Department of Politics

Course Descriptions

Politics: Off-Campus (CPOL)

To view the complete schedule of courses for
each semester, go to Cardinal Station.

CPOL 500: Introduction to International Affairs

3.00 Credits

Required of all new students. Designed to acquaint the student with the recent history of International Affairs, principal subfields in the discipline, major theoretical and methodological debates in the study of world politics, and the importance of proposing parsimonious hypotheses in testing the theories.

CPOL 501: Globalization

3.00 Credits

This course considers the heated debates over Globalization. What is it? Is it desirable or devastating? Is economics overshadowing politics, or is globalization just an updated form of imperialism? Is globalization inevitable? What impact does globalization have on politics and the state, on economics, the environment, human rights, labor, culture, borders, security, and policy? How do local government and politics fit into a global age, and where do political accountability and authority lie? Is the state withering away? What will the future institutions of governance look like? Is foreign policy dead, because it is no longer "foreign?"

CPOL 503: American Political Ideologies

3.00 Credits

What do the labels mean - conservative, liberal, facist, communist? Designed for Congressional Studies students, this course surveys American political ideologies from the American Revolution to the present. In the early years of the republic, special attention is paid to classical liberalism, capitalism, and nationalism. In the 19th century, the focus embraces pro- and anti- slavery movements, nativism, social Darwinism, utopian movement, socialism, anarchism, and religious movements. In the 20th century, attention is given to populism, progressivism, New Deal liberalism, communism, fascism, conservatism, environmentalism, religious fundamentalism, secularism, feminism, the gay rights movement, libertarianism, and neo-conservatism.

CPOL 504: Capitalism

3.00 Credits

no description available

CPOL 506: Parties and Politics in Europe and Canada

3.00 Credits

This course explores the theory and practice of party politics in the major Atlantic democracies: Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada. The focus is on political party systems in these parliamentary states, in comparison with the U.S. system of politics and government and also with each other. Important course elements include readings, lectures, class discussion, and preparation of an analytical paper.

CPOL 509: Congress and Representation

3.00 Credits

Traces the theory and practice of congressional representation from its 18th century origins through successive stages to the contemporary debate about representation. Readings include both historical texts and the analysis of current political science. Some background in American political history and American political thought is needed.

CPOL 512: Transnational Institutional Development

3.00 Credits

A survey of evolving transnational organizations such as INGOs (international nongovernmental organizations), MNCs (multinational corporations), transnational political parties, terrorist organizations, and voluntary associations of many types. Covers cross-boundary forms of transnational institutional development, their backgrounds, structures, theories of their evolution, and implications for International Affairs.

CPOL 513: International Politics of Food and Hunger

3.00 Credits

This course will examine where the United States stands in its bipartisan commitment to end hunger and poverty in the world. It will look at the institutions charged with this responsibility and will analyze why individuals should be similarly engaged. Among other questions it will explore the root causes of both global and domestic hunger and will review the policy responses likely to be most effective toward the objective of ending hunger in our time.

CPOL 514: Terrorism and National Security

3.00 Credits

Analyzes the impact of terrorism on national security policy by systematically profiling the terrorist problem, to include future forms of violence. Identifies key attributes and principles of a counterterrorist program by synthesizing and codifying lessons from the experiences of other countries. Concludes by focusing on United States policies and the responsibilities of major commanders in coping with terrorism in their areas of responsibility.

CPOL 515: Peacekeeping, Peacemaking and Operations Other Than War

3.00 Credits

Increasingly, military forces of the developed and developing world are being employed in various forms of humanitarian, peacekeeping, and peacemaking roles vice their more traditional role of defense of the state from external threats. Additionally, the incidence of traditional inter-state warfare appears to be decreasing while the incidence of multinational "intervention" in the seemingly internal affairs of sovereign states is increasing. This type of intervention raises substantial moral and legal questions, as well as appreciable international security policy issues. The course examines the impact which this change has on policy making, as well as on defense establishments due to the seemingly contradictory nature of these requirements. It also addresses the demands for increased international cooperation in such endeavors outside the state's traditional alliances. The course focuses on that area of the international conflict management continuum between purely political and diplomatic efforts and actual conflict involvement, i.e., war in its many forms.

