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Courses

  • Politics

    POL-050. Trial Advocacy

    The class follows the preparation and production of a hypothetical yet intricate civil or criminal trial, including allowing students to research the issues to be addressed, drafting opening and closing statements, and practicing direct and cross examination of witnesses. Other topics taught are persuasive oral advocacy, the rules of evidence, jury psychology, and legal ethics. Students review and analyze legal briefs and court cases and learn to argue a position, even if it is different from their own. Culminates in a trial competition, based on the material and structure provided annually by the American Mock Trial Association. Course can only be taken once. Two to three hours per week. Two semester hours.

    POL-101. Introductory Special Topics in Politics 

    An introductory social science course that provides students an opportunity to focus on topics related to politics and government. This course is an excellent introduction for students considering the Politics major, but is designed for any student with an interest in politics and government and will help students develop skills useful to all majors, including critical reading, analytical and writing abilities. Open to all first-year and second-year students, or by permission of instructor. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, GN, SS if so designated, contingent upon the topic.)

    POL-200. Thinking with Data in Politics and International Relations

    This course examines quantitative and qualitative methods used in political science, providing students with the tools needed to engage in critical analysis, and to understand and conduct basic research. The knowledge and skills learned in this course are essential for future undergraduate or graduate coursework, as well as for students interested in public policy, political campaigns, and program evaluation. It is strongly recommended that students take STAT-141Q before or at the same time as POL-200. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (Q, SS.)

    Note: Students who completed POL-300 cannot enroll in POL-200.

    POL-218. American Politics

    This course opens up the study of American politics by acquainting students with a selection of ideas, institutions, interests, and behaviors that comprise politics in America. The course surveys a wide terrain, emphasizing tools and theories for students to develop skills in political analysis. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-235. Free Speech on Campus

    In reflecting on how we should live together, we eventually come to consider how we should talk to each other. In this course we will consider, among other things: A) What laws govern free speech on campus? B) What principles underlie those laws, what questions have critics raised about them, and who has the better of the argument? C) How should colleges think about speech? For example, if colleges think that both free speech and diversity and inclusion are important to their missions, how should they think about “hate speech”? D) What is academic freedom, and what does it have to do with what professors say on social media? This course is designed for first- and second-year students who take it as POL-235; juniors and seniors may enroll in this course as POL-335 with permission of instructor. No previous background in political science or international relations is presumed and there are no prerequisites for this class. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (H.)

    POL/PHIL-237. Political Philosophy 

    This course examines the nature of justice through a careful reading of major works in the history of political philosophy. Specifically, we will consider selected political writings of Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Marx. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (H, O, SS.)

    POL-242. Comparative Politics

    The structure and function of governments and political groups will be compared to develop basic theory. Themes considered include the nation-state, political economy, democracy, authoritarianism, and political violence. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

    POL-252. International Politics

    Theory, simulations, games, and case studies explain the politics and roles of states, individuals, and international law and organizations in the making and resolving of conflict over issues such as war, globalization, or climate change. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

    POL-299. Tutorial in Politics and International Relations

    Individual study and directed reading of a particular topic or book within the discipline. Students will work closely with a member of the department in selecting, reading, and discussing the topic, and in determining a proper written assignment. Prerequisites: prior permission of the instructor. One hour per week. One semester hour.

    POL-310. Congress and the Presidency

    The decision-making process in Congress and the executive branch with emphasis on the interaction of the branches in their struggle to make and apply policy. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-314. Political Parties and Elections

    An examination of the evolution of the American two-party system and the increasingly volatile nature of the American electorate. Topics include the dynamics of party realignment, the changing characteristics of the American voter, the politics of presidential selection, and the consequences of party and electoral reform. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-316. African American Politics in the United States

    A survey of the philosophical perspectives and political strategies adopted by African Americans in their efforts to obtain equality in the United States. In addition to analyzing the approaches and techniques undertaken by African American political leadership, the course will investigate and evaluate mass based political efforts such as protests and voting. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, SS.)

