148 courses with the subject POLS, 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.
Constitutional principles; organization and operation of the national government; and dynamics of power within the U.S. political system. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
The political systems of foreign countries; approaches to the study of comparative politics. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
The promise and perils of democracy from the ancient world to the present. Attribute/Distribution: CC, Q, SS, SW
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated. Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS, SW, W
Examination of various theoretical approaches to politics and of fundamental political problems and proposed solutions. Analysis of selected political theories and the relevance of theory to contemporary issues.
This course introduces students to the history of ancient Western political ideas from the pre-Socratics to Thomas More. Emphasis will be placed on the political thought of Greek, Roman, and early Christian thinkers, examining questions surrounding the nature of justice, the best form of political authority, and the proper relationship between religion and government. Attribute/Distribution: SS
This course continues an examination of the Western canon, exploring political ideas from Machiavelli to Nietzsche. Emphasis will be placed on liberalism, conservatism, socialism, feminism, and German idealism. This class can be a companion to Ancient Political Heritage or a stand-alone course. Attribute/Distribution: SS
This course presents the intellectual history of the study of public administration in a manner that is intended to inform career choices for those who might consider public service and provide a broad introduction to the field of public administration. Students will gain a comprehensive perspective on the public administration discipline by exploring the pervasive puzzles, ethical dilemmas, and the critical issues in governance to date. Attribute/Distribution: SS
An introduction to political sociology through an examination of the major sociological questions concerning power, politics, and the state. Covers questions concerning state formation, nationalism, social movements, globalization, political culture and participation, and civil society. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
Analysis of the framework that has been established to protect the environment and promote sustainable growth. Focus on the roles of the different branches of the U.S. government and the relative responsibilities of state and local governments within this framework. Consideration of the political nature of environmental issues and the social forces influencing environmental protection in different areas of domestic environmental policy, such as climate change, toxic waste disposal, and natural resources conservation. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
An introduction to ethics and values that shape human relationships to the natural environment. What are the moral implications of these relationships for non-human life and natural systems? How can justice and democracy correct unethical treatment of non-humans? What policy responses to environmental problems are morally or politically justifiable? The course explores ethical ideas from different schools of environmental thought, such as sentientism, ecocentrism, and biocentrism, and ideas that emerge from social movements, such as environmental justice and urban sustainability. Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS, W
A survey of the major environmental, resource, energy and population problems of modern society, focusing on the United States. The politics of man’s relationship with nature, the political problems of ecological scarcity and public goods, and the response of the American political system to environmental issues. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
Introduces students to the basic theories, principles, institutions, and processes of public policy in the U.S. The objectives are to provide students with an understanding of how social problems are defined, how potential solutions to those problems move through the policy process, and gain an empirical perspective on the consequences, as well as insight regarding the normative dimensions of policy making. Students will develop knowledge of the framework for understanding policy and engage in critical thinking regarding the nature of. Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
An introduction to the topic of environmental planning, the course will review the roles of citizens, other stakeholders, political interests, and local governments in determining the use of land; unpack the meaning of "sustainability;" and grapple with the challenge of balancing communities' demand for development with the need to protect valuable natural resources. Students will be introduced to examples of successful and unsuccessful instances of environmental planning both at home and abroad. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
Relationship of technology and technological change with politics and public policy. Review of theories of political significance of technology, including technological determinism, technology assessment, technological progress and appropriate technology. Specific issues in technology with emphasis on U.S. Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
Global climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century. This course will take a political sociological perspective in examining issues related to climate change responsibility, vulnerability, and mitigation, and how these are unevenly distributed across and within nations. This course will thus investigate the larger structural causes and consequences of climate change, with a strong focus on global inequality and the possibilities for climate justice. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
An examination of the relationship of religion to American law and the United States Constitution. Course will focus on Supreme Court decisions involving the "establishment" and "free exercise" clauses of the First Amendment. Attention will also be given to the intellectual, historical, religious and theological background behind the American experiment in "church-state" separation, including the thought of Roger Williams, the Founders (Washington, Jefferson, Madison), and contemporary analysts (e.g., M. Nussbaum). Attribute/Distribution: CC, HU, SW
Theories of poverty reduction meet the messy realities of social life around the world. Students in the course will understand why poverty persists and what kinds of solutions to it may be effective. Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
Selected social and political issues relating to the role of women in American society. Focuses on such questions as economic equality, poverty, and work roles, the older woman, gender gap, political leadership, reproduction technology, and sexual violence. Attribute/Distribution: SS
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated. Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS, SW, W
Examines the politics of countries in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives). Some of the key themes are 1) the lasting legacy of colonialism, 2) ways in which ethnic and religious diversity is managed, 3) distinctiveness of political institutions like parliament and constitutions in South Asia, and 4) how politics, economics, and culture relate to one another. The focus of the course changes each year in order to reflect current developments and student interest. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
This class interacts closely with Lehigh Mock Trial. Students will begin the year by learning the structure of a typical trial, rules of evidence and methods of persuasive argumentation. As the course develops, students will work to craft a case based on evidence, depositions, and case materials provided by AMTA (The American Mock Trial Association). At the conclusion of the semester, students will, optionally, compete with Lehigh Mock Trial at local tournaments and, eventually, the AMTA regional tournaments.
