Course Descriptions: Fall 2008
Format:
Course Number COURSE TITLE - Instructor
Time Block
Course Description
(M) These courses are
methodologically-focused.
PS 11 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS - Masuoka
(MWF 10:30-11:20) - Block E
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. The Political Science
Department will offer PS 11 only once during the 07-08 academic year.
PS 13 SOPHOMORE SEMINAR: RACE & CLASS IN AMERICAN POLITICS - Glaser
(T 9:00-11:30) - Block I
Race and class cleavages in the U.S. and their effect on our politics. Emphasis
on how race has impeded a class-based politics in this country. Origins and
decay of the Jim Crow South, American political attitudes toward race and class
issues, and urban and social welfare policy. Please see departmental website for specific details.
PS 14 SOPH. SEM: THE POLITICAL BEHAVIOR OF YOUNG PEOPLE (M) - Portney
(T 8:30-11:30) - Block 1+
This methodologically-focused course examines the political and civic
engagement of Americans aged 18 to 24. Common wisdom says that young people
don't participate and don't care about politics. Yet evidence has emerged to
call into question this common wisdom. This course will investigate these
issues by taking advantage of relatively recent survey data permitting analysis
of a wide range of behaviors and attitudes, comparing college students to
non-college young people, young people to older people, young women to young
men, and a variety of other groups and sub-groups. Sophomore standing or
consent.
PS 15 SOPH SEM: POLITICS IN THE CITY (M) - Berry
M 1:20-4:20 - Block 5+
Three major problems in urban politics: the political economy of cities,
especially issues involving community economic development; race and the city,
emphasizing the problems facing the poorest residents of the inner city; and
political empowerment, including analysis of neighborhood government. A
methodologically focused course.
PS 19-03 SOPH SEM: THE POLITICS OF ETHNICITY AND AMERICAN IDENTITY - Schildkraut
(T 1:30-4:00) - Block 6
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 21 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS - Shevel
(TR 10:30-11:45) - Block D+
Theories and evidence in comparative politics, preparing students for
upper-level courses that focus on specific regions, countries, and themes.
Examination and evaluation of competing theoretical approaches to important
phenomena in world politics, including democracy and democratization;
revolutions; economic development; and ethnicity and ethnic conflict. Discussion
of illustrative examples from different regions such as Western Europe, Eastern
Europe and Russia, East Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin
America. Mandatory Recitation.
PS 43 JUSTICE, EQUALITY, LIBERTY - Denby
(MW 10:30-11:45) - Block E+
PS 61 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - Greenhill
(MW 10:30-11:45) - Block E+
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.
PS 89-02 SOPH. SEM: HUMAN RIGHTS & AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY - Swett
(W 1:30-4:00) - Block 7
This course will be an exploration of a range of issues regarding human
rights in US Foreign Policy. The course will touch on the historical roots of
the human rights idea in American foreign policy but the primary focus will be
on the post WW II era when the modern human rights movement took shape with a
particular interest in some of the most pressing human rights issues of the
day. It will examine the respective roles of the Congress and the
President in advancing (or in some cases hindering) a focus on human rights in
America's international relations. The role of the NGO community will be looked
at as well. The costs and benefits of a vigorous human rights policy will be
explored and recent controversies surrounding "enhanced interrogation
techniques", waterboarding and the challenges to a human rights policy during
war-time will be examined.
PS 99 FIELDWORK IN POLITICS - Rabieh
Internship placements with such employers as legislators, campaigns, news
media, lobbies, law firms, and administrative agencies. Twelve to fifteen hours
of work per week. Written assignments, with supporting readings, on
organizational structure, goals and strategies, and occupational socialization.
PS 101 PRESIDENCY AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH - Berry
(MW 10:30-11:45) - Block E+
Study of the 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. The role of
the President as a world leader and his direction of American foreign policy is
also a central focus. Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing
PS 103 POLITICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS (M) - Schildkraut
(M 9:30-10:20, TR 10:30-11:20) - Block D
This course introduces the use of quantitative methods for investigating
political issues such as campaigns and elections, the death penalty, public opinion about war and
terrorism, and other policy controversies. Students will develop research designs and learn how to
collect, analyze, and present data. The course emphasizes hands-on training that will provide
useful skills for academic and professional settings. Most readings and assignments emphasize
politics in the United States, though the skills we will develop are useful for every aspect
of political science.
