Political Science
Chair: Gerard Huiskamp
Department home page: http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/Acad/PoliSci
The Political Science Department offers a broad range of courses in the field of American, international and comparative politics (encompassing non-Western and Western systems) and political theory. To acquaint students with important research techniques, the department offers a course in modern social science research methods. Every student majoring in political science participates in a department seminar. Participation in political campaigns, individual research and other field projects is encouraged. The department sponsors a semester in Washington, D.C. under the American University Washington Semester Program. The faculty also supports and maintains information on appropriate junior year abroad studies in political science.
Major
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The major in political science consists of 10 semester courses, including four core courses and one course from each of the four area groupings. At least three of the ten courses must be at the 300 level or above. Majors should complete Pols 200 before their senior year and they are encouraged to take Math 141 for their math requirement. Any student may propose an individual major program for consideration by the department's entire faculty. The department welcomes individual research on the part of its majors.
Core courses
Pols 101 The American Political System
Pols 200 Modern Political Inquiry: An Introduction to Research Methods
Pols 401 Seminar
And one of:
Pols 207 Classical and Medieval Political Theory
or Pols 227 Modern Political Theory
Pols 307 Freedom and Justice
Pols 327 Black Political Thought
Pols 347 Islamic Political Thought
International relations
Pols 109 International Politics
Pols 209 Chinese Foreign Policy
Pols 229 United States Foreign Policy
Pols 249 Russian Foreign Policy
Pols 273 Inter-American Relations
Pols 309 International Law and Organization
Pols 339 Theories of International Relations
Pols 379 National Security Policy
Comparative Western societies
Pols 115 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Pols 215 Contemporary European Governments and Politics
Pols 225 Italian Politics
Pols 255 Russian Politics
Pols 265 Politics and Society in Eastern Europe
Pols 325 European Integration
Pols 335 Politics of Divided Societies
Pols 345 Understanding Russian Politics and Society through the Prism of Film
Pols 375 The Politics of Social and Economic Problems in Post-Communist Russia
Comparative non-Western
Pols 203 African Politics
Pols 223 Contemporary Chinese Politics
Pols 233 The Politics of Latin America
Pols 263 The Politics of the Middle East
Pols 323 Comparative Political Development
Pols 333 Popular Movements and Religious Sentiment in the Americas
American
Pols 201 Contemporary Urban Politics
Pols 211 Congress and the Legislative Process
Pols 221 Women in Politics
Pols 231 The American Presidency
Pols 271 African American Politics
Pols 291 Judicial Politics
Pols 321 Public Administration and Public Policy
Pols 326 Political Psychology
Pols 331 Media and Politics
Pols 341 Constitutional Law I: The Supreme Court and the Constitution
Pols 351 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Pols 361 Environmental Conflict Resolution
Pols 391 Advocacy and the Governmental Process
Theory
Pols 207 Classical and Medieval Political Theory
Pols 227 Modern Political Theory
Pols 307 Freedom and Justice
Pols 327 Black Political Thought
Pols 337 Power and the State
Pols 347 Islamic Political Thought
Minor
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Guidelines have been established by the economics, history, political science, sociology and anthropology departments for interdepartmental concentrations. The department offers a joint minor in Urban Studies with the sociology and anthropology departments.
It is possible for nonmajors to have a minor concentration in either American politics or comparative politics/international relations. Each minor consists of a minimum of five courses in the appropriate area. The minor in American politics must include Pols 101 and at least one course in American politics at the 300 level. The minor in comparative/international politics must include Pols 109 or Pols 115 and at least one course in international or comparative politics at the 300 level.
Courses
101. The American Political System
An introduction to American politics using a systems approach and covering aspects of political behavior along with institutional description and analysis of public policy. Open to freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
(Jay S. Goodman)
109. International Politics
After a brief introduction to salient events in world politics since World War II, basic concepts in the analysis of international politics are considered. The course will analyze the various types of international actors (nations, international organizations, liberation movements, multinational corporations), their goals and how they seek to attain them, and will explore the determinants of international political behavior.
