59 courses with the subject POSC, 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.
An examination of American national government and politics. Required of political science majors and minors and recommended for anyone wishing to take upper-level courses in the department.
An introduction to politics among and across nation-state, non-state and transnational actors. Competing theories on concepts such as power, security, nationalism, nation building, and the emerging international system are examined. Other issues examined include: the uneven global economy, globalization, patterns of cooperation and conflict, conflict resolution, international organization and law, human rights, and political transitions. Some country case studies are used to provide comparative analyses of issues across political settings.
An introduction to political thought. Students explore influential ideas about politics through careful study of important works from earlier eras as well as our own.
An exploration of how history, culture, institutions, economics and interests shape politics in other lands. The course focuses on the political systems and policy processes of at least five different countries from various regions of the globe. In addition to introducing the variety of political systems currently in existence, each country study will allow for a look at various sub-fields of study within comparative politics- for example, state formation, contentious politics, nationalism, democratization, political institutions, and political culture.
This course opens the door to real-world experience in public service. Provides an opportunity to get involved in local and state government, observe city court in action, engage with community organizations, and contribute to strengthening our democracy.
A study of U.S. foreign policy, the politics of how that policy is formulated and implemented, and the consequences of that policy for other states. Themes and trajectories in U.S. policy history such as isolationism, international activism, intervention, hegemonic presumption, strategic alliances, arms control, and unilateralism, among others, are reviewed with focus upon the sources, goals, and assumptions of U.S. policy. Approaches to U.S. national security (broadly defined) are examined as students assess the values underpinning the projection, use, and preservation of U.S. power in the post-Cold War world.
An evaluation of the history, politics, and economics of Russia and its "near abroad" (the countries of the former Soviet Union). The course will examine the post-Communist transitions that have been taking place in the political, economic and social realms and the different form they have taken in different states. Particular attention will be given to questions of democratization and authoritarian consolidation, integration into regional and international organizations, and changes in the political economy.
This course, required of all Political Science majors, focuses on how to conduct research in political science and how to interpret and critically assess the research of others. Reviews the scientific method and focuses on the stages of the research process including: how to develop a good research question, how to find and effectively utilize existing research, how to generate plausible hypotheses and measure the variables in hypotheses, when and how to employ different research designs and data collection techniques, and how to statistically analyze data to determine what the data are saying about the political world. Offered once or twice each year.
An examination of the structure, functions and problems of contemporary state and local government in the U.S. federal system.
This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of leading organizations and processes that enable order, stability, and cooperation in the international system. It examines critical approaches to the study of international organizations and the impact these organizations exert on various issues and areas of the contemporary world. It also evaluates the United Nations and the European Union and analyzes the unique functions both perform and the novel challenges both are confronted within an increasingly more complex and interdependent world. Typically, students also will study the work of a nongovernmental organization, so as to understand how such NGOs develop and the philosophical and political challenges they face. Typically offered alternate years.
A study of the politics of the states of Central Asia, with particular focus on the post-Soviet "stans" - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - as well as on Afghanistan. Because the region has historically been a crossroads and a source of competition among powerful states, the course will examine the way this has influenced the region over time and the role played by powers such as Russia, China, the European Union and the United States today. Particular attention will be paid to questions of national identity, political transition, economic change, the role of Islam, and relations among Central Asian states.
An examination of the legislative process and the role of presidential leadership in the making of the nation's public policy, with particular attention given to the constitutional and political dimensions to the contest of power between the two branches.
Nearly 663 million people in the world lack access to a basic water supply. 1.6 million people (mainly children less than 5 years old) die each year from water-related diseases. While many in the United States have seen access to safe water as a “developing world issue,” recent water crises related to lead contamination, perflourinated chemicals, overuse, and climate change have brought the issue more fully into Americans’ awareness. This course provides an opportunity to delve into questions related to humans’ need for clean water and the environmental, ethical, technical, and political challenges this raises. Issues to be considered include challenges to access to water posed by a changing environment; water as part of a broader international sustainable development agenda and local, national and international environmental justice work; the economics of water ownership and provision; international law and organization for human rights; and the roles of NGOs, governments and international organizations in this field.
