POLI - Political Science

The Freshman Seminar in Political Science introduces students to some central aspects of thriving and surviving at Fredonia in academic and social terms and to what is going on in political science. It is an opportunity for freshmen in Political Science to get to know one another, since they will be sharing classes and learning for the next four years. It is also an opportunity for students and political science faculty to get to know one another, their interests, and fields. It is a modest effort to ensure that some fundamental ideas about learning at college are offered to students.

Critical examination of key aspects of the American political system. What are the major institutions of political power? How is power obtained? Which groups or social classes tend to possess more power in these institutions and why? How does the political system manage change?

Introduction to the political economy of policy formation. Emphasis is placed upon the questions of why government intervention in the economy is necessary and the cost-benefit evaluation of the intervention. Political failure is contrasted with market failure in evaluating government public policies. Substantive policy areas such as health care and education policies will be analyzed.

Studies key reasons for how and why countries behave as they do in international politics. Emphasis upon the changing sources of international power, colonialism, the Cold War and U.S-U.S.S.R. struggle for power, and contemporary issues such as the arms race, Middle East conflicts, and struggle for economic power between rich and poor countries. Close study of the usefulness and morality of U.S. interventions abroad from the Gulf War to Panama, Haiti, and Bosnia.

Introduction to the substantive and technological methodology used in study of politics commonly employed by government and business offices. Attendance required. Note: Credit for at most one of the following courses may be applied towards a student's requirements for graduation: BUAD 200, ECON 200, EDU 200, POLI 200, SOC 200, and STAT 200.

Introduction to the variety of methods of analysis employed in the empirical study of politics. Consideration of the debates concerning the character of social science. A discussion of normative and positive methods of analysis and evaluation of topics suited for quantitative and non-quantitative treatments. Research design, data analysis, and reporting of results.

Focuses on the dilemmas posed by urbanization in developing countries, where the relentless process of city growth is challenging governments and placing an enormous burden on societies. The course addresses a key question underlying the studies on development and urbanization: how can cities develop economically, and at the same time preserve the quality of the urban space? The interdisciplinary course relies on concepts and theories drawn from the disciplines of political science, sociology and history, and from the subfields of international political economy, public policy, urban planning and environmental studies. It may be taught abroad with a fieldwork component directed by the instructor.

An introduction to the general issues and methods of inquiry involved in comparative politics. Issues such as economic development, political system, government structure, representation, political culture, or failed states are discussed by examining in greater depth particular country cases from both the industrialized and developing world as well as those at different stages of democratization.

Introductory examination of law as an instrument of social control; philosophies regarding appropriate operations and functions of law and courts; and controversies surrounding questions of proper relationships between law, morals, and governmental policy.

An examination of Anglo-American legal principles based upon the analysis of leading court cases. A broad range of topics are covered, including criminal and civil law, legal remedies, punishment, torts, contracts and family law. The course will emphasize the development of legally defined rights and the methods involved in the legal resolution of disputes.

Examination of a current topic in politics, such as presidential or congressional elections. May be taken more than once as topics change.

Preparation of case materials for participation in the trial competition sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association. Competition includes both civil and criminal litigation.

Preparation of case materials for participation in the trial competition sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association. Competition includes both civil and criminal litigation.

Examination of role of bureaucracy and administration in America. Initial focus on political setting of the bureaucracy as it interacts with other key actors and institutions. Then consideration of internal characteristics and processes, and examination of topics such as organization theory, decision-making, personnel, and budgeting.

Examination of the power structures of the United States. Analysis of how factors such as economic class, race, or ethnicity influence who holds or controls political power in federal, state, and local governments. Contrasting theories of who governs are studied: pluralist, elite, and class-based models. Students will learn techniques of organizing people to exercise power in behalf of their common interests.

The role of political parties and interest groups in the shaping of government policies and the ordering of society is analyzed. Internal structures and membership of both parties and groups is emphasized, especially how the collective action problem is solved. The influences of parties and interest groups upon public policies are evaluated. Proposals to reform parties and groups are presented.

Study of the legal framework of New York's state and local governments. Analysis of state and local executive organization, politics, political participation, and policy making. Critical examination of the economic competitiveness of N.Y. state in the U.S. and global economy. Attention also to the idea of reinventing government techniques and models.

Critical examination of the social, psychological, and rational choice explanations of voting. Emphasis is placed on the evidence supporting the alternative explanations. In the process of evaluating the alternative explanations, the determinants of voting, the extent of ideological thinking trends in turnout, the political business cycle and historical changes in voting patterns are examined.

