65 courses with the subject PSC, 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.
PSC 100Contemporary Issues in American Politics3
A study of several important issues in contemporary American society and of the manner in which they are being handled by our political system. Among the issues covered are: the energy crisis, nuclear energy, toxic wastes, inflation, recession, government spending, crime, military spending, the arms race and the new religious right. This course does not fulfill requirements for a major in political science; it will carry credit toward a minor.Fulfills Core Requirement(s): Diversity (DIV).
A study of the institutions, culture, ideologies and political processes that go into the making of government and politics in the United States on the national level. A one-credit service learning experience may be offered in conjunction for non-majors. This course, and the service learning experience integrated into it, are required of all Political Science majors.
An introduction to political ideologies and a survey of the various approaches to political science and their utility. Open to all majors. Required of all Political Science majors.
This course will introduce you to the comparative analysis of governments, political movements, institutions, cultures, and ideologies around the world. The course will comparatively address a variety of cases including the UK, France, Brazil, Iran, China, Russia, India, Nigeria, and the U.S.
An introduction to the philosophy and methodology of the scientific study of politics. A survey of the various approaches to political science and their utility: Research methodology, the analysis of political data, survey research methods. Required of all Political Science majors.
PSC 203Public Opinion, Political Behavior, and Policy3
Politicians and members of the media often refer to public opinion when discussing policy options and political strategy. Scholars study public opinion as a way to describe and explain political behavior, social divisions, and policy debates. But what is 'public opinion' and does it affect policy decisions, voting, or activism? This course surveys classical and contemporary scholarly approaches to theorizing and measuring public opinion, as well as the role of 'public opinion' in the framing of political debate, political action,and the formation of public policy.
An introduction to the American legal system: its processes, institutions, actors, objectives, values, and impact. We will investigate how law affects not only society but also how it affects the attitudes and actions of individuals in everyday life. To study this, an interdisciplinary approach is adopted and theories that range from the mainstream to the critical will be examined. This course is required for the LGS minor.
What is power? How do we know when power is exercised unjustly? This introductory course in political theory examines classic texts in political theory that explore three interrelated themes: the mechanisms of power, identity, and resistance. The aim of the course is to clarify the mechanisms of power, how individuals function within these power structures and how they can resist unjust power.
This course examines the role of the states in the U.S. political system, with special emphasis on New York State government's institutions, political processes and public policies. The evolving nature of federalism and intergovernmental relations are covered, as are specific areas of state policy: education, environment, criminal justice, welfare, healthcare and economic development. A field trip to Albany focusing on a current controversy in state politics is a required part of the course.
A study of the legal and political powers and responsibilities of the presidency, especially as influenced by trends in national and international life. The task of chief executive receives major attention.
Students will be introduced to the skills of legal analysis, legal research, and legal writing. The course will focus on building a basic legal vocabulary, issue recognition, effective organization, clear writing, and proper legal citation. Students will also have an opportunity to strengthn their speaking skills by participating in oral arguments. These skills form the essential building blocks of critical and logical thinking, and will serve any student interested in pursuing legal studies, advancing their undergraduate educations, entering graduate school, or working in science or business.
A study of the relationship between legal and political norms, actors and institutions. Through analysis of contemporary controversies the following questions are examined: How is law political? Can or should judging be value free? What are the alternatives to going to court? What values does the legal system maintain? Can law change an unwilling society? Requires Junior Standing.
An introduction to the key legal and policy issues related to cybersecurity, including the legal authorities and obligations of both the government and the private sector with respect to protecting computer systems and networks, as well as the national security aspects of the cyber domain including authorities related to offensive activites in cyberspace. The course will include a survey of federal laws,executive orders, regulations, and cases related to surveillance, cyber intrusions by private and nation-state actors, data breaches, and privacy and civil liberties matters, among other things.
A survey of some major problems associated with international politics. Special attention is given to the study of nationalism, the nation-state, international organization (especially the United Nations), and the comparative foreign policies of selected nations.
This course introduces students to argumentation and public speech fundamentals in a debate-style format. Students will be trained in constructing arguments, defending positions, choosing evidence, documenting sources, studying logical reasoning, recognizing fallacies of reasoning, cross-examining opponents, delivering rebuttals, and delivering oral critiques.