Students investigate the ideas that shaped and emerged out of pre-modern political life, including arguments about the nature of justice and of political virtue. Authors may include Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Seneca, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, and others.
This course explores the similarities and differences among non-democratic systems, examining questions such as how authoritarian states legitimize themselves, how authoritarian institutions function, the different types of state-market relationships in non-democracies, and the way in which political and social change takes place in authoritarian systems. The course will also examine the issues posed by powerful authoritarian states for international cooperation and for American foreign policy.
Examines the role and structure of the judiciary, the judicial process, and how judicial decisions affect, and are affected by, society. The primary focus is the Supreme Court but the course also covers other federal courts and the state courts. Topics include: the courts and the constitution, models of judicial decision-making, judicial selection, the judicial process, the courts and public opinion, and the courts and democracy
Students learn how a trial works. Topics include the fundamentals of case preparation, courtroom procedure, witness questioning, and rules of evidence. Especially appropriate for students in Hartwick's pre- law program and those preparing to participate in inter-collegiate mock trial competitions. Typically offered Fall term.
“The relationship between the United States and China will shape the 21st century,” says President Obama (July 27, 2009). This very important and dynamic relationship will be the focus of the course. We will examine the following questions: What is the nature of their relationship? How has it been changing over time? What factors shape this relationship? What are the impacts of this relationship on regional security and world peace? Students will learn the historical legacies that link the United States and China, their intercultural communications, their mutual images and stereotypes, and how these perceptions shape their relations. Student learning will be based on course readings, in-class discussions and the viewing of documentary films that offer additional background on the topic. Students will learn to think critically about contemporary foreign policy and analyze today’s Sino-US relations in depth through debates and written essays.
Explores the different treatment and political behavior of men and women within the American political system. Examines policies that discriminated against women as well as policies that have attempted to promote equality between the sexes. Other topics include the gender gap in terms of political views, voting behavior, running for office, and legislative behavior.
Explores the influence of religion in American politics from the late 18th century through the present. Topics include the views of the founders on religion, the First Amendment and its interpretation, voting patterns of key religious groups, religiously motivated political activism, and the religious views of political elites.
This course is a one-credit companion to Hartwick's Model United Nations Club. It meets throughout the fall semester in conjunction with the club. The course is tied to participation in an off-campus Model UN Conference. Students are taken through the process of resolution writing, inter-state negotiation, committee work, and are generally prepared to represent the assigned country or countries. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Students can take this course up to four times for academic credit, however, only 3 of these credits can count towards the Political Science major or minor.
Students investigate key political ideas of modernity, including arguments over the legitimacy of revolution and over the nature and scope of individual rights. Authors may include Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Marx, Nietzsche, Dewey, Arendt, Fanon, Gandhi, and others. Prerequisite: POSC 101 OR POSC 107 OR any Philosophy course.
An examination of factors shaping political systems in the Middle East and North Africa, with special focus on global contexts, resource politics, economic change, women's status, and political transitions. While studying the politics of individual states and sub-regions within the MENA states, students will explore the rich cultural history of the region, and examine the impact on politics of ethnic and racial diversity, regional income gaps, religious diversity, and radical Islam.
Examines the political ideology, attitudes, and behavior of Americans. Topics include the origins of political attitudes, the influence of public opinion on political elites and policy, voter turnout levels, and voting behavior in congressional and presidential elections.
Populism has seen an upsurge in many parts of the world, including in several European countries. In central Europe, the phenomenon is related to what countries have gone through since World War II. In some, four decades of communism made their mark on their political culture and also left the countries poorer than their West European neighbors. Establishing market economies and joining the European Union have brought more prosperity to many in the region, and joining NATO has brought a political equality with older democracies, at least on paper. But they remain less wealthy than their western allies, and the legacy of their communist past still complicates their politics today. Populism is also growing in relatively affluent countries, such as Austria.
An exploration of Supreme Court decisions that have established the boundaries of legitimate government action in the United States. Special attention is given to decisions that have drawn lines between state and federal power and have expanded or limited the capacity of various levels of government to address important social and political problems, including poverty, racial conflict, and environmental degradation. Typically offered alternate years.