(Darlene L. Boroviak, Jeanne Wilson)
Connections:
Conx 20030 Politics and Global Change
115. Introduction to Comparative Politics
The comparative study of the political process in Western and non-Western societies. No political system will be studied in depth, though the course provides the concepts and tools for such study in the future.
(Gerard Huiskamp)
198. Experimental Course
Science and Public Policy
Why do some public policies fail while others work? Why does Congress pay attention to certain issues and enact public policy while ignoring other issues? Who sets the political agenda and determines what public policies will be enacted? What are the factors that determine who the winners and losers are in the policymaking process? This course provides an introduction to these questions through an examination of U.S. public policy and the policymaking process and its application to science policy. We will pay particular attention to the political, social, and economic institutions and actors that shape the policymaking process and implementation of U.S. public policy. Throughout the course, we will regularly use and apply case studies to understand the multiple dimensions of the policymaking environment.
200. Modern Political Inquiry: An Introduction to Research Methods
An introduction to the guiding principles of modern social science research, along with instruction in the actual use of research techniques, including surveys, statistical analysis of political data, and data processing by computers.
201. Contemporary Urban Politics
Urban, suburban and metropolitan government and policy problems. The course will focus on local political conflict in the context of the federal system in which both the national government and the states play important roles. Policy formulation, implementation and evaluation, including community development, housing, education and welfare will be explored via field work.
203. African Politics
An introduction to African politics. The course will focus on major issues, including political change, institutions, processes, economic development, female roles, ethnicity and foreign policy.
(Gerard Huiskamp)
Connections:
Conx 23001 African Worlds
207. Classical and Medieval Political Theory
Ancient and medieval political philosophies harbor specific understandings of politics. For the ancients political philosophy and political involvement in society entwine; they imply each other. According to the medieval political philosophy, God is overwhelmingly present in both spheres of nature and politics. One may justifiably argue that the post-Renaissance idea of politics breaks with the above notions of politics.
In this course we will closely read and discuss some of the main texts of classical political thought while the above themes direct our investigation of the nature of politics. We will inquire into the ancient idea of citizenship, the relationship between moral values and political practices, and the relevance of theology for politics. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are the main figures here. We also need to study Niccolo Machiavelli in order to see how, at the threshold of the Renaissance, the dramatic break from traditional concepts of politics takes place. This break has a constitutive part in the makeup of the modern world, the world in which we live with all its joys and disasters.
(Alireza Shomali)
Connections:
Conx 20040 Political Theories, Political Realities: Ideas and Practices in Past Politics
209. Chinese Foreign Policy
An introduction to the study of Chinese foreign policy. The course will focus on providing explanations for China's foreign policy behavior as well as inquiring into the major issues that have shaped the development of the foreign policy of the People's Republic of China.
(Jeanne Wilson)
211. Congress and the Legislative Process
An analysis of who gets elected to the House of Representatives and the Senate, how they get elected and what they do once in office. Topics covered include: elections, constituencies, party organizations, committees, rules and norms, interest groups, executive liaison, policy outcomes and the impact of reforms.
(Marcus Allen)
Connections:
Conx 20002 Voting Theory, Math and Congress
215. Contemporary European Governments and Politics
A comparative study of contemporary European political systems. Special attention given to the relationship of government structures and the policy-making process.
(Darlene L. Boroviak)
Connections:
Conx 20068 German Politics and Culture in the European Context
221. Women in Politics
This course examines gender, race and class as categories of analysis for understanding the political experiences of individuals in U.S. society. In an attempt to elucidate the conceptions and ideas that shape cultural and sexual identities, this course will consider all types of women. We will examine how feminist analysis and womanist analysis reconceptualizes political science and politics.
223. Contemporary Chinese Politics
An introduction to the political institutions and processes of the People's Republic of China. Covers the political experience of the PRC since 1949 with a focus on the post-1978 era.
(Jeanne Wilson)
Connections:
Conx 20024 Modern China: Tradition and Contemporary Politics
225. Italian Politics
An examination of the dramatic changes in contemporary Italian politics that mark the transition to the Second Republic. Through a series of case studies and films, the course will focus on topics such as political culture and the myth of a "backward" Italy, feminism and the "youth question," electoral reforms, immigration, bureaucracy and corruption, the fight against the Mafia, federalism and local government reform, and Italy and the European Union.
