44 courses with the subject PS, 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.
PS 101Introduction to American Politics1098
This overview of the American political process considers the nature and character of Americans and their democracy. Because governing institutions and practices are complex and most Americans have a difficult time navigating and participating in them, this course examines parties, elections, voting, the presidency, Congress and the courts through readings, films, lectures, and discussions, in an effort to empower students to engage in civic life.
This introductory survey course covers the major concepts and theories of the field, and serves as an introduction to the major sub-fields of study, including international law, international organization, international security, human rights, foreign policy and political economy. The course covers major historical events shaping world order in detail, and students will debate current policy challenges facing the international community.
Comparative Politics is an introductory survey course that presents how political scientists use the comparative method to examine how defining features of a country, such as political institutions, ideology or political economy, explain political outcomes. Throughout the semester, students examine fundamental concepts of comparative inquiry such as political institutions, ideology, political economy, and political culture that political scientists use to compare foreign governments. During the course students apply concepts to contemporary issues and events such as the protests in the Middle East; differences in how states approach universal health care; the process of democratization in Egypt, Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela and elsewhere to enrich learning.
(also listed as HS 329 ) This course is a critical survey of core concepts and theoretical perspectives in contemporary political life and political philosophy. Beginning with an in-depth study of theories of oppression and injustice, we will turn to the core concepts of justice, liberty, equality, rights, and democracy, where we will examine both contemporary contestations and historical genealogies of these ideas. In addition to incorporating several theoretical perspectives when analyzing these core concepts, we will also interrogate the relationship of politics to ethics as well as the ways in which power operates in social institutions to systematically dis/advantage individuals according to their membership in social categories, such as those of sex, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability, and class. Our ultimate goal is to gain proficiency in these conceptual and theoretical tools and use them to analyze and critique our own lived experiences and social worlds.
This course provides students an intensive introduction to discipline-focused research and writing in Political Science. Students are introduced to a variety of types of primary and secondary sources. They learn about how to search for and locate these different sources, how to evaluate them, and how to utilize the sources in their research-based writing. Students learn how to develop research projects from the initial topic of interest through to the final written product; this work includes the generation of research proposals, re-drafting of papers, and practice in formulating different kinds of arguments depending on audience, sources, and written form.
(also listed as HS 211 ) This survey of the history, culture, religion and politics of the region in the modern era includes study of the growth of nationalism and creation of sovereign states, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Palestinian problem, war, terrorism, and the impact of foreign powers.
This course examines the prohibitive conduct and necessary intent of the most commonly charged criminal statutes. The course utilizes case law to interpret the elements of these criminal statutes and demonstrates the analytical framework necessary to prove the criminal charges. From a procedural standpoint, the course examines the general rules of law pertaining to: prohibitive/permitted search and seizure, the exclusionary rule, probable cause, right to counsel, and the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.
This is an examination of the constitutional foundations and development of America’s governmental institutions through analysis of leading Supreme Court cases. It studies the principles of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil liberties, civil rights and judicial review. Students read, brief and report on cases to the class.
IS 220 This course focuses on global interconnections and the consequences of humans’ use and frequent degradation of natural resources around the planet. All continents are explored. Readings, discussions, and written assignments examine such topics as the shifting demand for and politics of resource extraction, trends in energy use (past, present and future), environmental health and justice, and how and the extent to which ecological balances have been imperiled by human economic and social development.
This introduction to the major concepts, issues and challenges of politics in the Developing World examines the legacy of colonialism, regime types, civil-military relations, corruption, ethnicity, religion and culture, the debt crisis and economic development using examples from countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
PS 235How Do We Know What We Know? Truth, Media, Politics1098
PL 235 This course combines epistemology, philosophy of science, and the ethics of journalism. The focus is on the relationship between the problems philosophers discuss when they think of issues of truth and knowledge and the problems journalists have as they go about their profession. How do voters know what they are getting when they vote for a candidate—in an era of spin rooms, sophisticated, poll-driven ads, “gotcha” questions—and when the voting public is segmenting into ever narrower politically defined niches?
(also listed as HS 239 ) This course covers the foreign policies of each U.S. presidential administration from Truman to the present day. Drawing extensively upon theories of foreign policy and detailed study of historical events, the course explores continuity and change in the crafting of foreign policy strategy and the implementation of policy over time.
PS 243Introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution1098
This course explores the nature of international and internal conflict in the modern era, including the characteristics of conflict at various stages. The course offers an overview of the core concepts of the field and the competing theoretical explanations for the causes of conflict, as well as the various strategies available to respond to crisis and conflict, including preventive action, conflict management and post-conflict peacebuilding.