Criminal Law provides students with an overview of the power and limits of government authority to define, prohibit, grade, and punish socially harmful behavior. It includes the nature of criminal law, classification of crimes and criminal liability, punishment, and more. Students in this class will gain an understanding of legal terms, key cases, clauses, and chronologies in criminal law, and they will analyze judicial thinking and legal reasoning. Various cases are used to illustrate how the courts operate and how decisions are made that can impact society. Students in this case will also apply their knowledge in case briefs and written work to demonstrate critical thinking relating to criminal law.
The term "democracy" has become synonymous with legitimate rule. But what kind of democracy is the true fountain of legitimacy? What type of institutions are best fitted for instituting democracy? What are the conditions without which democracy cannot survive? Who is included in the phrase "we, the people"? Are democratic regimes more viable in homogenous or heterogeneous societies? Can democracy be tyrannical? This course investigates historical and contemporary controversies that reflect various challenges to democracy, the forms of actual democratic politics, and the meaning of "democracy" as a concept.
Emphasis is on the rise of the United States to world power and on its diplomacy before, during and after the two world wars. May be taken for history or political science credit.
The goal of this course is to make women visible and their voices audible in the study of American politics. "Politics" is broadly construed to include the politics of everyday life as well as that of national institutions. While gender politics is stressed, we will also study how race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, religion, disability and age affect a person's place and role in American society, culture and politics. Fulfills Core requirement(s): DIV.
An overview of church-state relations from colonial times to the present. It includes: judicial decisions on the establishment of religion and the freedom of religious practice; the power of religious groups in the political process;churchstate relationships in other nations. Fulfills Core requirement(s): Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) or Core Religion requirement, not both.
The self is one of the most familiar and yet most mysterious of concepts. We take for granted the idea that we have or are a self, and we regularly and comfortably refer to selves. But what is the self? And what are the moral and political implications for how we understand justice and the self? This course explores the nature of the self through philosophical and social scientific lenses. We will consider classic philosophical and social scientific discussions of the self, as well as the ways in which these disciplines can challenge, enrich, and play off of each other.
A study of the effects on the government and politics of urban areas due to the trends that have made America predominantly urbanized. Questions treated include the political effects of population changes, metropolitan governmental structures and the federal system's dynamics concerning urban areas.
Congress, its structure and processes, is the prime focus, but similarities to other legislative systems are examined. The relationship between individual and institutional goals is studied as it is influenced by political demands and opportunities.
What is conservative political thought? Is there such a thing as a coherent conservative political philosophy? This course examines classic conservative texts with a focus on the principles that established its foundations. The course follows the intellectual evolution of the conservative tradition in both Europe and America.
PSC 329History of Latin American Social Movements3
Will examine peaceful Latin American social change movements in historical and global context. The civil components of violent revolutions will be examined along with peaceful social movements that confronted ruthless dictatorships across Latin America, energizing democracy and expanding ethnic rights. The course will look at how these movements re-defined gender roles and placed the economic and environmental concerns of the poor in the international spotlight. Fulfills Core Requirements: Diversity (DIV).
The history, background and terminology of the administrative process; the function of the administrator; the theory of organization and its practice; personnel administration; financial administration and the budgetary process; administrative law; traditional branches of government as they relate to administration; current trends and problems.
An examination of the public policy making process with emphasis on policy planning, decision making, policy impact and policy evaluation. Focuses on specific program areas such as education, the environment, health care, crime and punishment.
A study of the political institutions, actors, laws and policies affecting the environment. The course deals with value choices underlying public policies in areas such as air and water pollution, waste disposal, and ozone depletion. The course examines how such policies are made and implemented, as well as what actions, both individual and collective, can be taken to alleviate such problems.
An experiential and academic examination of social activism in the United States. The course first explores the meaning of citizenship and the role of activism in a democratic republic. It then focuses on how activism is done by analyzing various social movements and the impact they have had on citizenship, public policy and social change. Fulfills Core Requirement(s):Diversity (DIV)and Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS).
From the alarm clock (or is it your smart phone?)that wakes us up to the Tylenol PM that helps us get to sleep, and all tablets and wearable technology in between, scientific wonders and technological gadgets are woven into our experiences and relationships like never before. Are these signs of social progress? Are these indicators we've lost touch with our humanity? Are we more connected or more isolated as a result? Are we freer, or more surveilled? How do we live responsibily and promote justice in this? These are questions we'll address in this seminar style course about living a life for others in a society regularly transformed by science and technology.
