Political Science

Session I  (June 3 - June 28)

POL2 202 - Comparative Politics

Joel Krieger, Professor of Political Science

A comparative study of contemporary politics and political systems and the exploration of various approaches to comparative political analysis. Emphasis on the interactive effects of global forces and domestic politics. Issues to be discussed include authoritarianism, revolutions, nationalism, social movements, and political culture. Country studies will be used to illuminate themes such as the role of the state in governing the economy, the challenges of democracy, and the politics of collective identities (attachments such as religion, ethnicity, race, gender, and nationality). Guest lectures and active participation by the entire comparative politics faculty. This course is strongly recommended for political science majors for all further work in comparative politics.

Meeting times: T, W, Th (1:30-3:30)

Location: PNE 151

Credit: 1.0 unit (4 sem. hrs.)

Tuition: $2,300

Registration Fee: $50 (non-refundable)

POL1 313 - American Presidential Politics

Christopher Baylor, Visiting Lecturer in Political Science

Analysis of the central role of the president in American politics and the development and operation of the institutions of the modern presidency. The course will focus on sources of presidential power and limitations on the chief executive, with particular emphasis on relations with the other branches of government and the making of domestic and foreign policy.

Meeting times: T, W, Th (12-3)

Location: PNE 127

Credit: 1.0 unit (4 sem. hrs.)

Tuition: $2,300

Registration Fee: $50 (non-refundable)

Session II  (July 1 - July 26)

POL1 225 - Public Opinion and Voting Behavior

Christopher Baylor, Visiting Lecturer in Political Science

This course will examine the dynamics of public opinion and assess its place in the contemporary American political system. We will study the administration and impact of public opinion polls, examining their strengths and weaknesses, and consider how they can both enlighten and obscure political reality.  The course will explore the formation of political attitudes on an individual and societal level, examining the role of ideology and partisanship in the organization of American politics.

Meeting times: T, W, Th (1-4pm)

Location: PNE 339

Credit: 1.0 unit (4 sem. hrs.)

Tuition: $2,300

Registration Fee: $50 (non-refundable)