CPOL 518: Politics Peoples Republic of China

3.00 Credits

This course examines political institutions and policies of the PRC, with particular attention to the political tensions that continue to define the regime as it pursues economic liberalization with authoritarian government. Among the topics covered are the historic background of the Chinese revolution, the coming of the Chinese Communist Party to power, and major political institutions such as the Communist Party, party government, and the People's Liberation Army. Policy issues include foreign policy, especially Sino-American relationships, economic policy, and defense issues.

CPOL 519: Politics of East Asia

3.00 Credits

no description available

CPOL 524: The War on Terrorism

3.00 Credits

In response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, the President and Congress have declared a war on terrorism. This class will examine this "new kind of war." The course will address the rising power of non state actors and trans sovereign threats in a period of globalization; the political, economic, and military policy options available to combat terrorism, and the effectiveness of these options; "smart security" models from other countries and the private sector for increasing security without sacrificing civil liberties; and the institutional challenges posed by the underside of globalization.

CPOL 525: The Just War

3.00 Credits

Examines attempts to construct a moral code governing the use of force in international politics, including discussion of the theory of aggression (jus ad bellum), the war convention (jus in bello), and the particular dilemma of nuclear deterrence.

CPOL 527: Religion and International Politics

3.00 Credits

This course provides a survey of the interplay of religion on a variety of worldwide political issues, including war and peace, globalization, national and regional identity, and the environment. The role of Catholicism and other religious bodies will be examined, with special consideration of religion's role for good or bad in conflict situations, as in the Middle East, and its influence on US foreign policy."

CPOL 528: Congressional Internship

6.00 Credits

A combination of lectures, discussions, and internships arranged for students in congressional offices and committees.

CPOL 529: Liberalism and Its Critics

3.00 Credits

Explores the problems of modern liberalism through the writings of its critics and defenders. Special attention to the central dilemma of contemporary liberal pluralism: the tendency to undermine the moral and philosophical foundations on which respect for individual rights is based.

CPOL 531: Congressional Budget

3.00 Credits

The procedure and politics of the budgetary and appropriations processes in the Congress. Relationship to public policy and electoral politics. Roles of congressional committees, leadership, and staff.

CPOL 532: Congressional Committees

3.00 Credits

History of the congressional committee system. Functions of congressional committees, including policy development, administrative oversight, investigation, public information, and legislative powersharing. Committee staffing as a political process.

CPOL 534: Security after the Cold War

3.00 Credits

The changing definitions and requirements of security in the aftermath of the Cold War, including environmental security and economic security; the relationship between security and democracy; the role of nuclear weapons in the post-Cold War world; weapons proliferation; arms control; ethnic, nationalist, and regional conflicts; conflict resolution methods; post-Cold War force structures appropriate to the changing nature of threats to security; collective security; and prognoses for the future.

CPOL 535: International Law of Armed Conflict

3.00 Credits

International Law of Armed Conflict International Law of Armed Conflict investigates the principles of international law regulating the use of force in international society. The course is designed to examine the permissibility of using force and the law governing the conduct of hostilities. The course looks in detail at the right of self-defense and anticipatory self-defense, the role of the UN, humanitarian intervention, self-determination, reprisals and intervention in civil war. Discussions will also include the right to participate in hostilities, the law of weaponry including weapons of mass destruction, the protection of civilians, rules for occupation, classification of those captured on the battlefield, and rules of engagement. Significant attention will be given to developments arising from the Global War on Terrorism and from coalition activities in Afghanistan and Iraq.

CPOL 536: Political Economy of Post-Communist Countries

3.00 Credits

The course examines the key issues of transition to market economy in the former communist countries. We will explore the interconnection between political and economic transitions as well as the dilemmas raised by their simultaneity, primarily using the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Russia as case studies. Political and economic transitions in the former Soviet bloc are unique in that they brought about systemic change and led to the replacement of the institutional foundations of the political and economic order of these societies. Therefore, we will look at transitions primarily as the process of institutional change. The search for and the choice of the new institutions were the subject of heated debates inside the former communist countries and outside, in the West, where governments and international financial institutions became actively involved in the reform process. The problems encountered during the transition period changed the focus of these debates from policy choices to institutional legacies that were viewed as either constraints or catalysts of economic transition. We will examine the most important of these legacies, including history and culture, formal and informal institutions, the role of agency, and their influence on the course and scope of transitions. We will also look into the effect the choice of new political institutions had on the outcome of economic transitions.

