Sketches on Courses
The courses listed below are a snapshot of some of the different classes offered in the department.
An introduction to the major issues and trends in world politics.
Political Science 151 - International Politics
An introduction to the major issues and trends in world politics, especially since World War II: realism and idealism, bi-polarity and multi-polarity, emergence of the Third World, role of force and diplomacy, the post-Cold War era, foreign policy-making, the United Nations, and humanitarian intervention.
Functional and behavioral analysis of the policy-making process in Congress.
Political Science 223 - American Political Process: The Congress
Functional and behavioral analysis of the policy-making process in Congress, from the electoral process as it affects Congress to the distribution of power and influence in Congress, and the relations of Congress with the Executive Branch. Prerequisite: Political Science 121 or 123, or consent.
Analysis of political change in Africa from the colonial period to present.
Political Science 235 - African Politics
Analysis of political change in Africa from the colonial period to contemporary politics. Selected case studies will be used to address central themes including democracy, human rights, gender, interstate relations, economic development, and globalization. Prerequisite: A course in political science or consent of instructor. (Satisfies the social justice requirement.)
Examines the principles, history and practice underlying the international human rights regimes.
Political Science 262 - Human Rights and Global Politics
Critically examines the principles, history and practice underlying the international human rights regimes. Will explore theoretical debates over the cultural specificity of human rights,policy debates over national sovereignty and international law, and questions of accountability for human rights abuses. Attention will also be paid to the impact of globalization and the role of civil society in the human rights movement.
Addresses the political implications of popular culture.
Political Science 271 - Theories and Politics of Popular Culture
This course in political theory addresses the political implications of popular culture. Melding theory with specific case studies, the course situates music, consumerism, and television in the context of power, capitalism, citizenship, and the practice of democratic politics.
American historical thinking from the nation's birth.
Political Science 276 - American Political Thought from Founding to Civil War
An examination of American historical thinking on a variety of political topics dealing with the American founding. Beginning with the nation's birth in conquest and its repeated struggles over social subordination, we will explore some of the most important ways in which both dominant and dissident figures have handled such themes as revolution, authority, community, equality, liberty, slavery, and war. The course examines American responses to fundamental questions about the appropriate scope of federal and state power, the workings of constitutional democracy, the meaning of citizenship and national identity, and the character of American political culture. Prerequisite: Political Science 121, 171, or consent of instructor.
An advanced seminar on city politics, public policy, and grassroots activism.
Political Science 325 - Grassroots Politics in Philadelphia
Traditional seminar format combined with an experiential learning component featuring internships with city government agencies, public interest groups, or community-based organizations in Philadelphia. Prerequisite: Two courses in political science and/or urban studies, or consent of instructor; limited to juniors and seniors. (Satisfies the social justice requirement.)
The evolution, the nature and the causes of violent, intra state conflict.
Political Science 334 - Politics of Violence
Examines the evolution, the nature and the causes of violent, intra state conflict. It pays attention to assessing alternative explanations that include the fear and insecurity provoked by failing states, resource scarcity and the spread of infectious disease and/or a manipulative and self-serving leadership. It places these conflicts in the context of writings about collective violence, revolutions and genocide and asks about the contribution and the responsibility of the international community to resolving civil strife. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.