(also listed as HS 250 ) This course examines inequality in modern America, focusing primarily on economic inequality. This class explores the state of inequality in the U.S. and the evolution of economic inequality over time. Further, the course investigates the relationship between economic inequality and political inequality, examining how economic inequality affects civic engagement and political participation. Finally, students will explore how and why participation matters for representative democracy, public policy, and governance.
Every four years Americans go to the polls to elect the next President of the United States, their representatives in the House, and one-third of their representatives in the Senate. In the years between presidential elections, Americans go to the polls to (re)elect their representatives in the House and the Senate. We also vote in local and state elections. The goal of this course is to better understand how this all happens: how do elections and campaigns actually work and do they produce results that are truly representative of the American people? This course will include lectures, discussions, and a campaign simulation activity. By the end of this course students will have a better appreciation for how campaigns and elections work in the U.S. and the role of citizens in American democracy.
(also listed as HS 260 ) This course explores American politics and domestic policy reforms from Presidents Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama by focusing on the evolution of American liberalisms and conservatisms. With a particular eye on understanding the contemporary political scene and how and why it emerged, students examine a range of eras including the New Deal, the Great Society and the tumultuous 1960s, the so-called “Reagan Revolution” of the 1980s and its consolidation under George W. Bush, as well as the meaning of Barack Obama’s presidency. Emphasis is given to the importance of an interrelationship between the political leaders, ideas and institutions that shape what different groups of Americans have wanted from their government and what government has provided for them.
(Also listed as HS265) This course is designed to discuss women, gender, and American politics. This course analyzes the participation of women in American public and political life. From the fight for suffrage through Hillary Clinton’s nomination for President by the Democratic Party, the readings and discussions in this class are historical and contemporary, as well as theoretical and empirical.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the ideas, concepts and theories of security. What does it mean to be secure as a state? As a person? From war and terrorism, to crime and environmental threats, this course studies and analyzes the various issues that dominate security agendas in the 21 st century.
This course introduces students to the United Nations and to international organizations in general with a focus on international negotiations. Students study the structure and the work of the United Nations, and other international organizations as relevant to the competitions, and they travel to and participate in one Model United Nations competition with student teams from around the world.
In this exploration of selected topics, such as Politics and Film, topics vary according to the mutual interests of students and faculty. May be elected for more than one topic.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the role and function of international law in the world system, emphasizing its history, structure, and ability to mitigate conflict. Participants examine the major components of international law, with particular emphasis on human rights and the law of armed conflict. Subjects covered include the use of force, arms control, detention and torture, terrorism, war crimes, and self-determination. This course utilizes reading, research, discussion and simulations, to assist participants in applying legal concepts to current international situations.
This course critically examines the physical, social and political development of “global cities” in the developed and developing worlds. Drawing on a theoretical framework from the field of urban politics, we will consider the historical origins of and contemporary institutional, political, and social arrangements within major metropolitan areas by examining and comparing the specific cases of Los Angeles, Shanghai, Sao Paulo, and Mumbai. Our primary focus will be the present-day dimensions of work, housing, migration, entertainment, planning and politics, as well as policy prescriptions for various urban challenges, within and across global city centers.
PS 321Global Governance and International Organizations1098
How do political actors collectively address major global problems such as climate change, violent conflict, poverty and financial crises? International organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank and WTO play a central role in governance activities and global policymaking. This course examines the need for global governance as well as the inherent challenges to international cooperation and coordination. Part one offers an overview of the importance of global governance and introduces students to the basic theoretical debates regarding inter-state cooperation including why states create international organizations, how international organizations elicit compliance with international rules, norms and laws; and why they fail to exercise authority. The second section of the course examines how international organizations govern peace and security and considers humanitarian intervention, global health, trade and peacekeeping operations. The final section of the course explores the future of global governance and international organization and challenges students to consider who wins and loses in our current systems of global governance and solutions for governance failures. Students will both engage theory that permits analysis of the broad range of global governance questions and write concise, policy analyses of contemporary global issues.
Public policies in the United States are inherently political. They are defined through political processes: designed by elected and non-elected individuals, implemented in the context of American political institutions and they in turn shape the character of political and public life in the United States. This course involves the examination and evaluation of various approaches to policy analysis, the consideration of various actors in shaping and implementing public policy, and the investigation of specific case-study policies, such as environmental policy, public health policy, immigration policy, gun control policy, and policies that promote mass incarceration in the U.S.
This course examines the politics and foreign and security policies of Russia and East Europe from the Bolshevik Revolution to the present. Drawing upon theories of comparative politics, international relations, and foreign policy, and upon historical scholarship, the course seeks to understand the major sources of Soviet and Russian foreign policy, including ideology, identity, and power.
