Course Descriptions: Fall 2006Format:
Course Number - COURSE TITLE, Instructor
Time Block
Course Description
PS 11 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN
POLITICS - Glaser
Block E (Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30-11:20) Barnum 008
A study of governmental politics, functions, and programs. Emphasis
given to political behavior, both at the mass level and in
institutions. Survey of public opinion and political culture,
parties, and elections. Congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy,
the federal courts, and interest groups.
PS 21 INTO TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS -
Art
Block E+ (Mon, Wed, 10:30-11:45) Anderson 112
Theories and evidence in comparative politics, preparing students
for upper-level courses that focus on specific regions, countries,
and themes. The rise and fall of democracy in selected countries
from different regions such as Western Europe, Eastern Europe and
Russia, East Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin
America.
PS 22 EUROPEAN COMPARATIVE POLITICS -
Keridis
Block I+ (Mon, Wed, 3:00-4:15) Anderson 206
This course explores the contemporary politics of Germany, Britain, France and Italy, as well as the processes of European integration and enlargement. Its aim is to study, in a comparative perspective, the institutions, cultures and current political practices of the major European powers as well as the main challenges they face. Today, at the heart of Europe there is a feeling of malaise and a sense of falling behind regarding the continent's ability to compete in the global marketplace. The fundamental West European problem is the mounting burden of the welfare state and the need for structural economic reforms. Is there one or many ways to reform? Is there room for a Scandinavian or continental alternative to the Anglo-Saxon model? What does all this mean for European unity and Europe's international role and relationship with the United States? This course is interdisciplinary in nature; in addition to comparative politics, students will be introduced to history, political theory, political economy, and international relations in order to analyze the complex transformations that are shaping Europe in the 21st century. PS 43 INTRO TO POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY - Kelly
Block D (Mon 9:30-10:20; Tue, Thu 10:30- 11:20) Terrace Room
An introduction to the central concepts and problems in the foundations of political order, including the nature of the state, rights, justice, equality, representation, property, law, and coercion. Readings from classic and contemporary thinkers.
Cross-listed as Philosophy 43.
PS 45 WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT I
- Evrigenis
Block I (Mon, Wed 3:00-3:50) Barnum 008
Central concepts of ancient, medieval, and early modern political
thought. Ideas of Thucydides, Plato, and Aristotle during the rise
and fall of Athens. Subsequent transformations of political
philosophy related to the decline of the Roman Empire and the
origins and development of Christian political doctrine, and the new
political outlook of those who challenged the hegemony of
Christianity. Analysis of how pre-modern political thought helped
structure future political debate.
Please note that students must also register for a recitation
section.
PS 61 INTRO TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS -
Taliaferro
Block D+ (Tue, Thu 10:30-11:45) Pearson 104
Examination of several conceptual designs intended to make order out of the
essential anarchy in international relations, from a theoretical
assessment of the nation-state and the nature of national power to
an exploration of behavior among nation-states, including the
ultimate problem of war and peace and an appraisal of the factors
that give an age its particular characteristics. Please note that
students must also register for a recitation section.
PS 72 SOPH SEM: RETHINKING THE COLD WAR - Taliaferro
(Wed 1:30-4:00) Block 7
Reexamination of the 50-year rivalry between the United States and Soviet Union with emphasis on the "crisis years," 1945-1963. Consideration of orthodox, revisionist, and post-revisionist scholarship in international relations and history. Origins of the Cold War, the division of Germany, the Korean War, the 1961 Berlin crisis, covert action in the Third World, superpower intervention in Vietnam and Afghanistan, and the Cold War's end.
Prerequisite: Political Science 51.
PS 77 SOPH SEM: REALISM - Taliaferro
Block 7 (Wed 1:30-4:00) Eaton 209
Development of realist theories and reciprocal relationship between
scholarly research and debates about U.S. foreign and national
security policies since World War II. Consideration of debates over
major realist concepts (balance-of-power; security dilemma and
offense-defense balance; nuclear and conventional deterrence;
relative decline and preventive war) and their impact on actual U.S.
foreign policy during and after the Cold War. Prerequisite:
Political Science 61.