CPOL 537: Political Economics and International Politics

3.00 Credits

A survey of major theoretical efforts to relate economic and political behavior. Outstanding policy issues in world political economy. Considers Atlantic relations and North-South issues. Weighs the utility of theoretical contributions in light of historical evidence and contemporary policy trends.

CPOL 538: Contemporary Middle East I

3.00 Credits

Assesses situational factors--history, religion, cultural pluralism, ideology, nationalism social stratification and political style--which affect the domestic and foreign policies of the countries of the Middle East. Addresses the internal political processes of major Middle Eastern nations.

CPOL 539: Contemporary Middle East II

3.00 Credits

An examination of patterns of violence and competition in the Middle East which focuses on internal, regional and global conflicts and the relationships among them.

CPOL 540: International Organization and Law

3.00 Credits

International organizations have become one of the principal means by which states engage one another in dealing with disputes, common problems, and international order. This course will look at the development of international organizations, especially the United Nations, and explore their potential for generating order within the anarchic relationships of states. One of the principal means available for the establishment of order is international law, either in the form of treaties, international agreements and conventions, and charter documents for international organizations. This course will examine the central role played by organizations and law within the international arena. Particular reference will be made to the problems that require a global solution as well as the universality of human rights.

CPOL 541: International Security Negotiations: Theory and Practice

3.00 Credits

A survey of topics related to multilateral and bilateral security negotiations, including the decision to negotiate, charter documents, tracking of negotiations, instructing negotiators, the negotiating record, negotiating strategy and tactics, and negotiations scenarios. International Affairs.

CPOL 543: National Security Law

3.00 Credits

Survey and analysis of the legislative basis of United States national security policy making, with special emphasis on the legal authority and responsibility of individuals involved in the policy process. Topics include separation of powers, security assistance an covert action, collection and dissemination of national security information, international arrangements, and current issues such as nonproliferation, terrorism and counter narcotic and economic intelligence.

CPOL 544: Special Topics

3.00 Credits

Offered from time to time as warranted by the availability of expert faculty, the special needs of students, or special interest in the light of current developments, for example, military aspects of refugee policy. International Affairs. Staff.

CPOL 545: Pacific Rim Relations

3.00 Credits

Evolution of political and economic relations among selected Pacific Rim states. The role of the United States as a Pacific power. Competitions and collaborations among major Pacific Rim nations.

CPOL 546: Intelligence and World Politics

3.00 Credits

This course examines the US Intelligence Community and its role in national security. It covers the intelligence cycle (planning and direction, collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination) while focusing on key topics such as warning and surprise; denial and deception; covert action; oversight and civil liberties; the role of policymakers; and intelligence reform. For perspective, the organization and activities of intelligence services in select foreign countries will be compared to the US model.

CPOL 547: Nationbuilding

3.00 Credits

Nation-building, according to James Dobbins, is "the use of armed force in the aftermath of a conflict to underpin an enduring transition to democracy" and "the inescapable responsibility of the world¿s only superpower." This course introduces the wide range of theoretical and practical issues in nation-building. It considers historical and current cases, informed by scholarly analysis and first-person accounts.

CPOL 548: International Politics of East and Southeast Asia

3.00 Credits

Provides a broad overview of developments in East Asia, with particular emphasis on China, Japan, Korea and selected Southeast Asian nations. Examines domestic and foreign policies of these countries and assesses implications of United States and Russian policies in the region.

CPOL 549: Politics of Latin America

3.00 Credits

Latin America is increasingly an area of focus for U.S. political and economic relationships. This course provides an overview of the region with particular attention to the challenges and contributions of American foreign policy. Topics covered include the relationship between political and economic development and the political stability and instability of democratic institutions; international politics of the states of the region; and the role of institutions of "civil society" in the political life of the region. Assessment of the role of the military, the Church, labor movements, and guerrilla groups are of particular interest.

CPOL 550: Foreign Policy of the Peoples Republic of China

3.00 Credits

Provides insight into the formulation and implementation of the foreign policy of China. Considers the historical development of foreign policy in modern China and the institutions by which policy is made. Examines case studies of China in its relations to other countries. International Affairs.

CPOL 551: Africa in World Politics

3.00 Credits

Identifies and analyzes the changing political, economic, and social issues of the states of Sub-Saharan Africa with the focus on their impact on world politics and United States foreign policy interests in that region. Beginning with background issues of the colonial legacy, the rise of African nationalism, and the emergence of independent Africa, turns to the place of Sub-Saharan Africa in U.S. foreign policy. International Affairs.