Critical examination of the frequently overlapping and conflicting roles of the American President and Congress in making decisions about public policy in the U.S. Attention will be given to recruitment patterns and behavior while in office as well as the nature of the policy outputs. Analysis of institutional forms in other nations will be included to provide a comparative perspective.

The course examines public opinion, political participation, and civic engagement in American democracy. Study of the formation and change in attitudes, preferences, values and identity, and the influence of socialization, media, political and social context. Assesses public trust in government and political behavior including voting and protest. Provides theoretical and practical understanding through data collection and analysis.

The study of mass media in American politics, investigating print, broadcast and new media sources and technologies, content and effect. An examination of the media's watchdog role, ownership, regulation, freedom of the press, news management and reform. Analyzes ongoing media coverage of political events, figures and issues, researching the impact of agenda setting, framing and priming on attention and learning.

African Americans have historically been confronted with a number of obstacles when attempting to act in the American political system. Students will critically assess how African Americans can best overcome the obstacles in order to obtain desired policy responses from the political system. In doing so, students will explore the historical context from which these constraints arose, how they have been overcome in the past, and contemplate what factors contribute to their persistence today. Included will be investigations into the role of parties and elections, protest politics, and the Supreme Court.

Examination in depth of current topic in American politics not falling within any other American politics course. May be taken more than once as topics change.

Comparative study and analysis of governments and politics of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and other Western European nations. Considerable attention will be given to the changing socioeconomic characteristics of the nations in the context of the evolving European Community and the drive for European integration.

Examination of the background and socioeconomic foundations of contemporary Canadian politics with special emphasis to the impact of linguistic, cultural and geographic divisions and their impact on the institutions and decision making processes in Canada. Attention will also be given to the influence of the U.S., the United Kingdom and France on Canada.

Critical introduction to the theory and practice of Russian governmental institutions and political processes in light of Russian history, the Soviet and Marxist efforts to redirect that history, and the rapid political, social, economic and cultural changes in Russia and the former Soviet Union at the end of the 20th century.

Study of contemporary African politics focuses upon processes of political change and conflict. It includes analysis of patterns of colonial rule, nationalist protest, modern political parties and political systems, ethnic conflict, problems of economic development, and the role of social groups, parties, the military, and ideology in the struggle for civil liberties and democracy. Studies of specific countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa.

The course seeks, through an analysis of post war developments in an occupied, then divided, Germany, to trace the origins of the "German Question" and its impact on Germany within the broader context of East-West relations in Europe. The course then seeks to analyze the changing nature of inter-German relations and the factors leading to the dramatic events of 1989/90 and to consider the implications for Germany and Europe.

Examines the ways political-economic factors and relationships condition the patterns of economic development and political change. The course explores: how do economies develop? does class power, domestic and international, determine economic growth patterns and which social groups benefit? Contrasting Marxist and non-Marxist analyses are used. Contemporary and historical studies of development in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa are used.

Examination of immigration from a comparative historical and political perspective. The course explores theories of migration and its interrelation with globalization, and focuses on the sociology of immigration and integration. Beyond this comparative focus, current U.S. immigration politics and policies receive special attention.

Survey and comparative analysis of public policies in advanced industrial democracies, with emphasis on the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, and Canada. Special emphasis on government-business relations, labor relations, regional trading blocs, industrial planning, public ownership of economic enterprises, privatization, tax policy, and government-delivered health care systems.

The course uses film to explore major aspects of political life and the cultural creation of meaning about social and political power, values, and activities. Films are studied as social and political products and to enhance understanding of political phenomena in the American and other cultures. These phenomena include social/political movements, war, law, and race, gender, and class differences and conflicts. Major feature films are used.

The course focuses on the political, social and economic institutions that have driven the economic development of these East Asian countries which are increasingly creating competitive problems for the United States. Extensive discussion of the role of government planning and group structures such as the keiretsu and chaebol. Also analyzed are the determinants and extent of the development of democratic government in Confucian societies.

Study and analysis of the politics of the European Union (EU). Topics include: theories of international organization and functional integration; the EU institutions (e.g., EU Commission, Parliament, Council of Ministers, European Council); and the treaties and substantive policies. Students may participate in a model EU at SUNY Fredonia or in Europe in alternate years.

Examination in-depth of current topics in comparative politics not falling within any other comparative politics course. May be taken more than once as topics change.

Comparative course focusing on the political development of Western Hemisphere countries, encompassing North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. Examines the Americas as a continent of contrasts and similarities, sources of conflict, and the potential for cooperation in the region. Special emphasis on the political/economic relations between the United States, Mexico and South America; also explores the new role played by Canada as a conflict mediator in the continent.