PS 78 SOPH SEM: POLITICS OF ETHNICITY & AMERICAN
IDENTITY - Schildkraut
Block 5 (Mon 1:30-4:00) Miner 221
This seminar examines current political issues that stem from the
nation’s changing ethnic composition, especially with regard to the
growing Latino and Asian populations. Particular attention is paid
to the meaning of American national identity, how it has changed
over time, and what role it plays in shaping ethnicity-related
policy debates. Topics covered include: immigration policy, public
opinion, racial and ethnic profiling, language policy, the U.S.
census, and bilingual education. PS 79 SOPH
SEM: THE 2006 CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS - Fitzgerald
Block 6 (Tue 1:30-4:00) Eaton 209
This course focuses on the dynamics surrounding the 2006
Congressional and Gubernatorial Elections. We will investigate the
role of the media, interest groups, and political parties, along
with the role of campaign consultants and the nature of campaign
strategy. Also, we will examine the impact of redistricting in U.S.
House races, the nature of policy issues, public opinion, and voting
behavior. Additional topics will include candidate image and
message, campaign finance, and election reform.
PS 80 SOPH SEM: ISRAELI
FOREIGN POLICY AND NATIONAL SECURITY - Olesker Block
2 (Wed 9:00-11:30) Eaton 209
The purpose of this course is to learn about the formation of foreign policy and the prioritization of national security interests in Israel. During the course we will explore the events post-1948 independence through the Oslo Peace process in the 1990s leading to the current developments with the Gaza Disengagement. We will explore future prospects in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the readings cover the historical background of the aforementioned events, the discussion in class will focus on the policy decisions and security considerations leading to those decisions, rather than the historical events themselves.
PS 81 SOPH SEM: TERRORISM AND COUNTERTERRORISM - Howard Block 1 (Tue
9:00-11:30) Eaton 209
Topics include ideology; religion and terrorism; finance; suicide
tactics; organizing to fight terrorism; and the challenge of
terrorism for liberal democracies. Readings are extensive and will
be applied to an analysis of the current situation in Iraq.
PS 82 SOPH SEM: DECISION MAKING IN U.S.
FOREIGN POLICY - Rezvani Block 3 (Thu 9:00-11:30) Eaton 209
This seminar will examine the framework, patterns, and practice of
decision making in American foreign policy. It will explore
traditional
foreign policy frameworks that have been largely discredited (such
as
isolationism), those that have been used successfully (such as
containment), and those that are now being implemented (such as the
anti-terror and state-building policies in the post-September 11th
world). The course will also focus on U.S. foreign policy as it
relates
to imperialism, bureaucratic impediments, constitutional rules,
nuclear
proliferation, and humanitarian emergencies.
PS 99 FIELDWORK IN POLITICS - Rabieh
(BY ARRANGEMENT)
Block 6 (Tue 1:30-4:00)
This course enables you to obtain credit for an internship related to
political science. This is a chance to take the political ideas and
ambitions you have developed while at Tufts and stack them up
against real-world conditions. You will learn about the
opportunities and compromises that those involved in the daily
activities of politics face and deepen your understanding of the
goals and possibilities of political action. The internship must be
unpaid, and it requires a minimum of 10 hours a week. You are also
required to complete a written assignment devised in consultation
with the instructor. Prerequisite: consent.
PS 101 PRESIDENCY AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH -
Berry
Block E+ (Mon, Wed 10:30-11:45) Eaton 206
Study of the constitutional development of the presidential office,
its power, prestige, and functions, as well as the influences of the
person occupying that office. Major emphasis is on the process of
policy formulation in the executive branch. Analysis of the
president's relations with his staff, the bureaucracy, the Congress,
the press, and the public. PS 103 POLITICAL
SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS (M) - Schildkraut
Block D (Mon 9:30-10:20; Tue, Thu 10:30 11:20) Eaton 204
The study of quantitative methods for investigating political issues
and policy controversies. Focuses on collecting, analyzing, and
presenting data. Emphasizes hands-on training that provides useful
skills for academic and professional settings. Topics covered
include: measurement, hypothesis development, survey design,
experiments, content analysis, significance tests, correlation, and
regression. No prior statistics background necessary. Coursework
includes problem sets and a final team project. A methodologically
focused course. Satisfies a mathematical sciences distribution
requirement, but not a social sciences distribution requirement.