CPOL 555: International Relations of East Asia

3.00 Credits

This course addresses major issues regarding international relations in Asia through the lens of several analytical perspectives. Particular attention will be given to the rise of China, U.S.-Sino relations, and the implications of China¿s growing power on U.S.-relations with its traditional alliance partners, Japan and South Korea. Other topics highlighted in the context of Asia include nuclear proliferation, human rights, international institutions, and historical antagonism.

CPOL 557: Parliamentary Procedures in Congress

3.00 Credits

Rules and practices of Congress in considering legislation. Institutional role of the Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tempore. Rules governing member conduct, floor debate, committee action, including specialized rules governing appropriations and budget process. Strategic and tactical uses of parliamentary procedures.

CPOL 558: Just Peace

3.00 Credits

When wars end, how do polities resolve issues of justice related to the conflict while building post-war peace? Examines war crimes tribunals, truth commissions, amnesty, and other ways polities balance issues of justice with other needs in ending conflicts. Considers both internal and international wars.

CPOL 559: Media and Foreign Policy

3.00 Credits

To what extent does media influence foreign policy, and to what extent are governments able to manipulate media coverage of foreign policy? How do governments deal with media coverage of foreign policy and how effective are various media strategies? Examines these and other issues through case studies, with a primary focus on United States foreign policy.

CPOL 560: Issues in United States Foreign Policy

3.00 Credits

The end of the Cold War has brought a resurgence of debate over U.S. foreign policy. The opening of societies, of economies, and of technologies present new challenges. Course begins with an examination of debates on current foreign policy issues, turning to a regional focus to see how the issues develop in foreign policy toward particular regions.

CPOL 563: Politics of Post-Soviet Russia

3.00 Credits

An examination of Russian political and economic development and foreign policy under Gorbachev, Yeltsin, and Putin.

CPOL 564: Ethnoculture in European Politics

3.00 Credits

Focuses on regionalism and ethnocultural identity within Western Europe, East-Central Europe, and the Balkans. Examines the ways in which these phenomena may complement or conflict with the policies of the central governments.

CPOL 565: Executive Branch Policy-Making

3.00 Credits

Examines the roles of the President, the Cabinet departments, White House staff and Executive Office agencies in making foreign and domestic policy, with emphasis on the former. Special attention to the organization and management of policy making processes in the Executive Branch. Congressional Studies.

CPOL 567: Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

3.00 Credits

Arms control and non-proliferation have been a part of international affairs since man first began to arm himself against his neighbors. The course examines proliferation and arms control issues within the broader context of international security and peacekeeping/making, including various international relations paradigms such as the security dilemma. It focuses on whether proliferation and arms control contribute to international security as a trust-building mechanism or transfer rivalry to other spheres of concern. In addition to the more traditional areas of arms control and disarmament (i.e., weapons of mass destruction, dilemmas of verification and compliance, international politics of arms control), the course examines conventional arms races, including the "illegal" arms market. The course is oriented toward the broader global context vice the more narrow perspective of only the United States.

CPOL 569: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in Historical and Regional Perspective

3.00 Credits

This course will trace the development of the conflict from the 19th century to the present, emphasizing the historical narratives of both sides in addition to employing standard histories. We will also focus on the role of regional and non-regional actors and examine different theories as to why the conflict has been so intractable and what caused the failure of the peace process of the 1990¿s.

CPOL 570: Islamic Terrorist Organizations

3.00 Credits

This class is designed as a deep study of Islamic Extremist Organizations. The course examines the organization, ideology, theological underpinnings, leadership and operations of extremist Islamic organizations. This class focuses on relationship between these actors and the broader political, social, economic and security environments in which they operate. It also considers the theological, cultural, historical, and social forces that shape these organizations. The class takes a comparative approach to the topic by examining Islamic organizations across a range of countries. This class emphasizes a deep exposure to the contemporary literature, independent analysis, and critical thinking.

CPOL 574: European Integration and Security

3.00 Credits

Examines institutional and economic aspects of European integration, and European Union expansion. Focuses on dilemmas of shared sovereignty and common security.