This course examines the topic of immigration from multiple perpectives: historical comparison between current and previous waves of immigrants, politcal debates over what we should do locally and nationally, the complex economic and social impacts of immigrants(both legal and unauthorized), the changing legal environment, comparative immigration policies, and the post-9/11 national security implications of immigration. This course aims to have you explore and challenge your own views, try to make sense of competing arguments and evidence, and gain a respect for perspectives not your own. A visit to the National Immigration Museum at Ellis Island may be planned.
This course explores the impact of business strategies and power on government decisions. It then focuses on government policies that influence business behavior. This topic addresses a central and timely question: What is the proper relationship between government and business that would best promote the culture's values and the public good?
An experiential and reflective study of the activity of the political parties, especially regarding elections, with some attention to the structure and functions of parties in different nations and their promotion of democratic participation.
The interaction between the United States government and the "Fourth Estate" will be studied through an examination of theoretical works, descriptive narratives, empirical studies and current events. Issues studied will include how the government attempts to control and regulate the media.
An examination of the political messages and implications of contemporary films. This course examines both how films portray politicians and the political system, as well as the more subtle political messages embedded in films which have to do with socialization orientations toward power, authority, participation and the like.
The goal of this course is to provide a nuanced understanding of Middle Eastern politics while fostering analytical skills. We will analyze contemporary political processes, starting from the establishment of nation-states and consolidation of authoritarianisms in the region, and working our way toward the Arab Spring and the authoritarian backlash that followed. Throughout the course, we will think about the key factors that shape politics in the region, specifically trying to critically think about 'Middle East exceptionalism' -the idea that authoritarianism is widespread and persistent in the region, more so than anywhere else in the world. This is a comparative politics course that integrates history with international relations through a comparative lens, and as a result, its focus is on the development of state-society relations. The topics covered here are pertinent to current international debates related to populism, nationalism, the rise of authoritarianism, and challenges to democracy and democratic institutions. Junior standing required. Fulfills Core Requirements: Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) and Diversity (DIV).
An intensive study of the later years of the Cold War and the post-Cold War period. Continued Soviet and American rivalry combined with efforts to control the nuclear arms race, Third World "proxy wars" such as Vietnam and Afghanistan, the collapse of the Iron Curtain and end of the Soviet Union, global adjustments to the development of a unipolar world, the rise of terrorism and jihadist tendencies, social and cultural impacts.
This course is designed to provide an orientation to the activities of the United Nations, as well as providing an understanding of the modalities of international diplomacy. This course will include current events, pressing international issues, the basics of international law and some of the protocol and procedures of diplomacy. All of this will assist students in preparing for their role as a distinguished diplomat at the National Model United Nations conference (conference attendance is not mandatory).
The course will examine the theory and practice of International Law (IL) with reference to various events, which shaped the development of international law in all its forms (norms, rules, principles, precedent, custom, treaties etc). The course will emphasize current international legal norms and possibilities for future development.
This course will examine how the foreign policy of the United States is made. It will look at the sources of foreign policy, the factors which influence its formation, and the substance of past and present U.S. policies.
PSC 366Globalization: the Politics of International Economic Relations3
This course focuses on the power relationships behind contemporary international economic events. Among the issues that will be addressed: trade and protectionism, multinational corporations, international debt, the opening of investment markets in Eastern Europe and Western-Third World economic relations. The basic principles of macroeconomics and international finance will be covered.
This course will examine the theory and practice of the Just War doctrine. At the most general level, we will be concerned with the debate between realists, just war theorists and pacifists over the moral character of war. More specific topics include the justification of defensive, pre-emptive and preventive wars; humanitarian intervention; the combatant/noncombatant distinction; the distinction between direct and "collateral" harm to civilians; sieges, blockades and economic sanctions; guerrilla warfare; terrorism and reprisals; nuclear deterrence; and various religious conceptions of war and peace, especially those found in various Christian pacifist and Islamic traditions.