    POL-320. Legal Writing and Argument

    In an appellate court format, students analyze arguments presented in a series of court cases, apply those arguments to concrete legal situations, and write legal briefs. Three hours per week. Four semester hours.

    POL-321. Constitutional Law and Politics

    This course approaches the wide field of constitutional law through legal and political lenses. It combines close study of legal doctrine and court cases with consideration of the conflicts and interests that shape the legal system. Topics include judicial review, legislative power, federalism, equal protection, fundamental rights, and the politics of the judicial branch. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-328. Law & Society

    Law & society is the study of law in action. There is always some version of law “on the books,” but this course is concerned with the real operation of law in the world. How do regular people interact with law? What institutions and processes are involved in legal enforcement? Who are professionals in the legal world, and what do they do? In this class, students will approach these questions and more as they explore the field of law & society. This class centers on law in the United States. Topics include courts, rights, legal consciousness, legal culture, the legal profession, litigation, and social control. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-330. American Political Thought

    This course examines the founding principles of our regime and the problems inherent in those principles as revealed by the great crises of our history. Accordingly, we will examine carefully the speeches and writings of those statesmen who founded the regime as well as those who guided it through its crises. Readings may include the works of Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalists, Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Wilson, and F.D.R. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, H, O, SS.)

    POL-331. Studies in American Political Thought

    Focus on an individual American thinker/political actor (e.g. Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Jane Addams) or group of thinkers/political actors (e.g. Federalist/Antifederalist Debate). We consider how the principle of equality plays out in a democratic polity that is full of inequalities and differences and for which equality is not the sole aim. We consider, too, the problem principle and prudence: how can principles be articulated and advanced amidst constraints? Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, H.)

    POL- 334 Studies in Political Philosophy

    Focus on an individual thinker or group of thinkers (e.g. Tocqueville, John Stuart Mill, Plato), period (e.g. classical, modern, contemporary), theme (e.g. nationalism), or text (e.g. Plato’s Republic) Four semester hours. (H).

    POL-336. Science and the Common Good

    This course examines the philosophic bases and critique of modern science. What is the nature of science? Is scientific reasoning more reliable than other forms of reasoning? What role do moral, political, and religious values play in science? What role should these values play? This course takes historical and contemporary approaches to these questions and will include discussion of topical scientific advancements and emerging technologies. These investigations and conversations provide an opportunity for students to reflect on how they will conduct themselves in their roles as scientists, clinicians, public policy makers, and/or citizens. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP, O, SS.)

    POL-343. Poverty, Welfare, and Public Policy

    An inquiry into the processes that shape social policy across the United States, Western Europe and East Asia. The course examines, in comparative perspective, different government policies that address problems related to poverty and inequality in advanced democracies and the political dynamics that undergird their creation and implementation. The course also offers a foundational understanding of the general processes of public policy-making in democratic settings. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, O, SS.)

    POL-344. Political Development

    An analysis of political change in developed and less-developed countries, focusing on the various theories used to explain socioeconomic and political conditions, and development strategies among several political systems in the international community. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, GN, SS.)

    POL-345. Democracy and Politics in Latin America

    An examination of political and economic change in Latin America with particular emphasis on the reasons why democracy, prosperity and equality have been difficult to achieve. The course focuses on common historical and institutional legacies as well as the different political and economic trajectories of major Latin American countries. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

    POL-346. Politics of the Middle East

    This course examines the politics, economies, and societies of the Middle East and North Africa. We will explore the colonial roots of the modern Middle East, the political dynamics of current regimes, and the basis of various political and sectarian conflicts in the region, all while asking a fundamental question: why do so few democracies exist in the Middle East? Some specific topics we explore include: Political Islam, Gender in the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli conflict, Oil Politics, and the Arab Spring. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