This course examines the distinctive role race has played in shaping the political history of the United States. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Universities are often sites of political protest. Some of these protests are expressive but ineffective, others can spark revolutions and regime change. Why? What distinguishes universities as sites for resistance? What makes students prone to mobilization? The study of politics can seem like an abstract pursuit, one that is not relevant to our lives. This course takes the scholarly literature on social movements and applies it to the university. Students will engage in social activism as part of this course. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
Policy analysis and problem-solving in complex policy environments characterized as crises or emergencies. Students will examine the politics of framing events as crises; the flow of information in crisis situations; definitions of policy experts and expertise; policy networks in crises and emergencies; and the challenges of crisis policymaking in democracies. Students will consider insights from the methods of different fields, including natural sciences and social sciences. Topics include the climate emergency, global public health crises, and natural disasters. Attribute/Distribution: SW
Principles governing the interaction between the economic and political components of international phenomena. Political aspects of trade, investment, and global economic order. Political underpinnings of international economic relations. Domestic and international political consequences of economic policy and international economic relations. Prerequisites: IR 010 and ECO 001 Attribute/Distribution: CC, Q, SS
The lessons of U.S. social and political movements from the 1960s and the post-2000 era. Students examine social movements through the lens of intersectionality, with a focus on civil rights, anti-war activism, women’s rights, global justice, and ecology movements, to assess their connection to democracy and citizens’ lives. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
Examines the meaning of the US war on terrorism as interpreted and disputed in American politics, the mass media, and private and public memory. Reviews the political history and context of the war, personal experiences and critical perspectives on the war, and characterizations of the war in mainstream news media and popular film. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
This course explores the legal and political consequences of various theories of crime, punishment and social control in the United States. Topics include policing, racial profiling, trial court proceedings and the administration of justice, growing incarceration rates and the prison industry, capital punishment, the jury system, and the nature of legal obligation. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Is a society without prisons possible? This course invites students to critically examine the political and ethical implications of mass incarceration in the United States and its impact on human rights, justice, and democracy. Through the perspectives of abolitionist activists, artists, and thinkers, students will explore alternatives to punitive justice and question the role prisons serve in society. Topics include carceral geography, the evolution of the prison system, the prison-industrial complex and corporate profiteering, and voting rights for incarcerated individuals. Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS
Study of the organization, functions and behavior of political parties in the United States. Includes voting behavior, campaigns and elections, polling, interest groups, public opinion and the role of the media. Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, W
Supervised participation in various aspects of the teaching of a course. Consent of instructor, department chairperson, and permission of the Dean required. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Analysis of major questions relating to the role of the states in the American federal system and their relationship with the national government. Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
This course is an introductory planning course, with an emphasis on housing and community development policy. It will examine historical and contemporary aspects of urban politics; the economic, demographic, and spatial evolution of American cities; and various urban problems, such as the spatial mismatch between people and jobs, housing quality and affordability, and residential segregation. Finally, the course will review how planners have addressed conditions in cities and regions over time. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
Power relations and their impacts on selected public policy issues, specifically taxation, housing, environment, poverty, energy, the military, and health. Attribute/Distribution: SS
What is normal behavior, and how do we come to understand mental illness? How do the resulting policies, to address mental health, impact society? This course is designed to facilitate thoughtful discourse on the various ways in which society regulates access to opportunities, facilitates integration or alienation, and constructs the social world.