(David Vogler)
Connections:
Conx 20014 Modern Italy
Conx 23014 Film and Society
227. Modern Political Theory
This course begins with reflection on modernity and examines a select number of modern political thinkers whose ideas have in part, and effectively, shaped the way we live our lives, understand the meanings, and, define the purposes of our social, political, and, economic involvements. The nature of modern politics, the autonomy, the sovereignty, and also, the alienation of the Enlightened individual, also the ideal of democracy and its modern enemies are among concerns that lead the path of our inquiry. Throughout this course we read Emmanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill on Enlightenment, Utilitarianism and Individualism. Also Thomas Hobbes tells us about the "scientific" amorality of Modern/Realist Politics and underlines the centrality of power to it. Likewise, Carl Schmitt articulates the concept of sovereignty (we will see the service that his articulation offers to both Fascism and Conservatism) and "presents" the structure of the Modern/Realist Politics. Karl Marx discloses the secret, and the danger, of the Capitalist mode of social life and Hannah Arendt investigates the existence, or rather, the absence, of conditions necessary to humane life in Modern time.
(Alireza Shomali)
229. United States Foreign Policy
An examination of the goals of American foreign policy and of the making and implementing of policy to attain those goals in the Cold War period.
(Darlene L. Boroviak)
Connections:
Conx 20033 History and Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy
Conx 20038 Top Secret
231. The American Presidency
Development and problems of presidential leadership in an era of crises. Includes both a historical analysis of the development of presidential powers and the application of those powers in contemporary American politics.
(David Vogler)
233. The Politics of Latin America
An introduction to the dynamics of politics in Latin America. Themes include political economy, military authoritarian intervention, transitions to democracy, social movements and the U.S. role in the area. Countries used as examples include Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador and Chile.
(Gerard Huiskamp)
Connections:
Conx 23003 Modern Latin America
249. Russian Foreign Policy
A study of contemporary Russian foreign policy behavior with an emphasis on Russia's struggle to define a foreign policy strategy in a post-communist world. Approximately one-quarter of the course will be devoted to historical antecedents of the Soviet period.
(Jeanne Wilson)
Connections:
Conx 20064 Russian History and Politics
255. Russian Politics
The course will be directed to an examination of the attempts since the dissolution of the Soviet Union to set a course for an emergent Russian state. Some time will also be spent on examining political processes in the other CIS states.
(Jeanne Wilson)
Connections:
Conx 20064 Russian History and Politics
263. The Politics of the Middle East
An introduction course in contemporary Middle East politics focusing on the internal dynamics of Middle East societies, the political relations among states in the region and the involvement of the superpowers in Middle East affairs.
(Alireza Shomali)
265. Politics and Society in Eastern Europe
After a brief introduction to the history of Central and Eastern Europe, the course will focus on the current situation in each of the nations of the area. Attention will be directed to the political, economic and social developments in these countries, as well as the progress they have made in shifting to political democracy and a market economy.
(David E. Powell)
271. African American Politics
The relationship between African Americans and the American political system since moving from protest to politics in their quest for freedom is the course's central theme. Examined are the changing role of civil rights organizations and the related successes of varied strategies for political empowerment on this quest for freedom.
(Marcus Allen)
Connections:
Conx 23010 Black Aesthetics
273. Inter-American Relations
This course will instruct students in the theory and practice of international negotiation through the analysis of case studies as well as role-playing through a negotiation simulation--"the international relations of the Americas." In this interactive Web-based simulation of international negotiation, participants model real-world international interactions between countries.
(Gerard Huiskamp)
291. Judicial Politics
Focuses on judicial politics in the United States as reflected in the criminal law process. The course is organized in terms of points of discretion where political decisions are made: the police and arrest, treatment of the accused, bail, plea bargaining, conspiracy law, contempt, sentencing and prisons.