Examination of the ways humans have arranged the territory of the Earth's surface, including how personal space, territoriality, and perception inform an understanding of politics; the analysis of countries within a geopolitical framework; case studies of how geography has impacted empires, civil divisions, and international relations; comparison of distribution of major political systems and their applications to territory.

Examination of the role of public international law in regulating relations among sovereign states. Explores the sources of international law as well as its institutions, such as international organizations and international tribunals. Includes topics such as the use of force, the conduct of war, human rights, economics and the environment.

Analysis of Middle East politics, society, and international conflicts. Covers the historical and cultural background of Middle East states, the rise of Arab, Israeli, and other nationalisms, and the contemporary politics and political economy of major Middle East states. Assesses three entangled dimensions of conflict: inter-Arab struggles, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the contest for influence by external powers.

Focuses on the dynamics of the international economy, economic policies and problems of major states, postwar international institutions, and trade and monetary systems. Considers theories and practices of the role of major powers and multinational corporations in the international economy. Interest in the dramatic changes in the division of world productive power, impact of globalization of capital and production upon the well-being of countries and outbreak of crises, and developing country struggles to change their economic relationships with the world economy. ECON 202 recommended.

Analysis of U.S. foreign policy in the post-World War II period. Assesses the corporate, ideological, institutional, and strategic influences in policy-making. Studies patterns of U.S. relations with the U.S.S.R., Europe, Latin America, and the Third World up to the present in the context of the Cold War, the arms race, Third World struggles, U.S. responses to revolutionary change, and U.S. efforts to maintain a world order.

Examination in-depth of current topic in international politics not falling within any other international politics course. May be taken more than once as topics change.

Analytical treatment of main problems of political theory by examination of the writings of Plato and Aristotle. Discussion of contending theories of justice, equality, and political obligation.

Analytical treatment of main problems of political theory by examination of the writings of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Mill, and Rawls. Discussion of contending theories of individual rights and obligations, as well as the justification and limits of the state.

The course is designed to introduce students to many aspects of modern terrorism, its evolution through history and efforts to counter it. Topics will cover both theoretical and conceptual questions in studies of terrorism as well as empirical case studies of terrorism.

The course will use rational choice theory to analyze how individuals and groups make decisions in strategic and non-strategic situations. Strategic situations are the result of the interdependent decisions of several individuals, e.g., nuclear deterrence or business competition. Problems covered include how computers beat humans at chess to the evolution processes of society. How do group norms arise where individual competition is the usual course of action? A low level of mathematical background is required.

Critical examination of the development of American political thought, Colonial period to the present. Discussion of questions regarding the status of rights, the limits of the state, equality, and social justice. Includes analysis of the role in American politics of such ideologies as liberalism, conservatism, communitarianism, and socialism.

Examination in-depth of topics in political theory not falling within any other political theory course. May be taken more than once as topics change.

Study of nature and limitations of judicial review and Supreme Court decisions regarding distribution of powers among national and state governments, division of powers between president and Congress, and limitations upon congressional and presidential powers.

Study of judicial cases involving safeguarding of individual civil and property rights, special emphasis upon recent developments in interpretation of the due process and equal protection of the law clauses and First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

American courts make decisions that impact major political issues. Justices are political appointees, and their decisions often reflect the biases of the president who selected them. The course examines the political role of courts in relation to the other branches of government, and to the political system as a whole.

Examination in-depth of topics in public law not falling within any other public law course. May be taken more than once as topics vary.

In-depth examination of the methods and techniques used to assess the success/failure of public policies. Students learn how to evaluate, acquiring skills that could be applied to any policy area. Topics include choice of goals, identification of measures, collection of data, interpretation of data and use of an appropriate yardstick of success. Familiarity with statistics not required. Student learning reinforced by use of several case studies of specific evaluations.

Investigation of the events and processes that have shaped the development and decline of U.S. cities. Topics include the evolution of cities, urban form and design, theories of urban planning, urban politics and governance, urban policy and economics, racial and socioeconomic isolation, urban unrest, and the impact of technology.

Examination of the politics and operation of the social welfare system in the United States. Emphasis on a policy analysis of current social welfare issues such as the Social Security crisis, welfare reform, the relationship between welfare and national economic policy, the functions of public welfare versus private charity, and the connections between direct service and social reform.

Examines role of the Supreme Court and other courts in the shaping of public policies in such areas as school systems in desegregation cases, mental hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes. The course will choose from current cases involving major social policy issues such as abortion, prayer in public schools, affirmative action, and capital punishment in order to illustrate the dramatic and controversial role of the courts, especially the Supreme Court, in the shaping of policies in America.