Prerequisite: Any introductory Political Science course (11, 21, 45,
46, or 61).
PS 105 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - Glater
Block J+ (Tue, Thu 3:00-4:15) Eaton 333
The development and application of American constitutional law as
interpreted in the leading decisions of the Supreme Court. Included
are citizenship, the commerce power, due process of law, and the
equal protection of the laws. Recent trends in constitutional
doctrine.
PS 106 CIVIL LIBERTIES - Munoz
Block F+ (Tue, Thu 12:00-1:15) Anderson 212
The meaning of freedom and the fashioning of the law of civil
liberties by the U.S. Supreme Court. Rights and obligations of
individuals and groups under the Bill of Rights. The legal issues
involved in maintaining national security and in preserving and
broadening freedoms, with particular attention to freedom of
religion and freedom of expression. Offered in alternate years.
Spring. PS 112 MEDIA, POLITICS, AND LAW -
Goldman
Block 4 (Fri 9:00-11:30) Eaton 206
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the
natural integration of history, communication, politics, and law.
Central themes of the course will include: relationships between
advocates and media; lawmakers and the media; the public as
consumers of media; and the ongoing cultural wars impacting our
society. Our method of analysis will be to examine the various
constituent parts of our communication model (sender, receiver,
message, and medium), and how they together reach their target
audience.
PS 115 PUBLIC OPINION & SURVEY RESEARCH (M) - Portney
Block D+ (Tue, Thu 10:30-11:45) Eaton 202
Foundations of survey research as used in political polls,
election analysis, and public opinion research. Overview of major
survey methodologies and techniques. Emphasis on development and
execution of survey projects, from questionnaire construction to
sampling and interviewing.
PPS 118 SEM: JUDICIAL SOLUTIONS - Winslow
Block 12 (Wed 7:00-9:30) Eaton 209
“The judicial system is the most expensive machine ever invented
for finding out what happened and what to do about it,” according to
one prominent court observer. This seminar course will review the
mission and ability of the judicial system to provide prompt,
affordable, fair and accessible civil and criminal justice. Weekly
discussions with key players in the Massachusetts state and federal
justice systems, coupled with written materials on court reforms by
the National Center for State Courts, Institute of Court Management,
American Judicature Society and others, will focus on the process,
problems and solutions
to various challenges in the third branch of government. Topics the
course will address include judicial independence and activism, jury
management, probation and sentencing, domestic violence, juvenile
offenders, gender and racial perception, dispute resolution,
criminal and civil litigation, judicial selection and court
administration. Completion of Judicial Politics course (PS 116) is
helpful but not required. Jr. Standing. PPS 118-03 SEM: THE
CLINTON PRESIDENCY - Solomont
Block 8+ (Thu 1:30-4:30) Eaton 209
This seminar will examine the modern American Presidency through
the lens of one president’s administration, that of William
Jefferson Clinton. Through an in-depth view of specific initiatives
undertaken by the Clinton White House, students will examine the
power and grandeur of this unique institution, the intense scrutiny
it receives, and the opportunities for leadership as well as the
constraints for action that its steward confronts. Topics include
the 1992 and 1996 campaigns, health care reform, national service,
the Middle East peace process, the balanced budget and the “Clinton
legacy.” With the help of outside guests who served in the Clinton
administration and through an examination of events that are still
fresh in mind, we sill explore the Clinton Presidency in a very
up-close and personal way.