(David Vogler)
298. Experimental course
State and Local Government
State and local government is the pursuit of direct democracy and self-governance, as Alexis de Tocqueville observed in his seminal 1835 book Democracy in America. The American political system is a federal system with many components of state and local government. In this course, we will chronicle the development of state and local governments from the beginning of direct, local government as Tocqueville observed. First, we will study the political environment of state constitutions, federalism, and political culture. Then, we will examine the political inputs, including interest groups, political parties, and public opinion. Next, we will explore the political institutions that are comprised of the executive, legislative and judicial branches in state and local government. Last, we will analyze timely public policies in metropolitan areas of the New England region. A variety of case studies will be examined.
Environmental Public Policy
Environmental Public Policy provides an intensive introduction to the contemporary environmental policy issues and debates in the U.S and global contexts. We will pay particular attention to the political, social, and economic institutions and actors that shape the policymaking process and implementation of environmental public policy. Specific public policy dilemmas will be presented in class in a debate style including policy areas related to climate change, transportation, energy, and pollution. Other environmental policy controversies will critically be examined including areas related to environment justice, hazardous waste, natural resources, and population growth. The course concludes with an analytical case study on sustainability and greening efforts on college campuses.
303. Writing Public Policy
This course is designed to develop students' abilities to conceive and write public policy, for local, states, national and international decision-making arenas. Students will examine real world case and then move on to their own topics of interest, for implicit or explicit policy audiences. These latter policy pieces may be one or more in number, according to individual students' interests. Students are encouraged to bring interdisciplinary perspectives to the course.
(Jeremiah Murphy)
Connections:
Conx 20066 Public Writing
307. Freedom and Justice
This course deliberates on the nature of Justice and Freedom and consults with a select number of classical and modern political thinkers accordingly. We begin with thinking about the significance of freedom and responsibility for our meaningful existence and see how freedom and responsibility should be reflected in the realm of political life. Liberty and liberalism, the negative vs. positive understanding of freedom and the shortcomings of this understanding, a feminist view on modern faces of oppression and, finally, the relationship between freedom and development comprise other stages of our deliberation.
Next, we will move to the notion of justice and hear from sages like Plato, Aristotle and Kant about it. The subsequent topics are the distributive idea of justice, the ideal of global justice and the relevance of justice for justifying modern wars. We will also see another interpretation of justice as respect for the total otherness of "the other." Following this interpretation we will find a subtle and innovative characterization of justice as the impossible/gift.
(Alireza Shomali)
309. International Law and Organization
A study of the role of international law and organizations in international relations. Attention given to the legal relations of states through analysis of cases and documents. Some emphasis given to the United Nations.
(Darlene L. Boroviak)
321. Public Administration and Public Policy
An analysis of theories of administrative behavior and current policy problems. The last half of the course is an administration "game" based on the budget of the National Park Service.
(Jay S. Goodman)
Connections:
Conx 20017 Ecology and Public Policy
323. Comparative Political Development
A broadly comparative survey of the political economy of less developed countries, diversities and similarities across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
(Gerard Huiskamp)
325. European Integration
A study of various attempts to unify Western Europe, including the European Union and NATO; the implications of the establishment of a common market in Western Europe in 1992; and the impact of changes in Eastern Europe on European integration.
(Darlene L. Boroviak)
326. Political Psychology
See Psy 326.
327. Black Political Thought
An introduction to African American political and social ideas. Through critical examination of major expressions of that discourse, we hope to arrive at some understanding of the principles, goals and strategies developed by African American women and men. Focus is on major philosophical, theoretical and ideological formulations put forward during the 19th and 20th centuries. In light of the historic and comtemporary problems associated with race, class and gender oppression, we will probe the manner in which these structures of domination and exploitation have differentially and similarly impacted the lives of black women and men.
(Marcus Allen)
Connections:
Conx 23010 Black Aesthetics
331. Media and Politics
An intensive study of media in political campaigns, using video archive materials and student projects on media in gubernatorial and Senate campaigns.
(Jay S. Goodman)
333. Popular Movements and Religious Sentiment in the Americas
Religious sentiment and popular social movements in the Americas. A study of religious sentiment in the Western tradition and how different conceptions of divinity have influenced contemporary social movements. The course examines both defensive working-class movements (the Christian identity movement; white supremacists and citizen militias) and groups focused on popular empowerment (the civil rights movement; liberation theology and participatory action-research).