CPOL 574A: Nation Building

3.00 Credits

no description available

CPOL 575: Program and Policy Evaluation

3.00 Credits

Evaluation is an activity directed at collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating information about the effectiveness of programs and policies. Evaluation in the contemporary context of international affairs is conducted to aid decision-makers and to assess the utility of program and policies. This course examines different evaluation techniques with an emphasis on foreign policy, international development policies, and institutional analysis.

CPOL 576: Ethics and Public Policy

3.00 Credits

Examines the major ethical topics within contemporary politics, including capital punishment, just war, nuclear deterrence, world justice, affirmative action, abortion, and control of biomedical technology.

CPOL 577: Political Theory of American Framing

3.00 Credits

Considers the political theory of the origins of the United States Constitution and its implementation in the American government. Readings include The Federalist, various writings of the Anti-Federalists, writings of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, excerpts from the records of the Constitutional convention, as well as major secondary sources.

CPOL 579: Iran and Iraq

3.00 Credits

Iran and Iraq have always been key countries in the Middle East, as American foreign policy increasingly acknowledges. Yet they are countries with complicated ancient and modern histories, very different political developments, and a continuous relationship between them. This course will focus on the past fifty years during which their modern profile has been defined. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the social, political, and religious factors that have shaped them, especially on the transition from dictatorship and theocracy on which they are presently engaged. Given the regional importance of Iran and Iraq and their relevance for varieties of Islamic modernization, they are destined to occupy the attention of foreign policy professionals for some time to come.

CPOL 580: Germany and the New Europe

3.00 Credits

The make-up and organization of Europe, notably the European Union, continues to evolve. At the same time, the relationship between the United States and "New Europe" is no longer what it was. This course will examine these changes, with special focus on a unified Germany, notably its government and its important role in the international economic scene. Attention will be given to developments in Germany's political and security policies, for example, as evidenced by its involvement in Afghanistan. The outlook for a stronger EU foreign and security role will also be examined.

CPOL 583: Comparative Political Development

3.00 Credits

A survey of the major theoretical and descriptive literature on the subject of economic and political development. Topics include political culture, socialization, political parties, ideologies, regional issues, and decision-making processes of selected developing countries.

CPOL 584: International Policies of Central Asia States

3.00 Credits

Survey focuses on the five states of Kasakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, examining their ties with each other, the Confederation of Independent States, the Islamic world, and the West. Analyzes their foreign and domestic policies, particularly in the fields of human rights, nuclear arms, and drug trafficking. Assesses their future importance for the region and the world.

CPOL 585: Seminar: Politics of Islam

3.00 Credits

Examines the evolution of political thought in Islam from the end of the nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth. Presents various approaches to the role of Islam in modern Muslim societies on the basis of detailed country studies. Sources of study will be the writings of political theorists and statesmen. Topics include Islam and democracy, role of women in Muslim societies, and Islam in the United States.

CPOL 586: Political Change in East-Central Europe

3.00 Credits

Surveys the political, cultural, and economic changes since the 1980s. Compares and analyzes problems of post-communist transition, geographical location, and historical tradition.

CPOL 593: Washington Internship

3.00 Credits

The Washington Internship is a seminar offered in conjunction with an approved internship which is typically 12-15 hours at the site each week. Students write descriptive, analytical and reflective essays and present progress reports regarding their internships which assess managerial problems and dilemma solving techniques, policy issues and conventional explanations in light of the practices and rationales observed at the internship.

CPOL 595: Independent Study

3.00 Credits

International Affairs and Congressional Studies. Staff.

CPOL 597: National Responses to Global Crisis

3.00 Credits

Nations respond differently to the crises, military, economic and political, that afflict them. What are the patterns and variables? What are the successful and unsuccessful strategies? What should the response of the international community be to such crises? This course will examine the challenges for American foreign policy and the global community that arise out of the crises and responses within particular states. A particular focus will be the problems associated with globalization.

CPOL 598: Insurgency and Revolution

3.00 Credits

Provides an overview of the theoretical literature concerning the causes of insurgencies and revolutions. Assesses several case studies of insurgent and revolutionary movements. Formerly offered as 592.

CPOL 601: Legislative Roles of the Executive Branch

3.00 Credits

The course will explore how the Executive Branch interacts with the Congress in the following areas-development of legislative proposals; coordination of positions on legislation, including testimony and floor positions; the President's Budget; regulations; and executive orders.

