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.
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.
Designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of what policy is, how it is made and analyzed, and what it does after being implemented.
Political Science 315 - Public Policymaking and Analysis
Designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of what policy is, how it is made and analyzed, and what it does after being implemented. Throughout the course students encounter several real-world problems (the focus changes from year to year but in the past we have examined inner-city poverty, the prison boom, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic) and discuss the policies that have sought to address them as well as the politics that surround them.
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.