This course will address key questions in nonprofit sector research, policy, and management and familiarize students with factors that tend to make the nonprofit sector distinct. Students will gain an understanding of the scope and character of nonprofit activity in the U.S. and abroad. We will explore current debates in nonprofit policy and evaluate critical challenges facing the organization and management of nonprofits. Attribute/Distribution: SS
The marketplace does not always have to be harsh. Social entrepreneurship uses market-based approaches to address needs and solve problems in our society. Students in this seminar-style course will learn how to identify community problems, convince the community that it is a problem worth solving, design the response, and implement it. Hands-on projects. Must have at least junior standing or consent of the minor director. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Seminar on how to value the environment for the purpose of designing and analyzing environmental policies. Review of the "contingent valuation method" currently used to price environmental resources, and assessment of this method's empirical and normative strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation of "deliberative monetary valuation" as an improved method for environmental assessment. Consideration of non-monetary approaches to environmental valuation as alternatives to understanding the environment's relationship to human well-being in policy contexts. Attribute/Distribution: SS
An urban environmental planning and policy course in which students explore an issue affecting the local community, evaluate current policy responses and possible alternatives, and present recommendations to public officials, local organizations, and community members. Student research and analysis will draw on primary and secondary data, as well as feedback from conducting individual interviews, focus groups, and community meetings. Prior projects include determining how Bethlehem's new City Revitalization improvement Zone (CRIZ) might best benefit the South Side of Bethlehem, PA. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
Review of urban agriculture and greening programs in growing social movement to strengthen neighborhoods, promote healthier living, and create localized and sustainable food economies. Students consider these programs in relation to national farm policy and develop urban agriculture projects with community partners. Case studies illustrate how improving food access, beautifying vacant land, and reducing farm-to-table distances, are creatively and successfully combined. Students will receive hands-on gardening and farming experience at a community garden. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Role of the executive in the American political process. Includes an analysis of the historical development, selection process, and scope of executive power. Emphasizes domestic and foreign policy initiatives of selected presidents from FDR to today. Prerequisites: (POLS 001) Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW, W
This research methods course teaches students to highlight important conditions and trends – ones that warrant policymakers’ attention – using publicly available data sources (like the Census). Conveying information in a clear and persuasive way, one that motivates decision-makers to act, is a key step in any policymaking process. Students will become familiar with these databases and proficient at generating charts, graphs and maps using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and ArcMAP (three programs central to most jobs in policy-related fields). Attribute/Distribution: Q, SS
Models in the explanation of political phenomena, appropriateness of measurement techniques; construction of research designs; rationale and application of statistical analyses; individual projects involving the construction and testing of models employing a major social science data set. Instructor permission required. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Rapid advances in methods of data collection and analysis raise new political questions about how public institutions, the private sector, and individuals produce, use, and share data. This course examines how the emergence of data-driven decision-making is reshaping politics, exploring issues of inclusiveness, equality, privacy, and democratic accountability. We pay particular attention to how new methods of data analysis contribute to the exercise of power. If algorithms are not "neutral," then who is privileged in their use, diffusion and management? Prerequisites: (POLS 003) Attribute/Distribution: SS
The EU has experienced unprecedented challenges to its stability and legitimacy in recent years, with calls to enhance its democratic qualities and its potential for social, economic and environmental justice. This course covers the history, institutions, and policy-making processes of the European Union, with special attention to how the EU responds to and is shaped by policy crises. Recent topics have included immigration, the euro crisis, Brexit, EU trade policy, and the rise of populism in EU countries. Prerequisites: POLS 003 or IR 010 Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
Comparative discussion of systems of government in Western Europe and of major policy questions facing these states in the post-war era. Topics include the evolution of social welfare systems, the impact of economic crises and globalization on Western European political economy, and immigration and identity politics. Prerequisites: POLS 003 Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
Examination of major theoretical and policy debates in the study of nationalism. Focus on the emergence and endurance of nationalist movements in the modern era, the spread of autonomy movements, and the recent rise of populist politics. Discussion of responses to nationalist claims and efforts to resolve nationalist conflict. Prerequisites: POLS 003 Attribute/Distribution: CC
Seminar on the theory and practice of community and political organizing and their relationship with democracy and power in the United States, complementing semester-long student field placements with community groups and local organizations. Student teams help enhance the political voice of under-resourced community groups through organization-building, outreach, and policy input at the local level. Consent of instructor required. Attribute/Distribution: SS