PS 121 SEM: POLITICAL CULTURE IN COMPARATIVE
PERSPECTIVE - Cruz
Block 11 (Tue 6:30-9:30) Eaton 209
How cultural meanings and practices shape political struggles and
institutions. Survey of culturalist theories of political dynamics
and structures, and assessment of theories against a range of
empirical case studies from Asia, the Middle East, Western Europe,
Latin America, and the United States. PS 126
CHINESE POLITICS - Remick
Block F+ (Tue, Thu 12:00-1:15) Eaton 201
Survey of the domestic politics of the People’s Republic of China.
The development of Communist Party power through the political
campaigns of the 1950s and 1960s. The political, cultural, economic,
and social challenges faced by post-Mao reformers. Brief
consideration of foreign policy.
PS 127 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS - Cruz
(Mon, Wed 7:00-8:15) Pearson 104
Introduces established and changing patterns in Latin American politics. Offers
a brief historical background before concentrating on twentieth-century populist
politics, corporatist modes of interest representation, authoritarian rule,
civil-military relations, democratization, and social movements.
PS 129 AFRICAN POLITICS - Robinson
Block I+ (Mon, Wed 3:00-4:15) Eaton 202
(Tue, Thu 6:00-7:15) Block N+
This course examines issues of political identity, gender
relations and citizenship in contemporary Africa- through the prism
of democratization and the political dynamics of inclusion and
exclusion. It explores political struggles to reverse authoritarian
rule, to overturn discriminatory legal and racial orders, and to end
various forms of exclusion from citizenship rights. Particular
emphasis is paid to the relationship between politics and culture. PS
131 DEMOCRACY AND CAPITALISM IN JAPAN - Fujihira
Block M+ (Mon, Wed 6:00-7:15) Eaton 202
Survey of the world’s second largest economy and postwar Asia’s
most stable democracy. Investigation of whether Japan’s democracy is
fundamentally different from the one practiced in the West; whether
Japan’s capitalism offers and alternative model that is more
efficient and fair; and whether Japan should adopt a more assertive
foreign policy in the post-cold war world.
PS 135 COMPARATIVE REVOLUTIONS (M) - Remick
Block L+ (Tue, Thu 4:30-5:45) Eaton 206
The causes, processes, and
outcomes of revolution. Student development of a theory of
revolution’s causes through comparative examination of revolutions
in France, Russia, China, Iran, and one other case chosen by the
class. Discussion of whether the causes of revolution have changed
in the late twentieth century.
PS 138 SR SEM: FASCISM AND THE FAR RIGHT IN
COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE - Art
Block 7 (Wed 1:30-4:00) Eaton 123
Examines far right politics and political parties in democratic
states. Compares and contrasts fascist movements in interwar Europe,
seeking to understand their success in some states and failure in
others. Special attention will be paid to Germany and Italy. Also
explores the rise of radical right parties in Western Europe and
other non-Western democracies over the last two decades. The
overarching goal is to understand the conditions that produce
far-right parties and their influence on the broader political
environment.
PS 144 THE MEANING OF AMERICA - Munoz
Block H+ (Tue, Thu 1:30-2:45) Eaton 202
Analysis of founding political principles of the U.S. through a
study of the debates that animated the Revolution, the founding of
the national government, and the Civil War. Among the themes
analyzed are the tension between the rights of communities and the
liberties of the individual, the relations between democracy and
leadership, the American idea of human excellence, the role of
political virtue in a republic, and the relations among empire,
commerce, and corruption. Discussion of how America's foundational
principles have helped structure future political debate.
PS 147 SEM: THE POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY OF FREDERICH NIETZSCHE Block 13
(Thu 6:30-9:00) Eaton 209 Devigne
Nietzsche's views of philosophy, nature, morality, religion, art,
science, and politics. Analysis of view that "God is dead" and that
we are no longer capable of distinguishing whether one value is
better than another. Assessment of the qualities that must exist--in
both the individual and society--for human creativity to regenerate.
Exploration of whether Nietzsche successfully broke from Western
political philosophy. PS 151 THE POLITICAL
PHILOSOPHY OF HOBBES
Block 11 (Tue 6:30-9:00) Eaton 123 Evrigenis
A comprehensive examination of Hobbes's political thought through
detailed study of his theory of human nature and the main political
works, The Elements of Law, De Cive, and Leviathan. The seminar will
consider Hobbes's alleged atheism and relativism, the role of the
state
of nature and of fear in his political theory, his views on the
sources
of conflict and his proposed remedies, as well as the implications
of
his theory for international relations.
