Courses
The department offers the following courses in History & Political Science:
(Notes: GP = Global Perspectives signature designation; US = US Perpectives signature designation; Click on the course title for a recent sample syllabus.)
HIS-101 Emergence of Western Civilization (3.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
The evolution of Western civilization from the ancient Greek, Roman,
Judaeo-Christian, and Germanic traditions, the medieval synthesis of
these traditions, and the rebirth of classicism during the Renaissance.
The final evolution of these traditions through the commercial, religious,
political, and scientific revolutions to 1750.
HIS-102 Modern Western Civilization (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Spring, and Summer, Course Offered Every Year)
The rise of industrialism, nationalism, socialism, and science. The role
of imperialism, Fascism, and Communism as challenges to traditional
Western culture. The study of contemporary Western culture and its role
in the modern world.
HIS-103 The World in the 20th Century (3.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will examine key events, issues and developments in the
20th century world predominantly from the perspective of non-Western
cultures. It will pay particular attention to the issues of European imperialism
and de-colonization; the application of Western ideologies of
liberalism, communism, and nationalism in non-Western settings; and
economic and cultural globalization. Case studies will demonstrate differing
responses to the challenges of modernization in the 20th century.
HIS-200 Introduction to Latin American History (3.00 cr.) GP
(Varies Contact Department Head)
This course will begin with a study of colonial independence, ending
with the study of contemporary characteristics of modern Latin American
states.
HIS-214 American History to 1876 (3.00 cr.) US
(Fall and Summer, Course Offered Every Year)
The emergence of the federal system, democracy, states’ rights, nationalism,
territorial expansion, slavery and civil war, reconstruction.
HIS-215 American History Since 1876 (3.00 cr.) US
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
The development of modern America. Emphasis on expansion, industrialism,
urbanization, race relations, and the growth of federal power.
HIS-224 Introduction to Asian History (3.00 cr.) GP
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A study of the traditions, attempts at modernization in the 19th century,
and the contemporary scene in important Asian regions and countries.
HIS-250 Introduction to Archaeology (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course provides students with a basic introduction to the scope and
concerns of archaeology, a deeper understanding of the human past,
and a greater sensitivity to issues surrounding the reconstruction and
representation of that past. Through the semester we will survey some
famous archaeological discoveries of the past as well as more contemporary
discoveries. Over the semester we will also conduct several activities
dealing with the hands-on analysis of material culture, and will visit and
critically analyze local archaeological sites and reconstructions.
HIS 270 Introduction to Native American History and Cultures (3.00 cr.) US
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
An overview of the history of Native Americans in North America.
Students will be introduced to such topics as original migrations into
North America, impact of European contact, demographics, evolution
of stereotypes, historical events, important leaders, religions, societal
structures, indigenous arts, traditional lifeways, and current political and
social issues.
HIS-281 Introduction to African History (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will introduce students to the history of the African continent.
It will survey the variety of environmental conditions and the
ecological impact on the growth of African civilization and culture. It
will examine the emergence of states and kingdoms such as the trader
empires of West Africa and Great Zimbabwe in the south. It will also
examine traditional African myths and epics. Other topics include the
impact of Islam, European contact and the slave trade, the struggle
against colonialism and apartheid, the rise of nationalism, and the
problems of Africa’s newly independent states including the chaos of
the Congo and Rwanda, and the legacy of Mandela’s South Africa. And
the course will show the amazing resilience of the Africans and their
uncanny talent to survive and even prosper despite the best efforts of
authority and environment.
HIS-282 The Modern Middle East (3.00 cr.) GP
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will address cultural, social and political issues in the
Middle East in the late 19th and especially in the 20th century. Topics
covered will include imperialism, nationalism, the creation of modern
states, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Iranian Revolution, the politics
of oil, U.S. - Middle East relations, and the emergence of activist Islamic
groups. Also offered as POL-282.
HIS-285 Women in Global Perspective (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Economic systems have a formative impact on women’s lives and the
nature of their role in society. Women’s experiences and the expression
of these experiences in artifacts, historical documents, and literature
will be studied to shed light on this relationship.
HIS-300 Introduction to Public History (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
An introduction to the theoretical background of public history and its
disciplines; historic preservation, museum studies, archives and records
administration and documentary editing. Students read literature
in these disciplines and solve practical problems in public history.