An examination of contemporary American politics and policy dealing with environmental issues. Current controversies in the legislative and regulatory areas will be covered to examine environmental issues and the political process. Significant portions of the course readings will be taken from government publications. Attribute/Distribution: SS
The role of propaganda and mass media in sustaining hegemony in the United States. Emphasis on television, advertising and mass culture, public relations, news media, and political propaganda pertaining to U.S. foreign and domestic policy. Students compare critical counter-hegemonic theories to political speeches, documents, news reports, and media encounters that shape much of American political life. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Integrated fieldwork and academic study. Seminar, research paper, and journal; internship with government and social service agencies, political groups, elected officials, and law offices. Consent of instructor required. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated. Attribute/Distribution: CC
Examines the politics of gender, racial, and economic inequality in the U.S. Explores the effects of growing inequality on political representation, and the impact of government policy on perpetuating inequality. Class consciousness, and its effects on political beliefs and behavior, are examined. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
This course will cover applications of statistical reasoning and quantitative research design in political science and public policy research. Analysis will be performed in the programming language R, with an emphasis on learning tools for reproducible research. Prior coursework in computer programming and/or statistics is expected. Enrollment is by instructor permission. Attribute/Distribution: Q
Democratic, authoritarian and revolutionary paths to contemporary political issues. Political, economic and social implications of contemporary “democratic” regimes and neo-liberal economic policies. Discussion groups and student presentations on prospects for democratic peace and prosperity in the future. Prerequisites: (POLS 003) Attribute/Distribution: SS
U.S. historical relationship with Central America, Caribbean and South America with emphasis on economic and military dominance. Contemporary issues such as U.S. invasions of Panama and Grenada, U.S. Cuban relations, the militarization of the “drug war,” counter-insurgency. Written analysis of competing U.S. interests across time and regions. Prerequisites: (POLS 003) Attribute/Distribution: SS
Indigenous and “imported” religious structures, the prominent role of the Catholic Church in Latin America, and the recent explosion of Protestant/ Pentecostal churches. Emphasis on the intersection of religious belief and power (i.e., gender, local politics, national development, etc.). Short papers integrate material with students’ knowledge of religious/political phenomena. Discussion groups analyze philosophical foundations of belief. Prerequisites: (POLS 003 and POLS 336) Attribute/Distribution: SS
An examination of the role of Asian nationalism in the construction of the modern state form in Asia. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Is hierarchy in human societies inevitable? How do we make sense of justice and equality if domination is an inescapable aspect of the social world? Our consideration of these questions will draw on a wide range of literatures including primatology, political philosophy, anthropology, and gender studies. We will also use non-academic sources such as films and novels to explore the world of domination and resistance. Attribute/Distribution: SS
This course explores critical topics and influential movements in contemporary political philosophy. It delves into various ideological frameworks, such as liberalism, libertarianism, communitarianism, feminism, postmodernism, and poststructuralism, alongside critical themes like biopolitics and biopower. The course emphasizes understanding how different conceptions of power, ideology, and sexuality intersect and reshape normative debates around autonomy, justice, and human rights. Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
Focus on gender implications of contemporary strategies for Third World economic growth, neo-liberalism. How do economic theories affect ‘real people?’ How do economic theories affect men vs. women? What is the role of people who want to ‘help?’ Some background in economic theories and/or Third World politics desired, but not required. Prerequisites: POLS 001 or WGSS 001 Attribute/Distribution: SS
An examination of the concept of “race” and its impact on domestic and international politics. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Exploration of the process of legal reasoning, the place of the United States Supreme Court in the American political system, the multiple influences on judicial decision-making, and various interpretive debates over the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. Following this introduction to the interplay of law and politics, the focus turns to particular domains within the canon of constitutional law, including cases pertaining to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction and capacity; the separation of powers between the three branches of government; federalism. Attribute/Distribution: SS
An intro to the issues of Land Use Planning, Community, Growth Mgmt, & Sprawl. Will examine the history of urban development in America, from the earliest settlements to the auto suburbs. Also explore such planning & development factors as comprehensive plans, zoning, & the influence of infrastructure on development. Concludes with an assessment of the revival of city centers, alternatives to sprawl, & comparisons to development patterns in other countries. Attribute/Distribution: SS
This course examines criminal justice, housing, health, education, and welfare policies across US states through the lenses of class, race, gender, and sexuality. Students will learn how social regulations structure opportunities and assess the implications of those opportunity strucures.