CPOL 602: The Legislative Presidency

3.00 Credits

This course will examine the constitutional, institutional, and personal aspects of the modern presidency. It will emphasize the roles of contemporary Presidents in all aspects of the legislative process and the resources available to advance the President's legislative program.

CPOL 605: Separation of Powers

3.00 Credits

The focus of this seminar is on constitutional conflicts among the branches of the national government. Topics to be examined are: presidential war powers and foreign policy, covert operations, executive orders, presidential signing statements, executive privilege, budgetary control, independent regulatory commissions, among others.

CPOL 608: Rethinking United States Foreign Policy Institutions

3.00 Credits

The structures of United States foreign policy institutions developed to deal with issues of the past. How can this machinery be recreated or retooled to better address the issues of the future? Historical evolution of U.S. foreign policy institutions, changing requirements of international problems, obstacles to and incentives for institutional change.

CPOL 612: Post Cold War Intervention

3.00 Credits

The Post Cold War (PCW) era brings increased opportunities for United States, United Nations, and other international intervention, and increased attention to new forms of military and humanitarian interventions. Considers the problems of intervention in the PCW world. Examines theories of sovereignty will be examined, as well as specific cases of governmental, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multilateral and international institutions' efforts to intervene in the PCW world. Formerly offered as 566.

CPOL 613: Law and Politics of Homeland Security

3.00 Credits

This course covers the legal and political aspects of defending the US homeland. Among the topics covered will be the use of the military, law enforcement, and the intelligence communities in homeland defense. It will explore, among other things, the Posse Comitatus Act, border and port security, use and restrictions of US person-centric data bases, efforts to combat domestic terrorism, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and the USA Patriot Act. Particular emphasis will be on the interaction between the need to preserve civil liberties while effectively defending against the terrorist threat coupled with the prospect of terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction.

CPOL 617: Warfare and World Politics

3.00 Credits

In every one of the 5000 plus years of history, humankind has been engaged in war somewhere in the world. The twentieth century has been the most violent of all. Throughout history, diverse civilizations have evolved differing philosophies of the role of warfare and the military. The course uses a multi-disciplinary approach, from archaeology to ethnology to history and political science, to examine this perceptual evolution. Three salient areas are considered. First, the student is exposed to a broad overview of the evolution of warfare with particular emphasis on causes. Second, a typology of war is developed. Third, building on the previous two sections, the course compares and contrasts the perception of the role of warfare among five major cultural areas or civilizations. In order to understand the causes of peace, one must first examine the causes of war. War is one of the most complex activities in which governments engage. Even in times of peace substantial resources are devoted to preparation for war. The course emphasizes the differing cultural approaches that determine the political attitudes/philosophies toward war and their role in international affairs. In addition, the course will address, en passant, the differing domestic perceptions of the role of the military in society.

CPOL 618: The Problem of Sovereignty

3.00 Credits

Since the Peace of Westphalia, sovereign states have been the fundamental units of the international system. Yet many argue today that sovereignty is being undermined both from above and below. Globalizing forces of open markets, open societies, and open technologies undermine sovereignty from above. Simultaneously, many sovereign states are under siege or collapsing due to the pressure of ethnic, nationalist, and/or demographic forces from below. Is sovereignty dead, dying, or changing? International law is based upon the concept of sovereignty, yet it was also created to overcome the problems associated with sovereignty. Is sovereignty without limits or responsibilities? The humanitarian crises since the end of the Cold War have caused many voices across the ideological spectrum to argue that sovereignty must be kept in its place. What does that mean? This course will consider these debates concerning sovereignty: its history, definitions, prospects and limitations, and future evolution. World Politics.

CPOL 620: Political Parties and the Law

3.00 Credits

Examines the legal and constitutional setting within which political parties operate. Special attention to the role of parties in campaigns and elections, especially for members of Congress. Addresses the major constitutional challenges confronted by efforts to define and reform the role of parties.

CPOL 623: Congress, the President and Foreign Policy

3.00 Credits

The course examines congressional activism and acquiescence in U.S. foreign policy. Constitutional concepts will be explored through recent cases (Helms-Burton, NAFTA, War Powers and Lebanon, debate over the 1997 ABM Treaty-related agreements, and U.S. funding for the United Nations). Issues such as the influence of interest groups and bipartisan collaboration and conflict in foreign policy will be debated.