    POL-348. African Democracy

    This course offers an introduction to contemporary African politics through an exploration of democratization on the continent. It will examine the concepts, meanings, and measurements of democracy broadly, the history of democratization throughout Africa and the variance of democratic institutions found across the continent. Specific topics include, but are not limited to, legal, legislative and corruption reform across Africa, the role of civil society in democratization, public opinion, election processes, and human rights regimes. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

    POL-349. European Politics

    An examination of modern European economic and political systems and the different ways in which various European countries have sought to preserve social stability, promote economic prosperity and guarantee democracy in the post-WWII period. The course also focuses on European integration and democratization in Southern and Eastern Europe. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-350A. International Organizations and Diplomacy

    A study of governmental international organizations and diplomacy with particular emphases on functions of the United Nations and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and multilateral political affairs. Students must take both POL-350A and B to receive credit for one elective course in the major. Two hours per week. Two semester hours.

    POL-350B. International Organizations and Diplomacy

    A continuation of POL-350A. This course also prepares students to participate in the National Model United Nations conference. Prerequisite: POL-350A or permission of the instructor. Students must take both POL-350A and B to receive credit for one elective course in the major. Two hours per week. Two semester hours.

    POL-351. Politics of the End of the World

    When it seems like the world is about to end, what are your options, and what does politics have to do with it? In this course, we explore the role of the individual in a world of existential crises and seeming hopelessness. We consider this question in three global settings: climate change, repressive governments, and a highly unequal economy. As a core capstone course, the course entertains core questions about how we should live together, how we should consider the impact of our own actions on others, and how any knowledge we acquire (during college and beyond) should shape our behavior. As a political science course, it approaches these questions with a focus on strategic behavior, representation, and institutions. Offered every other year. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP, GN, SS.)

    POL-352. Theories of International Relations

    This course explores the theories that have been used to study international relations from ancient times to the present. Particular attention is given to the roots of contemporary theories, especially realism, neoliberalism, constructivism, feminism and critical theories. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-354. Global Health

    This course considers contrasting views on health as a human right and explores how social, economic and political forces influence who gets sick, what diseases afflict them, which treatments are available to them, and what the outcome of those treatments are. It examines a number of global health problems, including malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, polio, global obesity and global hunger as well as mental health. The roles of global public health organizations and private foundations are also studied. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, GN, O, SS.)

    POL-355. U.S. Foreign Policy

    Analysis of the process and substance of U.S. foreign policy. Attention is paid to the roles and limitations of the Presidency, Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, public opinion and nongovernmental actors. Emphasis will be placed on current controversial global issues. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (O, SS.)

    POL-356. Human Rights

    This course examines the theory and practice of human rights, examining historical and contemporary cases of human rights violations drawn from various regions of the world. The course will include study of international documents that govern human rights practice and mechanisms that protect human rights found in the UN system as well as regional organizations and domestic legal systems. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP, DN, GN, O, SS.)

    POL-357. War and Peace

    An examination of the nature of war, including debates over the causes and inevitability of war. The course also explores the question when, if ever, war is justified and analyzes how recent changes in military technology and doctrine have affected the way that war is fought, including in the contemporary “war on terror.” Various theories and perspectives on how to end war and build peace are discussed as well. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, O, SS.)

    POL-358. Terrorism and Political Violence around the World

    An inquiry into the origins and effects of political violence, including terrorism, beyond of the context of formal interstate war. The course focuses on violence perpetrated by both states and non-state actors in Western and non-Western contexts. Topics include individual-level and group-level motivations for using violence for political goals, the organizational behavior of non-state actors, and the evaluation of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency policies. Students use theoretical and empirical tools and a simulation to analyze key questions of contemporary policy debates on terrorism and political violence. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (GN, SS.)

    POL-359. The Politics of Markets, Money, and Migration

    An inquiry into the causes and effects of the movement of goods (international trade), money (currency, investment, foreign aid), and people (migration). The course will explore how these international economic processes have developed over time, and how they affect people locally in different countries. It will highlight the political forces that shape economic interactions and explore the trade-offs linked to different economic policies. Students will learn and practice how to evaluate and use data to examine theories and arguments about global and local political-economic phenomena. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (DN, GN, Q, SS.)