This research seminar attempts to identify the conditions under which religious parties arise and become influential, how religion influences popular understandings of secular politics and the extent to which religion is a necessary feature of modern public discourse. These topics are explored through country specific cases from around the world. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, W
A continuation of themes, issues, and debates of the previous semester (Constitutional Law and Politics). This course addresses the major cases and controversies within several legal domains, including the freedoms of and from religion; freedom of speech; freedom of association; freedom of the press; the right to bear arms; the rights of criminal defendants and suspects; the right to privacy; capital punishment; and, the equal protection of the law. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Health care programs, policies, and their impact on American society. Topics include approaches to health care; public sector plans (Medicare and Medicaid); managed care; the employer-sponsored system; medically uninsured; vested interests and lobbyists; movements for national health care; and options for change. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
This course explores the various ways in which environmental law and policy can have discriminatory effects. It examines the rise and evolution of environmental justice movement, and the impact of environmental justice claims on administration policies, especially at the federal level. Considering the role of politics in the ongoing struggle for environmental justice, it reviews theories of substantive and procedural justice, and uses them to consider strategies for advancing equity in environmental law and policy. Prerequisites: POLS 105 or ES 105 Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
This course examines Western political philosophy from a historical and conceptual perspective. Emphasis will be placed on questions concerning the nature of justice, freedom, and equality—their presence and absence–in the Western tradition. Attribute/Distribution: SS
This course explores works in political philosophy, literature, and film that explore the nature of existence. Through diverse theoretical frameworks, we will interrogate issues surrounding authenticity, existential angst, and agency. The course challenges conventional thinking on “the self,” emphasizing the phenomenology of animals, cyborgs, and posthumanism. Attribute/Distribution: SS
This course examines democratic backsliding in American political behavior and institutions, in relation to rising authoritarianism, theories of power and the role of social movements and interest groups. Evaluates scholarly literatures on authoritarianism, interest groups, and elitist and pluralistic theories of power. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Elections for the House and Senate and their significance for the way in which Congress functions. The formal structure of party leadership and committees, House and Senate organizational and functional differences, and informal and formal power of legislation and oversight. Congressional relations with the president, bureaucracy, and Supreme Court. Prerequisites: POLS 001 Attribute/Distribution: SS
The nature of administration; problems of organization and management; public personnel policies; budgeting and budgetary system; forms of administrative responsibility. Attribute/Distribution: SS, WRIT
This course examines American political thought from the colonial period to the present, tracing its development through critical themes, controversies, and omissions. Foundational texts will be explored to uncover the origins of American political thought, the meaning of American identity, and the ongoing debates over liberty, justice, freedom, and democracy. The course places particular emphasis on how race, class, and gender have shaped—and continue to shape—what and who is considered “American.” Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
This course examines fundamental processes and tools employed in public opinion research. This class is designed to provide students with the ability to develop, implement and evaluate various forms of public opinion research including surveys, focus groups and individual interviews.Students will be introduced to numerous aspects of public opinion research including questionnaire design, sampling, interviewing, data analysis, focus group moderation, and varied forms of data collection. Attribute/Distribution: SS
An introduction to the history of domestic environmental policy and contemporary policy trends, such as the rise of legal adversarialism and public participation in regulatory decisions. The role of market instruments in policy implementation, the emergence of rights-based approaches to environmental protection, and the role and value of distributional analysis will also be covered. Students will develop knowledge of a particular area of environmental policy at the federal, state, and/or level depending on their interests and current opportunities. Prerequisites: POLS 105 or ES 105 Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
Relationship of democratic politics to government and market, and significance of economic power in the American polity. Economic rationale for the place of the market and economic institutions in polity. Emphasis on information in comparison of economic approaches to public policy and organization (public goods, market failure, and collective action) with traditional political science approaches (group mobilization and conflict, non-decisions and symbolic action). Attribute/Distribution: SS
We will examine the state-sponsored, state-directed mass movement for the liberation of Chinese women. Beginning with Confucian notions of mother/daughterhood, to imperial system, to the role of women in the founding and establishment of the Communist Party of China, to the participation of women and girls in the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Gender equality issues have been a central focus of the Party. The class will look at post-reform era women's status and ask, “did the Party liberate women?” Attribute/Distribution: SS
Administrative power and policy. Constitutional and judicial control of administration. Remedies against improper administrative acts. Major emphasis will be on the United States, with some attention given to analogous issues in other countries. Attribute/Distribution: SS
This course examines how the various dimensions of globalization impact people by exploring factors that reflect and affect quality of life. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities resulting from the growing interconnectedness and interdependencies of global relations. The course is intended to get people thinking creatively about opportunities for connections that preserve human dignity. Attribute/Distribution: SS
A readings/research seminar on current social policy questions. analyzes, from alternatives political perspectives, such issues as Social Security, Medicare, health care, welfare reform, income inequality, and taxation. Students research a specific social issue of their choice. Class discussion on individual research and common readings. Attribute/Distribution: SS
Opportunity for undergraduate majors in Political Science to pursue an extended project for senior honors. Department permission required. Attribute/Distribution: SS, W
Continuation of POLS 378. Consent of department required. Prerequisites: POLS 378 Attribute/Distribution: SS, W
"What are your prime directives? Serve the public trust, protect the innocent, uphold the law" (Robocop 1987). This course focuses on policy design and feedback and is not a course on police procedure or policing tactics. The primary objective of the course is to learn to think critically about public safety and evaluate policies based on their value to democracy. Attribute/Distribution: CC
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated. Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, W
Individually supervised course in Political Science. Instructor permission required. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated. Attribute/Distribution: CC, W
Provides students from a diverse array of academic backgrounds with an introduction to politics and public policy. Research topics will vary by instructor, with a primary emphasis on research in American politics, comparative politics, and public policy.