An examination of the politics of China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and several other states in the region. Students will evaluate these states’ politics and economics from the 20th century, particularly in the post-WWII period. The focus will be on transitions to market economies, the transition to and consolidation of democracy, the impact of civil society, and major challenges facing these states in the 21st century.
An exploration of Supreme Court decisions that have established the range of individual rights and the meaning of legal equality in the United States. Topics may include freedom of speech and press, religious freedom, privacy rights, rights of the accused, gay and lesbian rights, racial equality, and gender equality. Offered alternate years.
An examination of the governments, politics and policies of African states. Topics to be covered include: colonial legacies; current political and economic models across African states; political transitions toward more open government; ethnic politics and conflict; environmental stress; and other challenges and opportunities confronting African countries as they develop their systems of governance. Africa’s position in global politics and economy will also be examined. African literature and music, group projects, student reports and discussion of current African events will all be employed in learning. Typically offered alternate years.
An introduction to the issues and concepts of environmental policy, to policy analysis and the role of the analyst, to the process of policy making in the U.S., and to current U.S. environmental policy and it implementation. Attention is given to environmental politics in the national and international arenas.
A study of the concepts and methods of public policy analysis, with emphasis on formulating policy problems, developing solutions, and use of analysis in the policy-making process. The cause, consequences, and performance of national public policies and programs are investigated.
Up to date statistics reveal that around two thirds of Americans use a prescription drug. The pharmaceutical industry posted profits of well over 1 trillion dollars in 2020. Understanding these, and other related pharmaceutical phenomena, presents a unique challenge as it requires some "know-how" in a range of disciplines. This interdisciplinary course will help students better understand and evaluate the current state of pharmaceuticals in the US by introducing them to the relevant components across different disciplines. A great class for Public Health, Nursing, Political Science, and Philosophy majors and also counts towards the Legal Studies Minor. Any/all students with a general interest in healthcare, prescription drugs, and/or bioethics are encouraged to enroll.
This course will explore health policy in the United States examining the role of public opinion, political parties, the president, Congress, the Courts, and the bureaucracy in crafting and implementing health policy. The course will engage an intersectional lens to explore all facets of health politics and politics from the perspective of race, ethnicity, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, class, and ability status.
How do different health systems address health care problems across the world? Is health policy in different countries converging due to globalization and other factors such as learning from each other or diverging due to unique local conditions? Students of this course will explore these crucial questions by examining health policy across the world from both a comparative perspective and a global perspective.
An examination of foreign policies and policy decision making of major world or regional actors, including an examination of the historical dynamics influencing policy making, the system-level (global) sources facilitating states’ strategic opportunities and constraints, and the domestic factors shaping foreign policies in these countries. From a comparative standpoint, the course evaluates foreign policy decision making with regard to each country’s regional imperatives and standing in the world, their foreign policy formulation vis-a-vis each other, and their relations with the world’s most dominant power, the United States. Examples of states likely to be included: China, Russia, India, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Israel, South Africa. Typically offered alternate years.
An investigation of the role of political party's elections in U.S. politics, with heavy reliance upon the empirical research of electoral behavior and of the effects of parties upon the electoral and governmental process.
An examination of significant changes in the diffusion of power across states and the resulting emergence of “rising powers” in global affairs such as Brazil, China, Russia, India, Turkey and others. We will study the expanding influence and presence of 5 or 6 rising powers, the factors contributing to ongoing global power shifts and the effects of recent power shifts on state behavior and international relations. Study will also focus upon a growing list of global challenges that will require wide collaboration among current and rising powers if they are to be addressed successfully.
Students investigate significant themes in political thought in the American colonies and the United States. The course focuses on ideas about central conflicts in American political life—including conflicts over race, ethnicity, gender, and the role of government. Readings include both formal theoretical works and works intended to directly shape public opinion.
An examination of the principles of public administration: organization and management in the public sector with special emphasis upon personnel, budgeting, taxation, public policy making and administrative accountability.
An exploration of how environmental challenges are addressed across state borders. It considers how national institutions, stakeholders and political cultures interact with international actors, norms and institutions to shape both national level and global outcomes. The course looks at power and legitimacy in international environmental governance, and explores the way environmentally crucial states participate in global environmental initiatives. It focuses on the management of several specific environmental issues, which may include efforts to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and manage hazardous wastes.