CPOL 624: Security in the Information Age

3.00 Credits

The information revolution changes the practice and conception of national security in a number of ways. This class will examine the debates over cyberwarfare, cybersecurity, cyberterrorism, cybercrime, national infrastructure protection, media and foreign policy, organizations and information technology. How are our ideas and organizations changing (or not) to deal with the new security environment of a globalizing, IT-rich world?

CPOL 625: Introduction to American Politics for Graduate Students

3.00 Credits

Provides principal approaches in political science to the organization of American government, with particular emphasis on the Presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court.

CPOL 626: The Modern Presidency

3.00 Credits

This course examines the institutional and political developments that have helped shape the modern presidency. In particular, the course examines the shifts in the nomination process and electoral landscape that have influenced the policies pursued by presidents, the development of and enlarged presidential bureaucracy (including an expanded Cabinet and Executive Office of the President), the making of domestic and foreign policy, the relationship between the president, Congress, and Supreme Court, and how these transformations have intertwined to reconfigure the presidency in the twenty-first century.

CPOL 630: Classical Origins of IR Theory

3.00 Credits

Many IR theorists take as their starting point Thucydides' The Peloponnesian War. This course looks at Thucydides' classic work and its modern interpreters in political realism and complex interdependence, such as Morgenthau, Aron, Waltz, and Doyle, focusing on the themes of war, international politics, ethics, and statesmanship.

CPOL 632: Parties and Leaders in the U.S. Congress

3.00 Credits

Examines the theory, development, and behavior of parties in Congress, with a particular focus on party leadership. Topics include theories of political parties and leaders, the goals and strategies of majority and minority parties in Congress, and the selection and behavior of party leaders.

CPOL 635: American Foreign Policy: Institutions and Issues

3.00 Credits

This course is an overview of the American foreign policy process. The first portion of the course investigates the actors and processes involved in the making of foreign policy. In this section of the course, we will ask and answer questions such as how is the president influenced by public opinion? How do different entities within the intelligence community work together? When are interest groups able to influence foreign policy? The second portion examines how foreign policy actors address select topics¿ranging from environmental policy to terrorism to global health issues¿in foreign policy. The goal of the course is to reach a better understanding of the pitfalls of making foreign policy. How do institutional arrangements complicate the policy process and, similarly, how do particular issue areas challenge decision makers?

CPOL 644: The Presidency and Foreign Policy

3.00 Credits

This course will examine the roles of the President, the Cabinet departments, and Executive Office Agencies, (with special emphasis on the National Security Council and CIA), in the formulation and implementation of foreign and national security policy. Special attention will be focused on the impact of White House organization and policy-making processes in shaping decisions. The course will begin with an historical overview of the role of the President and Congress in the realm of foreign and national security policy. Case studies will include the Korean War under Truman, the Bay of Pigs and early Vietnam decisions of the Kennedy years as well as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the major decisions on intervention and non-intervention in Vietnam of the Eisenhower and Johnson years, Operation Desert Storm under George Bush, the intelligence failures leading up to Pearl Harbor and 9/11, and the pre-war intelligence and Bush administration decisionmaking regarding the intervention in Iraq in 2003.

CPOL 650: Seminar on United States Political Leadership

3.00 Credits

An in-depth look at the political leadership of such notables as George Washington, John Marshall, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.

CPOL 651: Political Theory I

3.00 Credits

Examines fundamental issues of politics with special reference to seminal thinkers from Plato to modern times. Part I gives particular attention to Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli.

CPOL 652: Political Theory II

3.00 Credits

Examines fundamental issues of politics with special reference to seminal thinkers from Plato to modern times. Part II emphasizes such figures as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, and Marx. These courses can be taken separately but are structured to be taken in sequence. Particularly students without background in political theory are advised against taking them out of sequence. Required for students in the Ph.D. program.

CPOL 661: Congress and the Media

3.00 Credits

Examines the complex interrelationship between various news media and the United States Congress.

CPOL 663: The Cold War and Soviet Archives

3.00 Credits

Directed Reading An extamination of Soviet foreign policy during the Cold War based on Russian archival materials released after the breakup of the USSR. Emphasis on the roles of revolutionary ideology and power politics in Soviet international conduct.

CPOL 666: Executive and Legislative Leadership

3.00 Credits

Focuses on the historical, psychological, and biographical perspectives of political leadership in the United States, with special attention to the Presidency and Congress, Using a broad historical sweep, examines several prominent American political leaders in relation to issues of personality, leadership skill, institutional setting and the historical challenges of the era.