HIS-302 Modern British History (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course will examine the significant political, social, economic, and
cultural transformations that have shaped British history in the modern
era. It will explore key events and themes that influenced British development,
including: the nature of “Britain” as a multi-national, multiethnic
polity; the impact and influence of Britain as a commercial, and
later military, global empire; the role of Britain as a “model” of evolutionary
historical development; the British experience of the two world wars;
the creation of a socialist welfare state in the intellectual homeland of
economic and political liberalism; and recent efforts to question and
reform the post-war social and political consensus.
HIS-304 Greek and Roman History (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A study of the cultural and historical characteristics of the ancient
Greeks and Romans with special emphasis on their contributions to
subsequent civilizations.
HIS-305 Holocaust Experiences (3.00 cr.) GP
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
The twentieth century has witnessed the mass destruction of peoples
on a scale unprecedented on the planet. Using the Holocaust in
Germany as a focus and point of departure, this class will examine the
Holocaust experience, as it was understood by the participants—by the
persecuted and the persecutors, and by those who passively acquiesced
and by those who resisted.
HIS-306 Russia in the Twentieth Century (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course will examine the significant events, themes, and personalities
that have shaped the turbulent history of Russia and the Soviet
Union in the twentieth century. Key periods and topics will include: the
failed “constitutional experiment” of late Imperial Russia; the dynamics
of the Russian Revolution and Civil War; the impact of Josef Stalin’s
“revolution from above” and its program of collectivization, industrialization,
and mass terror; the traumatic Soviet experience of World War II;
the role of the Soviet Union in the Cold War; the rise of Gorbachev and
the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union.
HIS-308 20th Century Europe (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Even-Numbered Years Only)
This course will examine the significant events, ideas, and social transformations
that shaped Europe in its most tumultuous and destructive
century ever, a century marked by wars, revolutions, genocides, and
the threat of nuclear annihilation. Topics will include: the nature and
impact of mass industrialized warfare in the Great War; the legacies of
post-war disillusionment, depression, and appeasement; the murderous
conflict of the ideologies of liberalism, communism, and fascism; the
European experience of Cold War and decolonization; the role of gender
in modern consumer society; the evolution of European integration; and
the place of Europe in the global community.
HIS-310 Modern China (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years)
China from the 19th century to the present, with emphasis on traditional
values in transition, the overthrow of the Manchus, the Republic, the
rise of communism, and recent economic liberalization. Focuses on
social, political, and intellectual change.
HIS-311 Modern Japan (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
Survey of economic, political and social developments since the middle
of the nineteenth century. Emphasis will be placed on the adaptation
of traditional Japanese customs and institutions to accommodate the
changes necessary for Japan to succeed in an industrial, Westerndominated
world.
HIS-312 India: Past and Present (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
After an overview of the contemporary scene in India, this course will
explore traditional Indian history and culture, including the ancient
Indus Valley civilization, Aryan civilization, the Indo-Aryan synthesis,
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam in India, Mughal imperial unification,
the arrival of the British in India, the rise of Indian nationalism with
Gandhi and Nehru, Indian independence, modern India and the role
of India in the world today. Carefully selected films will complement the
readings and lectures, and students will be made aware of resources
concerning India in the academic community in Raleigh and in the
Research Triangle.
HIS-314 Colonial American History (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
The colonial origins of American society and ethnic diversity to the
emergence of the American nation in the Revolutionary period.
HIS-315 Civil War and Reconstruction (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A study of the years 1861–1876 with attention to causes and effects,
social and political impacts, and lasting legacies of what was arguably
the most important decade and a half in U.S. history.
HIS-319 Contemporary American History (3.00 cr.) US
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
An in depth study of the U.S. since 1945. Major emphasis on domestic
politics, foreign relations, economic policy, urban crisis, civil rights,
youth movement, and women’s rights.
HIS-325 Asian Civilizations (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A multi-disciplinary course cooperatively taught by lecturers in economics,
religion, geography, fine arts, and history with a view to gaining
insights into dynamic changes taking place in countries with long
continuous histories and rich cultural heritages.