(Gerard Huiskamp)
335. Politics of Divided Societies
A study of the role of ethnic or cultural divisions in the politics of various societies. The course will look at how various societies respond to the challenges posed by this conflict. Various theoretical approaches will be explored. Case studies include Canada, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Belgium, Cyprus, Sri Lanka and the U.S.
(Gerard Huiskamp)
337. Power and the State
This course deliberates on the natures of Power and the State and consults with a select number of modern political thinkers accordingly. We begin with thinking about the philosophical and sociological meanings of power that include concepts such as authority, control, interest and influence. The contrast between power and violence, the democratic ideal of rationalizing the use of power through public communicative actions, a class-based definition of power, power as social privilege and, finally, a feminist understanding of power signify our other steps in this study.
Subsequently, we will look into the makeup of the State as an embodiment of political power: and inquiry into the absolutist, pluralist and constitutional forms of this embodiment follows our debate on the State's power. We will also listen to the anarchists' arguments against the State and learn about the interaction between the intelligentsia and the State. Lastly, the course ends with a narrative of the State's collapse through revolution.
(Alireza Shomali)
339. Theories of International Relations
The course surveys theories of international relations (e.g., realism, the causes of war, functionalism, decision-making analysis) with the underlying goal of providing students with a framework-- or frameworks--with which to analyze and critique behavior in the international arena.
(Jeanne Wilson)
Connections:
Conx 20065 Theories of Imperialism
341. Constitutional Law I: The Supreme Court and the Constitution
A study of the politics of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Constitution, with analyses and debates on major Supreme Court decisions on the powers of the president, Congress and the courts, the proper role of national and state governments in a federal system, and the guarantee of a republican form of government.
(David Vogler)
Connections:
Conx 20067 Philosopy and Politics of Law
345. Understanding Russian Politics and Society through the Prism of Film
An examination of political and social issues in post-communist Russia, relying heavily on films--primarily those produced in Russia (with English subtitles)--to understand the situation within the country. Topics include the transition to political democracy and a market economy and social problems such as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, environmental degradation, the war in Chechnya and the situation of women.
(David E. Powell)
Connections:
Conx 23014 Film and Society
347. Islamic Political Thought
This course investigates the origins and metamorphoses of a host of ideas and intellectual tendencies that is commonly referred to as Islamic Political Thought. The recent world-wide resurgence of political Islam and its growing importance in international and domestic affairs make an examination of this intellectual genre a timely study. After all, contemporary Islamic intellectual currents both refer to and rely on past and present political philosophies and, in so doing, remind us that without a deep understanding of these philosophies we will not be able to fully understand the nuances of many contemporary events.
In this course we will examine the fact that profound disagreement have existed among early and medieval Islamic thinkers over major political concepts. While a number of Muslim intellectuals strive to accommodate Western modernity and the Islamic way of life, others reject modernity altogether and embrace various forms of Islamic Fundamentalism.
Throughout this course we will address this intellectual and socio-political reality and specifically underline a branch of contemporary Islamic thought that seeks to reconcile modernity and Islam. No doubt, the path towards such a reconciliation cuts through issues such as the relationship between Islam and human rights, gender equality, tolerance, democracy and liberalism, which we will discuss in class.
(Alireza Shomali)
351. Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
A study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions, with analyses and debates on affirmative action, equal protection, abortion rights, freedom of speech and religion, government searches and seizures, privacy, private property rights, capital punishment, the right to die and related issues.
(David Vogler)
Connections:
Conx 20067 Philosopy and Politics of Law
361. Environmental Conflict Resolution
A field work-based course. The classroom component will focus on the theory and practice of interest-based resolution of environmental conflicts and on their merits, building on the work of Fisher, Urey and Susskind. In field work assignments, students will analyze the interests of the conflicted parties, develop strategies for interest-based negotiation of compromise and develop scenarios for this negotiation. Class simulation developed by the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. This course may be counted toward the minor in Environmental Studies.
(Jeremiah Murphy)
Connections:
Conx 20048 Environmental Problem Solving
375. The Politics of Social and Economic Problems in Post-Communist Russia
Course examines the social and economic problems, and the successes and failures, encountered in the effort to transform Russia into a "modern" capitalist state.