Approaches or models used to analyze public policy. Assumptions underlying each model and critiques of each; may include a number of the following approaches: institutional, process, rational, group, incremental, and/or elite.
Explores the challenges and creative possibilities of turning ‘research interests’ into doable research projects – such as research papers, MA theses, or doctoral dissertations. Discusses the domains of qualitative methodology and how social scientists seek to understand, represent, and analyze the social world. Topics: the politics of interpretation, observation, and quantification in social research, and critiques of assumptions about power and causality.
This course is an introductory planning course, with an emphasis on housing and community development policy. It will examine historical and contemporary aspects of urban politics; the economic, demographic, and spatial evolution of American cities; and various urban problems, such as the spatial mismatch between people and jobs, housing quality and affordability, and residential segregation. Finally, the course will review how planners have addressed conditions in cities and regions over time.
Power relations and their impacts on selected public policy issues, specifically taxation, housing, environment, poverty, energy, the military, and health.
What is normal behavior, and how do we come to understand mental illness? How do the resulting policies, to address mental health, impact society? This course is designed to facilitate thoughtful discourse on the various ways in which society regulates access to opportunities, facilitates integration or alienation, and constructs the social world.
A survey of American politics utilizing readings reflecting a variety of methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives. Readings include but are not limited to works widely regarded as “classics” in American political science.
This course will address key questions in nonprofit sector research, policy, and management and familiarize students with factors that tend to make the nonprofit sector distinct. Students will gain an understanding of the scope and character of nonprofit activity in the U.S. and abroad. We will explore current debates in nonprofit policy and evaluate critical challenges facing the organization and management of nonprofits.
Seminar on how to value the environment for the purpose of designing and analyzing environmental policies. Review of the "contingent valuation method" currently used to price environmental resources, and assessment of this method's empirical and normative strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation of "deliberative monetary valuation" as an improved method for environmental assessment. Consideration of non-monetary approaches to environmental valuation as alternatives to understanding the environment's relationship to human well-being in policy contexts.
An urban environmental planning and policy course in which students explore an issue affecting the local community, evaluate current policy responses and possible alternatives, and present recommendations to public officials, local organizations, and community members. Student research and analysis will draw on primary and secondary data, as well as feedback from conducting individual interviews, focus groups, and community meetings. Prior projects include determining how Bethlehem's new City Revitalization improvement Zone (CRIZ) might best benefit the South Side of Bethlehem, PA.
A study of selected modern political philosophers and their continuing effect on politics and political philosophy.
Comparative state government, urban politics, intergovernmental relations, regional and local government.
Formation, implementation and impact of environmental policies in the U.S. An examination of the scope of environmental problems, the development of environment as an issue, the role of interest groups and public opinion, the policy-making process, and the various approaches to implementing environmental policy. Special attention to current issues and administrative approaches and to the distinctive character of environmental protection as a political issue.
This research methods course teaches students to highlight important conditions and trends – ones that warrant policymakers’ attention – using publicly available data sources (like the Census). Conveying information in a clear and persuasive way, one that motivates decision-makers to act, is a key step in any policymaking process. Students will become familiar with these databases and proficient at generating charts, graphs and maps using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and ArcMAP (three programs central to most jobs in policy-related fields).
This course will review how urban agriculture and city greening programs and policies are part of a growing movement working to strengthen neighborhoods, promote healthier living, and create more localized and sustainable food economies. This class will explore research and readings from multiple disciplines on these programs and policies, and will also delve into individual case studies that illustrate how efforts to improve food access, beautify vacant land, and reduce farm-to-table distances get creatively and successfully combined.
Models in the explanation of political phenomena, appropriateness of measurement techniques; construction of research designs; rationale and application of statistical analyses; individual projects involving the construction and testing of models employing a major social science data set.
Rapid advances in methods of data collection and analysis raise new political questions about how public institutions, the private sector, and individuals produce, use, and share data. This course examines how the emergence of data-driven decision-making is reshaping politics, exploring issues of inclusiveness, equality, privacy, and democratic accountability. We pay particular attention to how new methods of data analysis contribute to the exercise of power. If algorithms are not "neutral," then who is privileged in their use, diffusion and management?
The EU has experienced unprecedented challenges to its stability and legitimacy in recent years, with calls to enhance its democratic qualities and its potential for social, economic and environmental justice. This course covers the history, institutions, and policy-making processes of the European Union, with special attention to how the EU responds to and is shaped by policy crises. Recent topics have included immigration, the euro crisis, Brexit, EU trade policy, and the rise of populism in EU countries.