HIS-330 US & the World in the 20th Century (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A study of global issues involving the United States vis-ˆ-vis Europe,
the former Soviet Union, Latin America, Africa, Middle East, and Asia.
May be taken for credit in political science or history. Also offered as
POL-330.
HIS-333 History of the South (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
A study of those aspects of Southern experience which have made the
South a unique region from its early settlement to the present; includes
social, political, cultural, and economic developments.
HIS-334 Methods of Historical Research (3.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
An introductory course in historical research and writing that is required
of all majors and is usually taken during the junior year. It focuses on
finding, evaluating, and using historical sources; on organizing and
presenting historical research; and on analyzing historical literature.
Each student should plan to take this course the semester before she
undertakes HIS-499, Senior Research, and HIS-495, Senior Seminar.
HIS-343 History of North Carolina (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Even Numbered Years Only)
A study of North Carolina from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis
on the social, economic, and political forces which shaped the
state and her contributions in the national history.
HIS-383 Religion in U.S. History (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A study of the religions of the United States from the pre-colonial period
to the present. Special attention to the impact of religious beliefs and
practices in the shaping of U.S. culture and society. Focus will be
placed on major periods, movements, and events and their connections
to religious experience: the founding of the republic and civil religion,
denominationalism and revivalism, frontier and utopian quests, Protestant/
Catholic/Jewish interaction, slavery and civil rights, science and
fundamentalism, secularism and pluralism. Cross-listed as REL-383.
Prerequisites: One 100 level Religion course.
HIS-385 Europe in the Middle Ages (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course will survey major developments in Western Europe from
roughly 400 CE to 1300 CE. It will use primary and secondary sources
to explore the growth of a distinctly European civilization upon its
Judaeo-Christian, classical and Germanic roots, and will trace the expression
of this civilization through its political, religious and educational
institutions; its formal religious thought and vernacular literature; its art,
architecture and music; and its interactions with different cultures both
within and beyond its borders. Specific topics covered will include the
Germanic invasions, monasticism, the conversion of Europe, the growth
of the manorial and feudal systems, scholastic thought in the universities,
heresy and the crusades, the growth of representative government
and others. Also offered as REL-385.
HIS-387 Age of Renaissance/Reformation (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Even-Numbered Years Only)
This course will work primarily through class discussion of primary
sources to understand the changes in outlook expressed in the Renaissance,
the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution between the
fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. In particular, it will focus upon
the transition from medieval toward modern attitudes in areas such
as historical and scientific thought, political and educational theory,
philosophy, art, music and religious thought and practice. It will also
address the economic, social and political variables that underlay these
changes in intellectual life, as well as the impact that these ideas had
upon European society. Students will be encouraged to explore individual
interests from their own major fields and personal backgrounds.
Also offered as REL-387.
HIS/CORE-401 Technology and Social Change (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
Though technology in various forms pervades and sometimes greatly enhances
our lives, individuals in modern societies often have little say in choosing the
technologies they will adopt. Using a case study approach, this course examines
the social impact of technological innovation from antiquity to the present and
in diverse world cultures of our time. The ethical aspects of technology-driven
social change will receive particular attention throughout the course. The course
aims at promoting students’ understanding of and participation in the continuing
public discussion with respect to the rights and duties of the various parties
involved and the evolving formulation of public policy.
HIS/CORE-409 Global Slavery in Comparative Perspective (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course is designed to explore the global history of slavery and understand
the growing role that slavery and “unfree labor” still plays in individual countries
and the world economy. Because of its extensive history with this institution,
the United States’ experience with slavery will serve as a reference point for
comparing historic and contemporary forms of slavery and “unfree labor.”
HIS-498 Honors Thesis in History (3.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Each senior major in the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Program must
choose, research, write and present orally an honors thesis that reflects
her training, interests, and/or career direction. Each student who plans
to write an honors thesis must, in consultation with a departmental
adviser, identify a viable topic during the semester before she takes
HIS-498. During the semester in which she writes the honors thesis,
she should also take HIS-495. Prerequisites: HIS-334 or permission of
instructor.
HIS-499 Senior Research (3.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Under the direction of the appropriate faculty member, the student will
formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate
in a paper and a presentation. The faculty director must approve a
preliminary research proposal during the semester before the student
takes this course. Students should take HIS-495, Senior Seminar,
during the same semester that they take Senior Research. Required of
senior history majors and open to junior majors with permission of the
department head. May be repeated for credit for a total of six hours.