PS 112 MEDIA, POLITICS, AND LAW - Goldman
(F 9:00-11:30) - Block 4
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 AND SURVERY RESEARCH
(M) - Portney
(TR 1:30-2:45) - Block H+
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.
Prerequisite: PS 11 or Consent from Professor
PS 118-01 JUDICIAL SOLUTIONS - Winslow
(M 6:30-9:00) - Block 10
"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 discussion with key player 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 the Judicial Politics course
(PS 116) is helpful but not required.
PS 119-01 SEM: DECISION 2008, CAMPAIGN FOR THE PRESIDENCY - Solomont
(R 1:20-4:20) - Block 8+
In light of so much interest and excitement being generated by the 2008
presidential campaign, this seminar will take an in-depth look at how the
American electorate chooses its President. By following the 2008 campaign in
real time and comparing it to other presidential campaigns, this course will
examine who seeks the Presidency; how political parties choose their nominees;
the changing roles of fundraising, paid advertising, grass roots organizing,
media coverage and technology; and the factors which contribute to a successful
candidate being propelled into the White House. The instructor will draw on his
own involvement in five previous presidential campaigns as well as the current
one. Students will have the chance to interact with guests who have played
important roles in recent campaigns. This seminar is open to seniors majoring in
political science or who are otherwise well grounded in the discipline.
PS 119-02 THE POLITICS OF US IMMIGRATION - Masuoka
(W 1:30-4:00) - Block 7
Immigration policy is critical to understanding both migration flows and
domestic population change but, even more importantly, American political
development. The nature of today's political environment suggests that
immigration has again become a key domestic policy issue. This course examines
both the historical policies that define migration into the U.S. as well as how
these policies influence the abilities for new immigrants to become incorporated
into politics.
PS 121 SEM: POLITICAL CULTURE IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE - Cruz
(M 6:30-9:00) - Block 10
This seminar studies the relationship between culture and power. The seminar
begins by exploring definitions of culture, then moves on to examine the role of
values, group identity, public symbols, and collective memory in the
contestation of power and the shaping of political structures. The focus of
analysis and discussion is both theoretical and empirical. There is no
particular regional emphasis. Instead, we will deal with a wide range of case
studies drawn from France, Spain, China, the Middle East, Latin America
(colonial and contemporary), and the United States.
PS 125 Building the European Union - Eichenberg
(MW 10:30-11:45) - Block E+
Introduction to the project for greater economic, political, and security
integration among the current members of the European Union in it's historical
context, economic and political setting, and future ambitions. Covers recent
events and important European events-in-the-making, including the implementation
of the Maastricht Treaty, the expansion of the European Union, and the
EU-sponsored strategies to facilitate democratic transitions in Eastern Europe.
PS 126 CHINESE POLITICS - Remick
(TR 10:30-11:45) - Block D+
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.
PS 127 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS - Cruz
(MWF 1:30-2:20) - Block G
This course is intended to deepen our understanding of Latin America and of
politics. To that end, we will be concerned with both the political dynamics of
Latin America and with significant debates in political science. This
course will familiarize students with the rich histories of several Latin
American countries and engage social scientific theorizing of such processes as
imperialism, colonialism, revolution, regime change, identity politics, and
issues in political economy.
PS 129 AFRICAN POLITICS - Robinson
(MW 10:30-11:45) - Block E+
Analysis of political developments in contemporary Africa, with emphasis on
the interaction between politics and culture. Relates Africa's historical,
economic, social, and gender dynamics to general theories of politics and
governance. Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing or above
PS 134 COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST - Gleason
(TR 12:00-1:15) - Block D+
This is a survey course that will look at the political development of the
Arab states, Turkey and Iran since the fall of the Ottoman Empire in World War
I. It will look at the various factors that have helped shape the emergence of
political institutions - in an attempt to contextualize current political
developments - while trying to reach some conclusions about the prospects for
future socio-economic and political change in the Middle East.
