolution. Prerequisites: Previous studies including International Relations theory Attributes: Liberal
In this course students will learn about how nation states, international organizations, and non-state actors interact with one another through governance structures and other means. Students will be introduced to different theories of international relations, including, but not limited to realism, idealism, dependency, and interdependency theory. Particular attention will be given to international organizations and regimes that have emerged in the governmental and non-governmental arenas of international relations. Using the social science methods addressed in the course, each student will be able to develop a major research project based on international relations theories and his or her specific interests and goals. This course was previously SOC-264454 International Politics and Relations. Attributes: Social Science Gen Ed, Liberal
Although the UN is subject to international law, the organization is a creature of its membership; the UN can only do what member states allow it to do. When it fails, it is member states that have failed, not the organization per se. This course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the purpose and functions of the United Nations in International Affairs by examining the impact the UN has had on improving human life. The course will examine in detail the mandates of the four organs of the UN, the jurisdictional limitations, and its role i maintaining international peace. Attributes: Liberal
This course focuses on the goals and practices of modern diplomacy beginning with French and Italian conventions that emerged during the Renaissance to the rise of the new diplomacy of the 20th century and the challenges it faces in the present era. In addition, students examine how politicians and diplomats use diplomacy to secure the interest of their states or groups they represent. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: The course assumes background in history and knowledge related to international relations.
The course will examine some of the most important contributions to political theory in the history of Western Civilization with a focus on the modern period, roughly from 1500-1900 C.E.. Students will explore questions about the proper role of government, the nature of political and moral obligation, the role of economics in political life, and the importance of personal, political and religious liberty. Attributes: Humanities Gen Ed, Western Civilization Gen Ed, *Humanities
This course examines in depth the ways citizens participate in setting the public policy agenda and influence policy making. Students will evaluate two dominant institutions through which American citizens communicate their political demands to policy makers: the political parties and interest groups. This includes the debate over the future of political parties and the mechanics of political party involvement in nominations, campaigns, campaign finance and the formation of public policy. They will also study interest groups and their activities and the growing influence of political action committees. This course was previously SOC-263214 Political Parties and Interest Groups. Attributes: Liberal
The course examines central trends in the domestic and foreign policy of the Russian Federation since the collapse of the USSR in 1991. The course explores the historical and philosophical legacies informing the foreign policy of the successive Yeltsin and Putin regimes as a basis for understanding the post-Soviet relationships with the West, including the United Sates and three other regions: The countries of the former Soviet Union, the Caspian Region and Central Asia, and East Asia. In this context, the course focuses on the critical analysis of Russia’s contemporary international situation. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: US History II and courses in the social sciences. Attributes: Liberal Full Catalog 2026-2027 - DRAFT COPY 929
This course provides students a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the American system of government, in particular the Office of President. Students examine how the President is elected and how she/he governs in a system of checks and balances provided by the co- equal branches of Congress and the Supreme Court. In this regard, the course examines how the domestic powers of the office are both defined and constrained, while the powers of the presidency in foreign affairs are n less so. In addition, the American system of government is viewed in the larger context of the European parliamentary system. Prerequisites: U.S. History I or II, preferably the latter. Attributes: Liberal
This course will examine the office of the American presidency and the operation of the executive branch of the American federal government from a historical perspective. We will analyze the office of the presidency throughout the history of the Republic, identifying patterns of change as well as continuities in presidential power. We will consider the presidency’s design in the Constitution and what factors have led to departures from that framework. This course was previously SOC-263314 The American Presidency. Attributes: American History Gen Ed, Liberal
As defined in Article I of the Constitution, the Congress occupies a central role in the U.S. federal governmental system. The legislative processes of the U.S. Congress, however, have evolved in form and complexity since the first Congress, 1789-1791. While taking account of historical developments that influenced the evolution of the Congress, current congressional organization will be the major focus of study, including committee structures, rules and informal practices, elections, and the role of lobbyists and interest groups. Checks and balances in relation to the two other branches of the national government will be highlighted, in addition to consideration of the impact of state governments and actors on the national legislative process. This course was previously SOC-263324 The United States Congress. Attributes: Liberal
Foundation #4: Social Contexts of Power and Privilege Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to): Code Title Credits