Prerequisites: HIS 334 or permission of instructor.
HIS-764 Methods of Teaching Social Studies (3.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
Students will learn how to prepare class activities, lesson plans, and
units and to demonstrate this knowledge through written work and
class presentations. They will also become familiar with a variety of
teaching strategies and practice some of them. We will discuss and
practice professional attitudes, behaviors, and responsibilities. After
guided, careful construction of a teachable unit plan of their own
choosing, students will be assigned a topic and prepare a second
unit with only minimal guidance. The second unit will serve as the
culminating assignment of the course.
HIS-930 History Internship (1-4.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is designed to expose students to the workplace environments
in which historians function; to put “flesh on the bones” of the theory of
history that students learn in the classroom; to demonstrate how the ideals
of history sometimes inform and sometimes are transformed by actual practices
in the field.
HIS-942A African American History (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A broad introduction to the major themes in African American history, concentrating
on events and trends since emancipation. The first month will deal with African origins,
the Atlantic slave trade, plantation life and free blacks before the Civil War, and the
Civil War experience. After the Civil War, considerable attention will be given to the
ways in which African Americans worked to gain equal opportunities in the face of
discrimination and structural roadblocks.
HIS-942B Civil War and Reconstruction (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A study of the years 1861-1876 with attention to causes and effects, social and
political impacts, and lasting legacies of what was arguably the most important
decade and a half in U.S. history.
HIS-943A History of the Civil Rights Movement (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
The course is designed to teach selected aspects of the history of the
United States in the period of what has been called both the “Civil Rights
Movement” (CRM) and the “Black Freedom Struggle.” The emphasis will be
on the period of the 1950s & 1960s, but the course will also address
important antecedents and conclude with a critical assessment of what the
CRM did and did not achieve. Students will read and view a variety of
primary and secondary sources and videos on the CRM.
HIS-943B US Constitutional History (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
The history of constitutional law in the United States. The course will begin
with a brief introduction to the development of constitutional theory in
England (Magna Carta, etc.) and end with current debates over the powers
of the federal government in relation to the “War on Terror.” The course is a
survey appropriate to students at any level of study. The course will be
especially useful for students interested in careers in politics, law, criminal
justice, social work, and education, but it will cover topics with which all US
citizens should grapple.
HIS-946 Film in American History (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course traces the development of the film industry with special emphasis on technological change and cultural impact.
HIS-948 History of Western and Non-Western Medicine (3.00 cr.) GP
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course asks what place, if any, traditional medicine such as Chinese medicine
or Indian Ayurveda should have in modern health care. In order to make informed
arguments about this issue, we will examine how modern medicine developed and
what its hallmarks are; how traditional Indian and Chinese medicine have been shaped
by their cultural contexts; how traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have modernized;
and how well or poorly traditional medicine is integrated with modern medicine in
Chinese, Indian, and American societies today.
HIS-949 The Making of Modern America (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course will explore how industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and technological
changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to a strong and diverse wave of reform
in the roughly two decades preceding U.S. entry into World War One. The reform impulse of
the Progressive Era permeated almost every area of American social, political, economic, and
cultural life. By examining these reform efforts and the fears that sparked them, we will
understand better not only how the nation responded to the dramatic and rapid changes
associated with modernity, but also how these reformers laid the foundations for American
society in the 20th and 21st centuries.
HIS-949 The Arab Spring (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
The Arab Spring will cover the background and events surrounding the Arab Revolts of 2011-2012.
By exploring various facets of Islam, political groups and specific events, students will come away
with an understanding of why it happened and how it happened.
HIS-949 Women, Gender & US History (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course traces the positions and roles of women in American society from pre-colonial
times through to the present.
HIS-949 History of American Popular Culture (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
An introductory course that explores manifestations of popular culture throughout
various periods of American history. The course will cover how earlier generations
influenced past events based upon the cultural perspectives of the time as well
as how later generations view and use earlier events or ideas in shaping contemporary
popular culture.