Among the issues covered will be Russia's demographic crisis, migration into and out of the country, drug and alcohol abuse, crime, the social/political and economic position of women, prostitution, abortion, STD's (especially HIV/AIDS), environmental deterioration, the crisis in health care, political and economic corruption, and the re-emergence of religion as a political and social force. Purpose is to analyze public policies as both cause and effect of strains in Russian society.
(David E. Powell)
Connections:
Conx 20055 Russia: Challenge and Opportunity
379. National Security Policy
Focuses on issues of national security and strategies for policy implementation in the United States and Russia in the post - Cold War era. Topics covered include missile defense, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, military doctrine and military preparedness.
(David E. Powell)
Connections:
Conx 20038 Top Secret
391. Advocacy and the Governmental Process
This course is designed to give students exposure to the advocacy process, within a not-for-profit organization that is attempting to influence state government. Students will develop familiarity with the practices of politics and public policy through study and hands-on experience, and will learn to read, analyze and draft legislative or administrative documents. Students will evaluate how those involved in political advocacy roles can advance society's best interests. Field work will take place in Massachusetts or Rhode Island State Legislatures.
(Jeremiah Murphy)
398. Experimental course
Social Welfare Policy
The modern social welfare state in the U.S. has its roots in the Roosevelt Administration's New Deal. Popular income security programs such as Social Security and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC, also known as "welfare") began in 1935 as part of the federal government's social welfare policy. This course systematically examines the evolution of these public policies, and it analyzes the political history surrounding social welfare issues in the U.S. First, we will begin a historical overview of social welfare policy. Next, we will explore the policy debates surrounding income security programs and the consequences of poverty. Then, we will examine the controversies of policy reform and service delivery of health care in the U.S. Last, we will explore the dimensions of the U.S. educational system and alternative approaches.
401. Seminar
American Politics
Focuses on contemporary issues facing the American political system. (David Vogler)
International/Comparative Politics
Focuses on global processes and trends characteristic of the current international order. (Jeanne Wilson)
421. Government Field Work
Individually designed and supervised field work in agencies of state and local government or a political campaign in Boston, Providence and surrounding communities. A semester of tutorial work (or its equivalent) with an instructor before and after the field experience and a paper relating the scholarly literature to the experience are required. Students who enroll in this course are expected to work a minimum of eight hours a week at their internship. Additionally, at the conclusion of the internship experience, students must complete a Work and Public Service Record through the Filene Center. Enrollment on an as-available basis.
Short courses
020. Model United Nations
Preparation for and participation in a national model United Nations conference (The Harvard National Model U.N.). The course may be taken for credit more than once as long as different states are represented. Conference costs, including room and board, are the responsibility of the student. Course begins on or about November 1. No add or drop after this date. Enrollment limited to 20 students.
022. Legal Issues in Public Policy: Family Law
This course uses a law school casebook and law school teaching methods to look at the current law of marriage, divorce, child custody, property divisions, procreation, abortion, adoption, and domestic violence. (One-half credit)
(Jay S. Goodman)
023. Legal Issues in Public Policy: Criminal Law
This course uses a law school casebook and law school teaching methods to look at the current law of the common law crimes of homicide, assault, battery, arson, burglary and rape, and the legal defenses to each. (One-half credit)
(Jay S. Goodman)
024. Legal Issues in Public Policy: Torts
This course uses a law school casebook and law school teaching methods to look at the development of the law of personal injury, including intentional torts, negligence, products liability, strict liability, libel, and fraud. (One-half credit)
(Jay S. Goodman)
025. Legal Issues in Public Policy: The Law of Sexuality and Gender
A mini-course on an important current legal issue. Topic: The Law of Sexuality and Gender. (One-half credit)
(Jay S. Goodman)
029. January Internship in Washington, D.C.
An opportunity for students to work as interns in the nation's capital and meet weekly for structured discussion. The Filene Center for Work and Learning provides support in developing intern positions. Students will be required, without exception, to work in Washington from January 3 through January 24.
(Jeremiah Murphy)