CPOL 670: Origins and Development of Congress

3.00 Credits

The historical, philosophical, constitutional, and political origins of the United States Congress. Institutional and organizational development throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Significant developments in leadership and political party roles.

CPOL 671: The Modern Congress

3.00 Credits

The shaping of the present-day Congress as a representative and legislative institution. Trends in organization, procedure, personnel, and political behavior. Major reform movements. Major institutional problems of the contemporary Congress.

CPOL 672: Congress and the Presidency

3.00 Credits

Examines the historical relationship between the congressional and executive branches. Particular attention to constitutional separation of powers and their execution in an era of divided government.

CPOL 673: Congress and the Supreme Courts

3.00 Credits

Covers the constitutional powers of Congress, and the limits on those powers as interpreted by the Supreme Court. Emphasizes issues of the legitimacy and capacity of the Court to act as a check upon the Congress, and Congressional influence on the Court, including the nominee confirmation process.

CPOL 674: Congressional Parties and Elections

3.00 Credits

The past and present roles of political parties in the Congress, including their functions in choosing leaders, organizing the institution, setting public agendas, electing and socializing members, and interacting with the other branches of the federal government.

CPOL 675: Interest Groups and Congressional Lobbying

3.00 Credits

The nature and structure of interest groups and associations. The resources and techniques of lobbies and lobbyists. Regulation of lobbying, including a survey of relevant statutes and court cases. The perspective of the members of Congress.

CPOL 676: The Policy Process in Congress

3.00 Credits

Major concepts in policy analysis, drawn from planning, information, decision, and game theories. The sources of policy initiatives in the Congress. Strategies and tactics in coalition-building for policy consensus. Negotiation aspects of the policy process. Problems of policy implementation.

CPOL 677: Special Topics in Congressional Studies

3.00 Credits

Special topics to be offered from time to time as warranted by the availability of expert faculty, the special needs of students, or special interest in the light of current political developments - for example, such topics as congressional ethics, congressional transitions, or congressional and media relations.

CPOL 678: Property Rights and Environmental Policy

3.00 Credits

In a crowded, complex world of scarce resources, property rights are seen as an anachronism by many, yet they are fueling a potent legal and political movement, complicating efforts in Congress to shape environmental policy in several key areas. Considers the growth of the environmental movement, the tensions between environmentalism and property rights, and the impact of property rights on environmental law and policy, including current issues before Congress.

CPOL 679: Research and Analysis Practical Politics

3.00 Credits

A survey of information gathering, critical analysis for argumentation, and assessment and presentation of evidence for use by congressional and other political actors. Brief introduction to issues of logic, empiricism, and the role of quantification and statistics. Introduction to major data-gathering techniques such as opinion polls, content analysis, case study, historiography, and trend analysis. The use of such research resources as general and special libraries, government agencies, and computerized databases.

CPOL 690: Civil War: Termination and Peace Building

3.00 Credits

Examines the factors that contribute to the successful termination of civil wars and the politics of post-conflict reconstruction, with special emphasis on those measures necessary to ensure continuing peace. Students will read significant recent contributions to our thinking about ending civil wars and post-conflict reconstruction, choose a case for analysis, develop a research paper, and present their findings to the class.

CPOL 701: Seminar: Democracy in East Asia

3.00 Credits

Western democracy in China, Korea, and Japan. Traditional cultures and their interactions with democracy. Transplantation of democratic ideologies, institutions, and processes. Comparative dimensions and prospects for the future.

CPOL 724: Seminar: Russia, New/Old Europe, United States of America

3.00 Credits

This seminar reviews the post-Cold War politics of the Eastern half of Europe as well as contending European and American views of transatlantic relations and contemporary world politics. It requires independent research projects on topics related to interactions among Russia, the East and West European states, and the United States of America

CPOL 786: Russia, The New and Old Europe and America Russia, The New and Old Europe and America

3.00 Credits

Research problems related to the domestic politics and foreign policy of post-Communist Russia and post-Cold War Europe. World Politics.

CPOL 992: Independent Study

3.00 Credits

Staff.

CPOL 995: Thesis - Masters

0.00 Credits

Staff.

CPOL 996: Thesis - Masters

0.00 Credits

Staff.