HIS-949 War, Culture and Social Transformation in European History (3.00 cr.) GP
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course will examine the powerful and enduring influence of warfare
in European history. Students will explore the nature of war in the broadest
sense, addressing its military, political, economic, social, and cultural aspects,
and paying particular attention to the role of warfare in the social transformation,
political development, and cultural evolution of Europe and Western Civilization
writ large.
POL-100 American Political Systems (3.00 cr.) US
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
An introduction to American government and politics with an emphasis
on the basic constitutional structure of the government and on the
political institutions that surround it. Attention given to current political
events and issues.
POL-203 Contemporary American Policy & Politics (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
A study of public policies and the political processes that support them.
Models and methods used by policy analysts will be studied.
POL-204 Modern Political Systems (3.00 cr.) GP
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
An introduction to the theory and practice of government in major
contrasting political systems. Liberal democratic, authoritarian and
developing systems are considered.
POL-205 Political Ideas Seminar (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
Selected readings from original sources in the area of modern and
contemporary political philosophy. Topics covered include democracy,
liberalism, Marxism, and liberation ideologies. Emphasis is on developing
writing and analytic skills. [Required for political science majors
who should take it in their sophomore or junior year.] Also offered as
PHI-205. Prerequisite: ENG-111.
POL-207 Political Leadership Practicum (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Even Numbered Years Only)
Students will design and implement the Meredith Votes campaign, a
campus-wide, nonpartisan voter registration, education and turnout
effort. This is a service learning course.
POL-210 International Politics (3.00 cr.) GP
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
An introduction to world politics. A survey of current issues and trends
in major regions and the principles of interactions among nations,
blocks, international organizations, and multinational corporations.
POL-282 The Modern Middle East (3.00 cr.) GP
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will address cultural, social and political issues in the
Middle East in the late 19th and especially in the 20th century. Topics
covered will include imperialism, nationalism, the creation of modern
states, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Iranian Revolution, the politics
of oil, U.S. - Middle East relations, and the emergence of activist Islamic
groups. Also offered as HIS-282.
POL-300 Law and Society (3.00 cr.) US
(Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
An introduction to the nature and function of law, to the structure and
operation of the court systems of the United States and to the legal
professions. Also considers current legal controversies.
POL-301 Constitution & Rights of Americans (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
The law and practice of constitutional interpretation with a focus on civil
liberties and the bill of rights. The case method and intensive discussion
are used to introduce the process of legal reasoning and disciplined
analytic thinking.
POL-305 Introduction to Public Administration (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
An introduction to the field of public administration. The executive
branch of American government will be examined. Methods, theories,
and skills of administration in the public sector will be studied.
POL-309 Politics of the Vietnam War (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
The course will offer an in-depth examination of the war in Vietnam and
the participation of the United States in that war. There will be an extensive
study of the causes of the war. The political environment of the
prosecution and termination of the conflict will be addressed. Foreign
and defense policy will be a primary perspective.
POL-310 Gender Issues in Law & Policy (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
This course explores current law and policy concerning contemporary
gender issues as well as conflicting perspectives on those issues.
Students will critically analyze and compare a wide range of different
feminist and masculinist approaches to issues like workplace discrimination,
violence against women, abortion and pornography.
POL-320 International Political Economy (3.00 cr.) GP
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
This course examines the politics of international economic relations
between countries and in the world as a whole. The course orients
students with the basic underpinnings of international economic policymaking
and the basic theoretical paradigms of the field of international
political economy. Specific topics of discussion include the politics of
international trade, the effect of globalization on the U.S. economy and
political system, the role of multinational corporations and nongovernmental
organizations in global politics, relations between the developed
and developing worlds, and the rise of regional economic blocs.
POL-330 US & the World in the 20th Century (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
A study of global issues involving the United States vis-ˆ-vis Europe, the
former Soviet Union, Latin America, Africa, Near East, and Asia. May be
taken for credit in political science or history. Also offered as HIS-330.
POL-331 Environmental Politics & Policy (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Even-Numbered Years Only)
This course will examine the politics and policy of environmental issues
both in the United States and globally. We will study the forces and constraints
that shape policy at local, state and national levels of government.
We will also examine the issues and problems of the global environment
and international policy being developed to address those issues. Students
will examine and assess proposed solutions to the problems.