PS 135 COMPARATIVE REVOLUTIONS (M) - Remick
(MW 10:30-11:45) - Block E+
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, and Iran. Discussion of whether the causes of revolution
have changed in the late twentieth century. Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing
PS 138 SOVIET AND POST-SOVIET POLITICS - Shevel
(TR 1:30-2:45) - Block H+
In this course, you will be studying one of the most important countries of
the 20th century, the Soviet Union, and the states - the Russian Federation and
14 others - that were formed from its collapse. Approximately one third of the
course will be devoted to an overview of political, economic, and social
structures that defined Soviet Communism. In the remaining two/thirds of the
course we will consider the divergent paths taken by the 15 successor states of
the Soviet Union after 1991. While Russia will receive the most extensive
consideration, we will cover the other successor states as well. As we examine
and compare developments in the region after 1991, we will pay special attention
to topics such as state collapse and state formation, political and
institutional changes, the politics of economic reform, the challenges of
nationalism within the multinational state, informal politics, and "colored
revolutions."
PS 147 SEM: THE POLITICAL PHILOSPHY OF NIETZSCHE - Devigne
(R 6:30-9:00) - Block 13
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. Please see departmental website for specific
details:
http://ase.tufts.edu/polsci/ps99/main.asp
PS 148 SEM: POLITICAL THOUGHT OF MONTESQUIEU - Sullivan
(M 9:00-11:30) - Block 0
Examination of Montesquieu's political thought through his comparative
analysis of political regimes in his major work, Spirit of Laws. Topics include
the principles that guide tyranny, monarchy, and republican government, the
principle of separation of powers, the meaning of political liberty, the impact
of commerce on political life, the relation of mores to laws, and the character
of Montesquieu's liberalism. His other works, The Persian Letters or
Considerations on the Greatness of the Romans and Their Decline, will also be
considered. Please see departmental website for specific details:
http://ase.tufts.edu/polsci/ps99/main.asp
PS 154 ROMANTICISM AND REVOLUTION: THE POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY OF J.J. ROUSSEAU - Devigne
TR 3:00-4:15 - Block J+
Rousseau's proposes inner direction and sincerity are central to individuals
overcoming civil society's restraints and experiencing their natural
sensibilities, while his political proposals support the community's ability to
self-define as the highest goal. The course analyzes how these divergent
currents of thought contributed to romanticism among artists, revolutionary
practice among intellectuals, and ideas of liberty that continue to exert
enormous influence on Western culture and politics. It examines how Rousseau
critiqued the Enlightenment and founded an alternative current within modern
political philosophy. The class analyzes how all of Rousseau's thinking is
driven by the goal of attaining autonomy for either the individual or the
community.
PS 158-01 LAW, PROPERTY, AND THE STATE - Edgerton
(MW 3:00-4:15) - Block I+
This course centers on the relationship between the right to private
property, law and the use of state power. Students will encounter the major
defenses for property rights by thinkers such as Hegel, Hobbes, Locke, Hume and
Kant as well as their critics. A variety of contemporary thinkers will be used
to show the ways in which these debates are still alive. In doing so, students
will consider how these property claims either justify state power or limit its
use. Discussion about U.S. court cases will highlight how property claims work
in politics, allowing for an exploration of the ways in which property rights
theories have provided compelling answers to political and social problems.
PS 160 FORCE, STRATEGY, AND ARMS CONTROL
(M) - Taliaferro
(TR 10:30 -11:45) - Block D+
Examination of the political, economic, military, and ethical factors
affecting the use and utility of military force in international relations.
Study of the political and decision-making process by which nations decide to
use military force. Study of the major arms control agreements of the post-World
War II period, including negotiations currently under way.
Prerequisite:
Political Science 61.
PS 171 SEM: RETHINKING THE COLD WAR - Taliaferro
(T 1:30-4:00) - Block 6
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 61.
Note: This course is not open to students who took PS 72
PS 172 US FOREIGN POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST - Mufti
(MW 3:00-4:15) - Block I+
The course begins by outlining the historical backdrop to current events: the
"Near East Question" of the 19th century in which the Ottoman, Persian, Russian,
and British empires engaged in a competitive "Great Game" from the Balkans to
India. It will then deal with the evolution of United States policy toward the
Middle East since World War II, identifying basic American interests and
investigating how the U.S. has pursued those interests in the context of issues
including conflicting nationalisms (such as the Arab-Israeli, Iraqi-Iranian, and
Turkish-Greek disputes), the role of Turkey and Iran in the regional balance of
power, the Islamist revival, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Finally, it
will investigate the question of whether recent developments such as the
post-9/11 "war on terror" and the potential new "Great Game" in the Balkans,
Caucasus and Central Asia herald a fundamental transformation in U.S. Near East
policy.