This is an examination of the historical foundation and philosophy of the American judiciary, and the roles of courts and judges, especially Supreme Court justices, in the American political system. It includes the method of selecting judges, the political framework in which they function, the factors that influence their decisions, and the impact of their decisions on the American political system.
PS 101 Introduction to American Politics strongly recommended.
PS 355Environmental Racism1098
IS355 This seminar explores the origins and solutions to environmental racism and injustice. In particular, we examine the Environmental Justice Movement, the political economy of environmental injustice, and institutionalized racism that contribute to the degradation of environmental conditions in low income and BIPOC communities in North America and around the world. By discussing local and global case studies of environmental injustice and by taking virtual toxic tours we think through possibilities for resistance and sovereignty. The seminar materials draw from Native American and Indigenous studies, Black studies, environmental anthropology, and feminist theory to provide interdisciplinary perspectives on the ongoing project for environment justice.
Since the end of the Cold War, one of the major challenges facing the international community has been the interrelated problems of defining human rights and protecting those rights. The rhetoric of humanitarian intentions, unfortunately, often has served as a cover for the actual neglect of human rights. This course examines the nature and evolution of human rights, the problems entailed in humanitarian action, and the potential for building a viable international human rights regime.
PS 374Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Global Politics: Concepts and Challenges1098
Since the end of World War II, there has been a steady increase in the numbers of transnational non-governmental organizations (TNGO’s) working across borders on issues as diverse as emergency relief, women’s rights, environmental sustainability and fair trade. In the 1990’s, the TNGO sector expanded at an unprecedented rate and the amount of money channeled through these organizations sky-rocked earnings TNGOS a seat at the global policy table. This course begins by examining key concepts such as the purpose, authority, power, and accountability of TNGOs with the objective of fostering a clear understanding of the role TNGOs play in global politics and where they fit among states, businesses and inter-governmental organizations. Next, we examine variations in the structure of TNGOs and TNGO networks: how do domestic contexts shape TNGOs? How do processes like professionalization create convergence among TNGO practices? What are the power dynamics in TNGO networks? We then discuss the tactics TNGOs employ to effectuate change, specifically examining theories of TNGO behavior and discussing cases of successful and unsuccessful TNGO campaigns. Finally, we consider the “dark side” of TNGO policies, practices and procedures: do NGOs do more harm than good? The course explores TNGO activities in the realms of women’s rights, human rights, global health, environmental protection and emergency relief.
PS 375Constitutional Law II: The First Amendment1098
The U.S. Constitution through its First Amendment influences the expression of our citizenry and defines our most basic rights to freedom of speech, religion, press, and association. The U.S. Supreme Court continually defines the scope and extent of these rights. This course conducts an in-depth study of Supreme Court case law to provide students a learned understanding of their First Amendment rights. Topics covered include: defining speech, understanding the propriety of government suppression/regulation of speech, identifying the places available to exercise free speech, defining association, exploring the freedom of press, and understanding the religion clauses. The course provides particular benefit to a student interested in attending law school or graduate school for political science/government or a student interested in gaining a better understanding of his or her rights.
This course is available in consultation with a faculty advisor, and requires both completing an internship, in Philadelphia or elsewhere, and accompanying academic work, identified and created in consultation with the advisor. Internship possibilities include federal, state and local government agencies; community organizations; political campaigns; public and private institutions; and other organizations/agencies dealing with political concerns. A learning plan that specifies clear academic and professional development goals and assignments, similar to a syllabus, is required. Students cannot take this course Pass/Fail to count in the major, and are typically required to complete academic work for academic credit. Credit may vary depending upon the scope of the commitment and the provisions of the learning contract.
In this in-depth exploration of selected topics, such as Literary Perspectives on American Politics or a seminar on a specific nation or area, topics vary according to the mutual interests of students and faculty. May be elected for more than one topic.
This is a supervised, two-semester (490 in fall; 491 in spring) preparation of a senior thesis on a topic selected by the student. The course includes opportunities for integration and reflection, collaborative learning, peer review, career workshops, and public oral presentation of the senior thesis. It reviews methodology in political science and incorporates outside evaluation, primary sources, and original research.
Senior standing is required. MA 141 Elementary Statistics recommended.
PS 491Senior Thesis Seminar1098
This is a supervised, two-semester (490 in fall; 491 in spring) preparation of a senior thesis on a topic selected by the student. The course includes opportunities for integration and reflection, collaborative learning, peer review, career workshops, and public oral presentation of the senior thesis. It reviews methodology in political science and incorporates outside evaluation, primary sources, and original research.