POL-334 Research Design and Methods (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course provides a broad overview of the nature of inquiry in political
science and is intended to give students an understanding of how
to do empirical research. Students will finish the course knowing how
philosophy of science, research design and statistical and causal inference
are understood in the discipline of political science. To be taken
before POL 498/9.
POL-340 State & Local Political Systems (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
This course provides a survey of politics and policy at the state and local
levels of government. Institutions, processes, and behaviors of governments
and political participants will be studied. The federal system
will be examined from the viewpoint of states and localities.
POL-341 Colloquium in N.C. Politics (3.00 cr.)
(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years Only)
Students will apply knowledge gained in POL-340 to the special case of
North Carolina. Along with appropriate readings and assignments, we
will visit suitable institutions and attend events. Examples of these include:
a session of the legislature, legislative committee meetings, and
oral legal arguments. Students will have the opportunity to interact with
officials, representatives, lobbyists, and others active in North Carolina
state politics. Corequisite: POL-340.
POL-350 Congress and the Presidency (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course will examine the elective branches of government: the
Congress and the President. Students will examine the structure and
function of each branch separately and then study the relationship of
each to the other.
POL-360 British Parliamentary Government (3.00 cr.)
(Meredith Abroad, Course Offered Every Year)
This course introduces students to the nature and background of the
British form of government with an emphasis on Parliament and the
European Union. Because this course is taught in London and meets
several times in Westminster Palace, students have a unique opportunity
to observe government at work. Students supplement what they learn
in class and in their texts with what they see as they attend committee
meetings and sessions of both Houses and what they hear from the
broad spectrum of members of Parliament, peers, and parliamentary
staff who speak to them.
POL 370 Topics in Model United Nations (1.00–3.00) GP
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will introduce students to the origins, functions, structure
and issues facing the contemporary United Nations and prepare a
student delegation to participate in a Model United Nations conference.
Participation in the conference is a requirement for the course. Students
will earn 3 credits the first time they complete this course. The
course may be repeated for 1–2 hours of credit.
POL-498 Honors Thesis in Political Science (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
Each senior major in the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Program must
choose, research, write and also present orally an honors thesis that
reflects her training, interests, and/or career direction. Each student
who plans to write an honors thesis must, in consultation with a departmental
adviser, identify a viable topic before she registers for POL-498.
Prerequisite: POL-205.
POL-499 Senior Research (3.00 cr.)
(Fall, Course Offered Every Year)
Under the direction of the appropriate faculty member, the student will
formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate
in a paper. Required of all political science majors not taking POL-498.
Ordinarily taken during the fall semester. Instructor’s consent required.
Prerequisite: POL-205.
POL-930 Politics Internship (1-4.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course is designed to expose students to the workplace environments
in which political scientists and practical politicians function; to put “flesh
on the bones” of the theory of political science that students learn in the
classroom; to demonstrate how the ideals of political science sometimes
inform and sometimes are transformed by actual practices in the field.
POL/CORE-941 Global Issues: Homelessness (3.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This is an upper division policy course. The course will address issues of
housing, homelessness, and policy at local, national and global levels. The
course will examine how policy about these issues is made. Shelter will be
examined as a necessary essential for human development and community
and as a problem for the natural environment. Policy options will also be
examined and direct action to address problems will be taken.
POL-947: Politics and Film (3.00 cr.)
(Fall and Spring, Course Offered Every Year)
This course will examine the field of politics and government with a popular
culture framework. Popular culture communicates a set of norms and values
particularly to a youth subculture. This course will examine those values and
assess their impact on civic engagement and political culture.
POL-949: Practical Skills for Political Change (3.00 cr.)
Politics isn’t for dummies. We will explore the skills needed for influence, change,
and success by examining real world challenges in public affairs. From lobbying and
fundraising, to campaign management and public relations, we will consider the
processes to make your mark on the political landscape. You will walk away with
a professionally portable arsenal of know-how.
POL/PRISM-949: Thinking About the News (3.00 cr.)
(Varies, Contact Department Head)
This course will utilize current news and opinion articles to increase students’ awareness of
contemporary domestic and international political issues and develop critical thinking skills.
Students will learn the difference between fact and opinion, between assertion and evidence
and between liberal and conservative perspectives on contemporary issues. They will analyze
the differences between divergent perspectives on the same issues and events.