Examination of major theoretical and policy debates in the study of nationalism. Focus on the emergence and endurance of nationalist movements in the modern era, the spread of autonomy movements, and the recent rise of populist politics. Discussion of responses to nationalist claims and efforts to resolve nationalist conflict.
Seminar on the theory and practice of community and political organizing and their relationship with democracy and power in the United States, complementing semester-long student field placements with community groups and local organizations. Student teams help enhance the political voice of under-resourced community groups through organization-building, outreach, and policy input at the local level. Consent of instructor required.
Theories of democracy, analysis of its decline, and possible scenarios for a revived democratic culture. Research projects on topics of personal interest; class participation in hands-on project in local democracy-building.
General & theoretical considerations about democracy, the political economy of the mass media, and analysis of ways in which the media influence political discourse in the United States and globalized media culture. Hands-on analysis of media samples: news coverage, political advertising, public relations advertising, and interactive learning on how group might utilize the media to express its voice effectively.
The role of propaganda and mass media in sustaining hegemony in the United States. Emphasis on television, advertising and mass culture, public relations, news media, and political propaganda pertaining to U.S. foreign and domestic policy. Students compare critical, counter-hegemonic theories to political speeches, documents, news reports, and media encounters that shape much of American political life.
The lessons of U.S. social and political movements from the 1960s and the post 2000 era. Students examine social movements through the lens of intersectionality with a focus on civil rights, anti-war activism, women’s rights, global justice, and ecology movements, to assess their connection to democracy, citizens' lives.
Examines the politics of gender, racial, and economic inequality in the U.S. Explores the effects of growing inequality on political representation, and the impact of government policy on perpetuating inequality. Class consciousness, and its effects on political beliefs and behavior, are examined.
Examines the politics of American health care and its impact on society. Issues ranging from the role of the private sector to government-supported programs; focus on ways to restructure the system, based on alternatives in selected nations.
This course will cover statistical reasoning and quantitative research design at the graduate level. Analysis will be performed in the programming language R, with an emphasis on learning tools for reproducible research. No programming experience is required. This course is an approved elective for the MPP and MA in Political Science.
Examination of selected modern presidents, from FDR to the current occupant of the White House, and their effectiveness as communicators and policy makers.
An examination of the role of Asian nationalism in the construction of the modern state form in Asia.
Is hierarchy in human societies inevitable? How do we make sense of justice and equality if domination is an inescapable aspect of the social world? Our consideration of these questions will draw on a wide range of literatures including primatology, political philosophy, anthropology, and gender studies. We will also use non-academic sources such as films and novels to explore the world of domination and resistance.
This course explores critical topics and influential movements in contemporary political philosophy. It delves into various ideological frameworks, such as liberalism, libertarianism, communitarianism, feminism, postmodernism, and poststructuralism, alongside critical themes like biopolitics and biopower. The course emphasizes understanding how different conceptions of power, ideology, and sexuality intersect and reshape normative debates around autonomy, justice, and human rights.
An examination of the concept of “race” and its impact on domestic and international politics.
Exploration of the process of legal reasoning, the place of the United States Supreme Court in the American political System, the multiple influences on judicial decision-making, and various interpretive debates over the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. Following this introduction to the interplay of law and politics, the focus turns to particular domains within the canon of constitutional law, including cases pertaining to the Supreme Court's jurisdiction and capacity; the separation of powers between the three branches of government; federalism.
An intro to the issues of Land Use Planning, Community, Growth Mgmt, & Sprawl. Will examine the history of urban development in America, from the earliest settlements to the auto suburbs. Also explore such planning & development factors as comprehensive plans, zoning, & the influence of infrastructure on development. Concludes with an assessment of the revival of city centers, alternatives to sprawl, & comparisons to development patterns in other countries.
This course examines criminal justice, housing, health, education, and welfare policies across US states through the lenses of class, race, gender, and sexuality. Students will learn how social regulations structure opportunities and assess the implications of those opportunity strucures.
This research seminar attempts to identify the conditions under which religious parties arise and become influential, how religion influences popular understandings of secular politics and the extent to which religion is a necessary feature of modern public discourse. These topics are explored through country specific cases from around the world.
Discussion of major recent works in comparative politics that exemplify on-going substantive debates and methodological problems in the field. Topics: state-building and the construction of social order, institutions, political economy, democracy, development, and political mobilization.
A continuation of themes, issues, and debates of the previous semester (Constitutional Law and Politics). This course addresses the major cases and controversies within several legal domains, including the freedoms of and from religion; freedom of speech; freedom of association; freedom of the press; the right to bear arms; the rights of criminal defendants and suspects; the right to privacy; capital punishment; and, the equal protection of the law.