    POL/MCS-367. The American Left in Thought and Practice: The American Left as a Movement of Ideas and of Political and Cultural Action

    The questions this class addresses include: What is the American Left? Where should the American Left stand on capitalism? How should the American Left view the Democratic Party? How should the American Left think about racial and sexual inequalities and how to address them, and how does addressing them relate to addressing economic or class inequality? How should the American Left approach American foreign policy? What vision or visions of the good life can the American Left offer? The course will include critics, and observers, as well as participants in and proponents, of the American Left. In addition, the course will begin with a reflection on how the student’s experience at Ursinus so far, in addressing the questions, “what should matter to me, how should we live together, and how can we understand the world,” has prepared them to address the question, “what will I do in the sphere of citizenship?” It will end with a reflection, informed by course materials, discussion, and assignments of that same question. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (CCAP, LINQ, O.)

    POL/MCS-368. American Conservatism

    This is a team-taught and interdisciplinary exploration of American conservatism from political theory to conservative media. How do American conservatism’s leading intellectuals explain its basis and objectives? What have outside observers and critics had to say about it? And what does American conservatism look like in practice and in the media sphere? We will look at the contested question of what conservatism is, along with particular issues in conservative thought and practice, such as economics, nationalism, race and racism, family, class identity, the radical right, higher education, and the influence of Trumpism. Four semester hours. (CCAP, LINQ)

    POL-382. Internship

    Internship in any field/organization with a connection to politics, policy, law, or governance. Students must document their experience according to the requirements delineated in the College catalogue section on Internships. A 2.67 grade average and permission of the department are required. Open to juniors and seniors. The term during which the internship work is performed will be noted by one of the following letters, to be added immediately after the internship course number: A (fall), B (winter), C (spring), or D (summer). Internships undertaken abroad will be so indicated by the letter I. The intern must complete a minimum of 160 hours of work. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

    POL-399. Topics in Law and Politics

    An occasional course dealing with special subject areas or events. Four semester hours. (SS, GN, or DN, depending on topic.)

    POL-418W. Seminar in American Government

    Intensive study of a special topic in American government emphasizing original research and substantial oral and written work. Prerequisites: senior status (juniors admitted with permission of instructor), one 300-level course in American government, POL 200 (student may take concurrently, if necessary). Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-437W. Seminar in Political Philosophy

    Intensive study of a special topic in political philosophy emphasizing original research and substantial oral and written work. Prerequisites: senior status (juniors admitted with permission of instructor) and one 300-level course in political philosophy. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-442W. Seminar in Comparative Politics

    Intensive study of a special topic in comparative politics emphasizing original research and substantial oral and written work. Prerequisites: senior status (juniors admitted with permission of instructor), one 300-level course in Politics, POL 200 (student may take concurrently, if necessary). Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-452W. Seminar in International Politics

    Intensive study of a special topic in international politics emphasizing original research and substantial oral and written work. Prerequisites: senior status (juniors admitted with permission of instructor), one 300-level course in Politics, POL 200 (student may take concurrently, if necessary). Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-462W.Seminar in Politics and International Relations

    Intensive study of a special topic in politics or international relations emphasizing original research and substantial oral and written work. Prerequisites: senior status (juniors admitted with permission of instructor), one 300-level course in Politics, POL 200 (student may take concurrently, if necessary). Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (SS.)

    POL-491. Research/Independent Work

    This course is open to candidates for departmental honors and to other students with the permission of the departmental chair. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

    POL-492W. Research/Independent Work

    A continuation of POL-491. Prerequisite: POL-491. Four semester hours. (XLP.)

    International Relations

    IR-400W. Research in International Relations

    This capstone course will require a series of short papers and a major research project. An oral presentation will be made before an upper-division course on the subject. Three hours per week. Four semester hours. (XLP.)