CPOLS 1101 Introduction to Political Science
This course is a survey of politics through the lens of analysis, i.e., the science of politics. The first half of the course focuses on developing conceptual tools necessary for political analysis. The second half concentrates on using these tools to analyze politics and political issues in the U.S., in other countries and in the international realm.
CPOLS 2121 U.S. Politics
This is a course on the U.S. political system and how to work within it. It covers the institutions, structures and processes of the multiple levels of government in the U.S., as well as politics “in action.” We cover political parties, public opinion, interest groups, socialization, among a wide variety of political actors, and issues from welfare to war. Students will develop a critical understanding of the theories and practices of U.S. politics, and the practical skills to take political action.
CPOLS 2310 Elections and Democracy
This course examines the central issues of democracy, and how elections function within those systems. Key questions examined in this course include: How democratic are elections? How do elections vary from nation-state to nation-state? How are elections more or less ideal in terms of democratic outcomes? How might we improve (make more democratic) electoral systems?
CPOLS 2410 Comparative Politics
This course is designed to develop students’ understanding of the different ways political systems are organized, and it is also designed to develop students’ abilities to compare and explain things in a social scientific way. We cover the institutions, policymaking processes, political attitudes and political behaviors in systems around the world, and we look at how comparative analysis in political science is different from historical, journalistic and normative approaches.
CPOLS 3131 International Relations
This course focuses on both the theory and practice of international relations using a multidisciplinary approach, including: international law and organization, social psychology, history, ethics and economics. Special attention will be given to current global issues including human rights, the environment, nuclear weapons, terrorism, and the shape and content of international relations in the 21st century.
CPOLS 3202 U.S. Foreign Policy
This course investigates how we describe, explain and justify political policies that reach beyond U.S. borders. The first goal is to provide students a thorough understanding of past and current polices. A second goal is to ask “why?” questions: Why are certain decisions made? Who has the greatest influence on decision-making? How consistent is U.S. policy over time? Why does it vary? A third goal is to think about issues of “just” policy: How culpable are citizens in democracies? What are the intended and unintended consequences impacting the lives of people not involved in the U.S. policymaking process?
CPOLS 3100/4100 Political Science Internship and Seminar I (3 credits) & II (6 credits)
In this course the student works for the full semester (either 90 [I] or 180 [II] hours) in a political science-oriented or global studies-oriented setting under the supervision of an experienced professional. Students also meet weekly in a seminar with their instructor and fellow students to examine the personal and professional issues that emerge from the field experience, and to relate them to the broader theory and content areas of political science/global studies.