This course will introduce students to Prague, the first UNESCO Creative City of Literature, through a "city as text" approach, supported by both political and literary texts. We will explore the city of Prague in order to trace the construction of political identity through markers that can be found in anything from street names, architecture, urban art, political workshops, and theatrical performances. The course is meant as an immersive experience and it will aim to include a variety of social, political, and artistic experiences that will allow students to put together literary life with its historical and lived reality in the city of Prague. Additional Course fees associated with travel. Permission of instructor required for registration.
This course combines almost three weeks of study abroad at The Hague University in the summer with Le Moyne-based sessions in either the Fall after travel or the Spring prior to travel. The course provides historical, analytical, as well as experiential education in the fields of genocide studies, justice, and conflict resolution through intensive workshops, lectures, simulations, and a case-study. We will focus on the meaning of justice and its various dimensions (do we seek retribution, restoration, or some transitional middle ground?), and on how the international pursuit of that justice is complicated by issues such as sovereignty, denial of genocide, on-going violence, and the rejection of international jurisdiction. The course consists of in-class "traditional" lectures at (built around the case study and all of the related facets of international justice), interactive sessions with international court personnel, jurists, and scholars, as well as visits to historical sites. This course fulfills the study abroad requirement for PSC majors and Integral Honors Students. NOTE: THERE ARE ADDITIONAL TRAVEL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COURSE. TRAVEL COMPONENT OVER SUMMER 2017 IS MANDATORY; NO REGULAR CLASSROOM MEETINGS DURING SPRING 2017 SEMESTER. SEE INSTRUCTOR FOR REGISTRATION.
The purpose of this course is to learn about the decision-making process in the European Union (EU). Students will be introduced to the history, institutions, decision-making processes, and political actors involved in the EU with a focus on current events. This will prepare students for participating in a Model European Union simulation in which they will represent countries as heads of government and other high-level government officials (conference attendance is not mandatory).
This course provides a comparative analysis of the political systems in Eastern Europe from 1945 to the present. The goal of this course is to provide students with a broad perspective on the changes that took place in Eastern Europe over the last century with an emphasis on the period around and after the 1989 revolutions.
The purpose of this course is to introduce a selection of the most important ideas that form the basis of security studies including the international political system, the state, the military, and war, and other prevailing concepts, organizing principles, military deployment patterns, legal regulations, and political relationships that determine the state of international security at the moment. The course will also explore the organization and functions of the U.S. Intelligence community, its interaction with national security policymakers, key issues about is workings, and the challenges it faces in defining its future role.
This course focuses on the colonial experiences of African communities. Beginning with the scramble and the partition of Africa, this course examines the nature of European intrusion in the continent, the various forms of African response, the triumph of European militarism, and the establishment of colonial administrative systems in Africa. The class discerns the nature of African and European interactions in the socio-cultural, political, and economic spheres. An analysis of how African societies resisted or adapted to the new changes resulting from European colonization and the road to independence of most African countries will be examined. Finally, the course will assess the impact of the freedom struggles outside Africa. Fulfills Core requirement: Diversity (DIV); Cultural Elective (CE); and Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS).
Opium is an ancient medicine that became a mainstay for European traders in Asia and the keystone of their imperial economies. After opium opened Asian states to European influence it was established as an economic necessity for multinational empires, emerging states, and insurgencies alike. This course looks at the political, economic, and social relations of opium in Asia and the world. It examines the connections between local production and global trade in the politics of native cultures, national governments, and international relations. At the end of the semester, students will be able to look at today's headlines and understand their historical roots as well their future implications. Fulfills Core requirement(s): Diversity (DIV); and Interdisciplinary studies (IDS) *OR* Cultural Elective (CE). Course cannot fulfill all 3 requirements.
A student who wishes to pursue an independent study project for academic credit must submit, prior to registration, a proposed plan of study that includes the topic to be studied and goal to be achieved, the methodology to be followed, schedule of supervision, end product, evaluation procedure and number of credits sought. The proposal must be approved by the supervising faculty member, the department chair and the academic dean. It will be kept on file in the academic dean's office.
PSC 402Program Evaluation Research Methods And Policy3
The goal of this course is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the use of behavioral science research methods and theories for program and intervention evaluations. Topics given special emphasis include: measurement strategies and problems, needs assessment, experimental and quasi-experimental field designs, qualitative methods, benefit-cost analysis, statistical approaches to modeling bias and the use of evaluation results in the policy process.