PS 169 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION - Rezvani
Block J+ (Tue, Thu 3:00-4:15) Anderson 212
Examination of governance in international relations, including
both formal and informal institutions. The functioning of
organizations such as the United Nations, International Monetary
Fund, World Trade Organization, European Union, and multinational
development banks. Case studies of humanitarian intervention,
peacekeeping, and environmental protection. The course begins with
an overview of the dominant theoretical explanations for how and why
states enter not such organizations. PS 173
ENCOUNTERS WITH THE MIDDLE EAST - Mufti
Block K+ (Mon, Wed 4:30-5:45) Eaton 123
This course is an innovative cross-cultural education program that
will enable Tufts students and students in Middle Eastern and
American universities to explore collaboratively relationship
between the US and the Middle East, with the aim of improving
awareness and understanding. Students will delve into themes and
questions within an interdisciplinary framework that combines
international relations, conflict resolution, and media studies.
These range from the role of religion in society to an investigation
of the part media plays in our understanding of the conflict. The
course combines a more traditional in-class approach with an on-line
discussion forum that utilizes the newest web-camera and
videoconferencing technologies.
PS 176 US FOREIGN ECONOMIC POLICY - Chase
Block K+ (Mod, Wed 4:30-5:45) Eaton 206
Survey of the history and politics of foreign economic policy in
the United States. Evaluation of how political and economic
considerations influence the domestic actors and institutions (the
presidency, executive agencies, Congress, interest groups) involved
in the formulation of monetary and financial policy, trade policy,
and policy toward foreign direct investment.
PS 178 SEM: FOREIGN POLICY IN THE ARAB WORLD -
Mufti
Block 5 (Mon 1:30-4:00) Eaton 209
Investigation of those factors, domestic and external, that
influence the foreign policy decisions reached by Arab governments.
Students will be asked to evaluate the applicability of various
theoretical approaches (balance-of-power, domestic politics,
institutionalism) in understanding how Arab states practice foreign
policy.
PS 181 PUBLIC OPINION AND FOREIGN POLICY (M) -
Eichenberg
Block F+ (Tue, Thu 12:00-1:15) Eaton 209
Study of the domestic politics of foreign policy, especially the
relationship between leaders and people, which is central to
democratic theory and practice. Examination of public and elite
opinions on international issues: nuclear weapons, arms control,
military intervention, and defense spending; historical and
comparative focus. Inquiry into the determinants of attitudes, the
impact of public opinion, the role of the media, and the effects of
foreign policy events on domestic politics. Prerequisite: Political
Science 61.
PS 184 POLITICS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY -
Portney
Block H+ (Tue, Thu 1:30-2:45) Eaton 206
Examines the recent history and contemporary political debates
surrounding governmental decisions affecting the environment.
Environmental policy making in the general context of U.S.
policy-making processes and institutions, emphasizing the roles of
federal, state, and local actors, including the president, executive
and regulatory agencies (especially the Environmental Protection
Agency), the legislature, and the courts, as well as their state and
local counterparts, in defining environmental policy. Addresses such
issues as policies toward air pollution, water pollution, hazardous
waste management, environmental justice, sustainability, and public
opinion toward the environment.
PS 198 SEM: SENIOR HONORS THESIS - Eichenberg
Block N+ (Tue, Thu 6:00-7:15)
Examines the recent history and contemporary political debates
surrounding governmental decisions affecting the environment.
Environmental policy making in the general context of U.S.
policy-making processes and institutions, emphasizing the roles of
federal, state, and local actors, including the president, executive
and regulatory agencies (especially the Environmental Protection
Agency), the legislature, and the courts, as well as their state and
local counterparts, in defining environmental policy. Addresses such
issues as policies toward air pollution, water pollution, hazardous
waste management, environmental justice, sustainability, and public
opinion toward the environment.
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