Research seminar on theoretical and applied issues related to democracy vs. political hegemony, as affected by propaganda, the mass media, popular culture, and the capitalist economy. Students will pursue individual research topics linked to common class readings. Weekly paper presentations and critical responses.
Examination of state-directed political, economic and social development in and among Asian states, with an addition focus on the relationships between the domestic policies of various Asian states and relations with non-Asian states.
This course explores the various ways in which environmental law and policy can have discriminatory effects. It examines the rise and evolution of environmental justice movement, and the impact of environmental justice claims on administrative rule making at state and federal level. Reviewing the history of case law concerning environmental justice suits filed under the 1964 Civil Rights Act, it also examines the future of environmental justice in environmental law and policy.
This course examines Western political philosophy from a historical and conceptual perspective. Emphasis will be placed on questions concerning the nature of justice, freedom, and equality—their presence and absence–in the Western tradition.
This course explores works in political philosophy, literature, and film that explore the nature of existence. Through diverse theoretical frameworks, we will interrogate issues surrounding authenticity, existential angst, and agency. The course challenges conventional thinking on “the self,” emphasizing the phenomenology of animals, cyborgs, and posthumanism.
This course examines democratic backsliding in American political behavior and institutions, in relation to theories of power and the role of social movements and interest groups. Evaluates scholarly literatures on authoritarianism, interest groups, and elitist and pluralistic theories of power.
The nature of administration; problems of organization and management; public personnel policies; budgeting and budgetary system; forms of administrative responsibility.
This course examines American political thought from the colonial period to the present, tracing its development through critical themes, controversies, and omissions. Foundational texts will be explored to uncover the origins of American political thought, the meaning of American identity, and the ongoing debates over liberty, justice, freedom, and democracy. The course places particular emphasis on how race, class, and gender have shaped—and continue to shape—what and who is considered “American.”
This course examines fundamental processes and tools employed in public opinion research. This class is designed to provide students with the ability to develop, implement and evaluate various forms of public opinion research including surveys, focus groups and individual interviews. Students will be introduced to numerous aspects of public opinion research including questionnaire design, sampling, interviewing, data analysis, focus group moderation, and varied forms of data collection.
15 hours/week in regional agency on specific project relating to regional redevelopment with regularly scheduled contact hours with the faculty advisor.
15 hours/week in regional agency on specific project relating to regional redevelopment with regularly scheduled contact hours with the faculty advisor.
An introduction to the history of domestic environmental policy and contemporary policy trends, such as the rise of legal adversarialism and public participation in regulatory decisions. The role of market instruments in policy implementation, the emergence of rights-based approaches to environmental protection, and the role and value of distributional analysis will also be covered. Students will develop knowledge of a particular area of environmental policy at the federal, state, and/or level depending on their interests and current opportunities.
This course involves an examination of the role of legal rules, agents, institutions, and values in our society. Primary emphasis will be given to the American legal system, though we will evaluate U.S. principles and politics through a comparative lens as well.
Relationship of democratic politics to government and market, and significance of economic power in the American polity. Economic rationale for the place of the market and economic institutions in polity. Emphasis on information in comparison of economic approaches to public policy and organization (public goods, market failure and collective action) with traditional political science approaches (group mobilization and conflict, non-decisions and symbolic actions.
We will examine the state-sponsored, state-directed mass movement for the liberation of Chinese women. Beginning with Confucian notions of mother/daughterhood, to imperial system, to the role of women in the founding and establishment of the Communist Party of China, to the participation of women and girls in the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Gender equality issues have been a central focus of the Party. The class will look at post-reform era women's status and ask, “did the Party liberate women?”
This course examines how the various dimensions of globalization impact people by exploring factors that reflect and affect quality of life. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities resulting from the growing interconnectedness and interdependencies of global relations. The course is intended to get people thinking creatively about opportunities for connections that preserve human dignity.
Uses of computers in social sciences, including data collection, management, analysis, presentation, and decision-making; includes weekly lab.
"What are your prime directives? Serve the public trust, protect the innocent, uphold the law" (Robocop 1987). This course focuses on policy design and feedback and is not a course on police procedure or policing tactics. The primary objective of the course is to learn to think critically about public safety and evaluate policies based on their value to democracy.
Professionally supervised practicum experience in an area related to the field. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Opportunity for graduate students in Political Science to pursue an extended project. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
A seminar on a topic of special interest in a particular political institution, process, or policy. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Individually supervised course in Political Science. Instructor permission required. Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Source: Lehigh University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