This course will examine the development of human right in the international system. It will explore the content of the current international human right regime -the "blue" social and political rights and the "red" economic rights, as well as "green" rights to development, a clean environment, and peace. It will explore how rights develop and are propagated and will examine the role of governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations in the development of rights thinking. By way of illustration, it will examine the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and the expansion of women's rights over the last twenty years.
Does literature reflect on the use of power, authority, ideology and identity? How does literature affect us and the way we interpret the political world? What makes theatre political? What hopes for changing the world does theatre dramatize? How does the theatre become a productive site for representing, and even enacting, political change? This course explores these questions by reading various literary works including a number of plays from different time periods. The encompassing question this course tries to answer (by analyzing the perspectives of different authors) is: What does it mean to have political freedom?
This course is designed to examine the significance and meaning of community in a variety of contexts and how people attempt to build it. We will examine competing definitions of community, consider the meaning of political communities, religious communities, urban and rural communities, counterfeit communities, virtual communities, and global communities. Particular attention will be given to examining the conditions that must be present in order to build the social capital needed to create genuine communities.
The Senior Seminar in Political Science requires students to apply their knowledge of theory and methods to a current question in political science. Students will develop an original paper about a question of their choice, and present that paper to their peers at the end of the semester. Throughout the seminar, students will read and discuss a range of contemporary political science literature. Prerequisite(s): PSC 201, PSC 202, PSC 207. Senior standing required.
The U.S. Constitution details the rules by which our government operates. In what areas does Congress have the authority to legislate? What powers does the President have? How can an unelected Supreme Court overturn laws passed by democratically elected representatives? This course will examine the development of constitutional law resolving questions about the separation of powers, federal and state power, and the role of the government in American society. Pre-requisite: Junior standing required.
The Bill of Rights guarantees certain protections to all Americans. These include the right to free speech, religious belief, a fair trial, and freedom from racial discrimination. How these rights have been interpreted and applied to citizens has evolved greatly over the past 240 years. This course will focus on the Supreme Court's development of civil rights and liberties from the founding era to the present. Using both case law and historical documents, students will gain an understanding of how and why the law today takes the form that it does. Pre-requisite: Junior standing required.
The law touches on every aspect of our lives, including the most intimate and personal decisions we make concerning our reproduction, our sexuality, and our very identities. This course will focus on the ways in which lawmakers and judges have tried to create policy dealing with these extremely difficult issues, as well as what those outside of the courts and legislatures have argued about what the government's role should be in this area. Selected topics to be covered include abortion, the regulation of birth and motherhood, LGBT rights and policy, birth control and sex education.
This advanced seminar provides students with the opportunity to explore the complexity of environmental issues in detail. By choosing current topics and analyzing the scientific and socio-economic factors underlying environmental problems, students will develop greater awareness and understanding of society's ability to mitigate these problems. This course places a high emphasis on oral and written presentation skills. Prerequisite(s): 20 credits in BIO, ESS, PSC, ECO from 200, 300 or 400 level courses.
Service Learning combines community service work with academic study and self-reflection. The experience, a commitment of 12-15 hours, must be taken in association with a credited Political Science course. Service Learning is intended to teach and promote an expanded idea of citizenship.
Participation in a field learning experience closely related to one of the areas of political science. The student intern will report as required to the faculty member assigned to supervise this field experience and is expected to evaluate the experience and relate it to his or her academic program. Three hours of field work per week will be required to generate one credit. Does not count as political science elective hours toward a major or minor.
Participation in a field learning experience closely related to one of the areas of political science. The student intern will report as required to the faculty member assigned to supervise this field experience and is expected to evaluate the experience and relate it to his or her academic program. Three hours of field work per week will be required to generate one credit. Does not count as political science elective hours toward a major or minor.
To qualify for an Departmental Honors in political science, a student must be a declared political science major, have a GPA of at least 3.5 overall and 3.5 in political science, and complete an honors project. The project will consist of a research effort completed under the direction of a political science professor and presented to the department. A preliminary thesis, outline, methodology and bibliography must be approved by the professor before the student may register. (Normally taken in the first semester of the senior year and only with permission of the department chair).