A synthesis of the political, ecological, economic, historical and cultural events and issues shaping U.S. and international environmental policy. A broad range of topics are covered, including environmental history, population growth, the global commons, environmental justice, natural hazards, nuclear growth, the role of business, and regulations governing endangered species and habitats, waste disposal, water and air.

Examination in-depth of topics in public policy not falling within any other public policy course. May be taken more than once as topics vary.

Prior selection required.

Prior selection required.

Prior selection required.

Prior selection required.

Prior selection required.

Prior selection required.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

Thes course will prepare students for their senior seminar thesis, which will be written as part of POLI 450. The class will meet every other week. Each student will choose a research questions, have it approved, choose a faculty member to supervise the thesis, and begin to review the literature relevant to the chosen topic.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

A capstone seminar requiring Political Science majors to integrate the theoretical, empirical and methodological skills developed by previous course work in the major. Students will complete a research project and present it to the class. The seminar will emphasize the student's research and presentation skills. The course is required of all Political Science majors.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

Assignment to office of county, city, or village administrative official, public service agency, legislator, political party, judge, or attorney. Provides opportunities for testing theories and concepts developed in classroom. Involves full-time work during part of semester.

Discussion and reporting on selected readings and experiences encountered in internships at local government level, including assessment of roles and/or power position of particular agencies, offices, or departments to which interns are assigned. Also involves writing a research paper.

Assignment to law-related office. Provides opportunities for testing theories and concepts developed in classroom. Involves full-time work during part of semester.

Discussion and reporting on selected readings and experiences encountered in legal internships. Also involves writing a research paper.

A zero credit course to be taken in the fall of a student's senior year. The purpose of the course is to start a student on a major research paper. It is expected that the student will define their research question, and begin their bibliographic research and/or data collection during the fall semester. Only students admitted by the department to the honors sequence are eligible.

To be taken in the spring semester of a student's senior year. The course will allow the student the time to complete the writing of their research paper. The requirement for the course will be an oral presentation of the student's research presented at a joint student-faculty reception, and a major research paper. The length of the research paper will be at least 45 pages for an analytical or case study, and at least 25 pages for a quantitative research paper. Only students admitted by the department to the honors sequence are eligible.

Directed Studies courses are taken for individual work not available in regular courses, according to the field to be studied. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.

The course covers the evolution and contemporary shape of political knowledge, learning, and civic engagement in American democracy. To be studied is formation and change in political learning, attitudes, values and identities, and the influence of socialization, media, and the cultural and educational environment. Students learn how to gather data, conduct analysis, and report on the state of civic education and engagement through oral presentation, research, and written analysis.

The course examines the intersection of the presidency, the Congress, and the judiciary under the dictates of the Constitution. Topics covered include: the powers and the weaknesses of the presidency as an institution; the authority of unilateral action; presidential prerogatives; presidential war powers; the relationship between the president and the Congress; the presidency and civil rights and civil liberties; presidential efforts to alter judicial interpretation.

Intensive cross national comparative study and analysis of the government and politics of several of the states of Western Europe including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and other countries. The course will also examine the growing impact of the European Union on domestic politics and growth of multilayered governance in an era of increasing social change and globalization.

The course will compare and contrast the macro-institutions of societies. The course will review the theoretical literature, case studies and empirical tests of the various hypotheses of how macro-political institutions affect public policy and/or protect minority rights.

The course covers, broadly, six areas: creating the new Europe, institutions and decision-making processes of the European Union (EU), policies of the EU, enlargement, EU in the world, and transatlantic relations.

The graduate seminar focuses on the nature of foreign policy, the American foreign policy process and the challenges the United States faces abroad.

An in-depth examination of selected areas of political science for graduate students. Topics are determined by faculty and student interests and emphasize recent developments in the discipline. Examples of topics may include the following: Public Opinion and Elections, Issues in Constitutional Law, Comparative Political Institutions, The Foundations of Political Parties and Interest Groups, Congressional Delegation of Authority, The Growth of the Executive Branch and Topics in Public Policy.

An in-depth examination of selected areas of political science for graduate students. Topics are determined by faculty and student interests and emphasize recent developments in the discipline. Examples of topics may include the following: Public Opinion and Elections, Issues in Constitutional Law, Comparative Political Institutions, The Foundations of Political Parties and Interest Groups, Congressional Delegation of Authority, The Growth of the Executive Branch and Topics in Public Policy.

The course is intended for individual work at the graduate level in areas where regular courses are unavailable. Topics determined through prior consultation with instructor.