This course explores the participation and roles of women in U.S. politics as citizens, voters, activists, and office holders and the impacts of gender in U. S. politics. The historical roles of the suffrage and women’s movements in shaping women’s engagement in political activities and parties, as well as differences by race and class, will be emphasized. The impact of women officeholders on public policy, at both nationally and at the state level, will be discussed. Other topics may include gender and political behavior; the intersection of race, class and gender in women’s political engagement and attitudes; media treatment of women candidates for office, and public attitudes toward women in office. Attributes: Liberal Last Generated 2:01 pm 05/26/26
The purpose of this course is to give students a comprehensive understanding of American foreign policy and foreign relations law. The course further looks at how the Constitution influences the foreign policy making process and how it limits the choices available to the President and Congress in asserting their authority in foreign affairs. Part I of the course examines the legal authority of the United States Government to conduct foreign affairs and whether the Constitution helps or hinders that authority. Secondly, the course examines how the Constitution allocates foreign affairs power to the President and to Congress and whether checks and balances operate in the same manner in foreign affairs as it does in domestic politics. Particular attention will be given to the rivalry between the Executive and Legislative Branches over which branch has prominence in foreign affairs, and attempt by Congress to assert greater oversight authority in foreign affairs than the President believes is constitutionally mandated. In addition, the course examines the judicial review role of the Federal Courts in overseeing how the President and Congress exercise their respective authority in foreign affairs. Finally, the course focuses on the relationship between the Constitution and International Law, and the limitations International Law imposes on the Federal Government's ability to conduct foreign affairs. The course will address such controversial issues as the President's authority to send American troops into combat without Congressional authorization; Executive Agreements; U.S. participation in multinational military operations; U.S. violation of International Law; Congressional authority to declare war in light of the ban on the use of force in Article 2 (4) of the United Nations Charter; and the President's obligation to disregard U.S. treaty obligations. Attributes: Liberal
New York State and Local Government is an upper-level course that explores the political system of New York State. Students will analyze the relationships between municipalities, the state, and the federal government. Students will explore governmental structures, important political issues, and public policies that affect citizens, taxpayers and voters. Students who are not New York residents or former residents will use New York as a case to understand their own state. Attributes: Liberal
The content of this course will vary by term and section. Students may repeat this course for credit as long as the topic differs. Please refer to the Term Guide for course topic offerings. Attributes: Liberal
This course focuses on theoretical approaches addressing various aspects of European integration as it relates to EU policies and politics. European integration theory is the field of systematic reflection on the process of political cooperation in Europe and the development of common political institutions. Challenges to integration such as the unanticipated fiscal consequences of the monetary union, the growing power of the European Central Bank, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the impact of 'Brexit' are viewed in the larger context of sustaining or reversing the momentum of European integration. Prerequisites: Economic Policies of the European Union and familiarity with the formation, function, and crises regarding the European Union. Attributes: Liberal
METAPHYSICS (QUESTIONS OF "REALITY") • Learning Outcome: Articulate philosophical questions, perspectives, and arguments in metaphysics using vocabulary, concepts, and methods deriving from the discipline of philosophy and/or other academic areas with significant philosophical components. Courses which meet this guideline include (but are not limited to): Code Title Credits
This course examines how race continues to influence law and politics in the U.S., despite claims of a 'post-racial' society. Through the study of such topics as the history of discrimination, policing, voting, and hate speech, students will investigate how legal and political institutions and rules have disparate impacts on different segments of American society - and how those impacts in turn inform and affect identity, law, and politics. This course will offer students the opportunity to analyze the interrelatedness of law, race, and society, and explore how the law is used as a tool for social change. Attributes: Liberal
Research in Comparative Politics is an advanced-level course that explores topics in domestic politics around the world outside of the United States. Students will work with faculty members to develop ideas, reading list and research projects based on their interests, leading to the completion of an independent research project. These topics can include area studies like African, European or Asian Politics, country studies like Chinese political economy, ethnic conflict and reconciliation in Rwanda, or many other subjects of interest. Prerequisites: POLI 3020 Comparative Politics. Attributes: Liberal
Research in International Politics and Relations is an advanced level course that explores a variety of possible topics in the area of politics among countries. Students will work with faculty members to develop ideas, readings lists and research topics leading to the completion of an independent research project. These topics can include studies in foreign policy, international organizations, global political economy, military strategy, global regionalization, or other topics of international significance. Prerequisites: POLI 3065 International Politics & Relations. Attributes: Liberal
Source: Empire State University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61