Examines the political experiences of African Americans, Hispanics, and other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Explores the formal and informal barriers to equality that these racial and ethnic groups have faced, as well as the strategies they have employed to bring about political change. This course is additionally appropriate for students with an interest in ethnic studies.
An introduction to the role of public international law, including an evaluation of both historical and contemporary perspectives on the operation of international law, the nature and sources if international law, the rights and obligations of states (including why states and non-state actors comply with and violate international law), and issues dealing with sovereignty, international treaties, territoriality, and international adjudications. It also will examine how international law applies to the use of force and human rights and also seek to understand the role international law plays in U.S. foreign policy.
This course examines contemporary debates and controversies regarding global justice. Readings and discussions are arranged around significant issues in the current literature such as: What (if anything) do we owe to the distantly needy? Do we have special obligations to our fellow citizens? Do political borders have normative or moral significance? The course is designed to be of interest to those interested in political/moral theory as well as international relations and global studies.
A look at the free media as an essential aspect of a representative democracy. This course explores the American news media in depth, critically examines its contents and politics, and discusses its impact on the attitudes of citizens, election outcomes, the behavior of politicians, and the policies that do and do not get enacted.
Students investigate the relationship between politics and art. In addition to readings, course materials include works of visual art, film, music, literature, and theatre.
How does domestic and international politics influence the economic relations between states in the area of trade, investment, finance and migration? How do the economic relations between states influence domestic and international politics? How do the political relations between states influence domestic and international economics? Students taking this course will learn how to answer and critically analyze the above questions and do further research in these important areas of international relations.
How does domestic and international politics influence the economic relations between states in the area of trade, investment, finance and migration? How do the economic relations between states influence domestic and international politics? How do the political relations between states influence domestic and international economics? Students taking this course will learn how to answer and critically analyze the above questions and do further research in these important areas of international relations.
This course examines current environmental law at the federal, state and local levels to provide students with an overview of how environmental law is structured, where it originates from, and how to research issues in environmental law. We will examine the various segments of environmental law that affect individuals and business and we will work on building an appreciation for the importance of environmental law to all parts of society. The course is designed to help students learn about the tools available with which they will be able to research issues within environmental law to a greater degree as their interests develop.
Philosophical questions about such topics as the nature of law, the function of legal systems, the meaning of legal terms, legal reasoning, justice, law and morality, theory of punishment.
This course examines current energy policy issues through the lens of public policy theories, examining institutions, stakeholders, and legal/regulatory frameworks. Students will learn about current energy policy challenges and opportunities by analyzing what governmental and non-governmental groups do to affect energy choices in the United States, how power is shared between the federal and the state governments, and how communication between interests affected by energy policies develops. The goal is to develop an appreciation for the complex influences on energy policy in the United States.
Internships in government and in the non-profit or private sector with significant government involvement. Developed by interested students in consultation with a department faculty advisor and a field supervisor representing the organization that offers the internship. A maximum of six credits accepted toward a major and three credits toward a minor. Prerequisite: at least one POSC on campus course, the consent of a member of the Political Science faculty to serve as academic advisor, and the approval of the department chair and the internship coordinator.
This 1 credit course is designed for students to take during the spring of their junior or senior year to help them prepare for their career. This course fulfills the capstone requirement for Political Science, Global Studies, and other majors but is open to any student who feels it may be helpful for them such as legal studies minors, pre-law students, and students interested in government, policy, and non-profit work.
This course must be taken the same term as POSC 490, and focuses on how to design and carry out the senior thesis research project. Thesis students meet with the Political Science faculty to discuss issues such as the literature review, hypothesis development, research design, data collection, and argument development. Students are assigned to report on aspects of their thesis research throughout the semester. (Note: Neither POSC 489 nor POSC 490 are offered during January Term.)
Each senior major is required to write, in consultation with a faculty member within the department, a research paper that demonstrates the ability to investigate and analyze a problem in depth and to defend it before fellow students and the political science faculty in a public forum.
Independent Study
Source: Hartwick College's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61