PS 188-01 POLITICS AND GLOBAL AFRICA - Robinson
(MW 3:00-4:15) - Block I+
This course examines the intersection of "Black"
identity and political agendas in transnational,
historical perspective. Various constructions of
Black cosmopolitanism are seen as political
strategies that have promoted self-determination for
colonial peoples, the abolition of racial
discrimination worldwide, and respect for human
dignity irrespective of color. Through the use of
case studies we seek to understand how
globalization, privatization, hybridity,
simultaneity and fluidity -- five poles of 21st
century dynamics -- are giving rise to new forms of
Black cosmopolitanism, and in the process altering
the political agendas associated with "Black"
identity in fundamental ways. The political rise of
Barak Obama can thus be explained by a 21st century
race paradigm that continues to critique the norms
of racial hierarchy, but emphasizes cultural
heterogeneity. By design and content, this course
responds to the call to initiate a range of
conversations and discussions that contribute to a
national dialogue about race in America.
PS 188-02 NEOCONSERVATIVES AND US FOREIGN POLICY - Smith
(TR 10:30-11:45) - Block D+
A small band of intellectuals who have known each other for over thirty years
now have turned up as the idea men of the Bush administration in foreign policy.
Paul Wolfowitz, Robert Kagan, William Kristol, Charles Krauthammer and others
demonstrate the ability of a group of men with ideas to formulate a grand
strategy and to persuade others to adopt it. We will read what these men
themselves have to say as well as look at a few excellent studies on them.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and either PS 61 or a course on US
foreign policy.
PS 188-04 ENCOUNTERS WITH THE MIDDLE EAST - Finnegan
(MW 1:30-2:45) - Block G+
This course explores the relationship between
Western and Arab-Muslim societies. It is part of an
innovative cross-cultural education program that
brings together university students in the United
States, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa to
collaborative explore the relationship between their
regions via online dialogue sessions. The aim of the
course and the dialogue sessions is to improve
awareness, understanding, and capacity for social
action towards peace. Students will delve into
themes and questions within an interdisciplinary
framework that combines international relations,
conflict resolution, and media studies. Some of the
themes we will examine include perceptions of the
'other,' the role of the global economy, and an
investigation of the part media plays in our
understanding of conflict and one another. The
course combines a more traditional in-class approach
of lecture and discussion with an online dialogue
forum that utilizes the newest videoconferencing
technologies. The course is taught in conjunction
with Soliya, an NGO that has designed the Connect
Program, which is the online portion of the course (www.soliya.net).
PS 188-05 CONTEMPORARY DILEMMAS IN US FOREIGN POLICY - Shattuck
(W 1:30-4:00) - Block 7
This course will introduce students to the decision-making process inside
government on selected foreign policy dilemmas since the end of the Cold War.
General themes will involve human rights, crisis management and institutional
politics. Specific topics will include failed states and human rights
catastrophes; genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia; humanitarian
intervention in Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo; challenges and lessons of
post-conflict reconstruction; institutions of international justice; human
rights and trade policy toward China; post-9/11 military interventions:
Afghanistan and Iraq; detention, interrogation and torture in "the war on
terror;" counterinsurgency and counterterrorism strategies; and foreign policy
challenges facing the next president. For each session groups of students will
be assigned to prepare short papers reflecting bureaucratic perspectives and
policy recommendations of different government officials and decision makers;
class discussion will be guided and critiqued by instructor and guest speakers.
Readings will include Freedom on Fire: Human Rights Wars and America's Response
(Harvard University Press 2003), instructor's first-hand account of topics
covered in course, based on his experience as Assistant Secretary of State for
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (1993-98) and U.S. Ambassador to the Czech
Republic (1998-2000).
PS 188-06 GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS - Gleason
(TR 3:00-4:15) - Block J+
This course is designed to provide an introduction to international
environmental policy challenges. The course begins with a survey of significant
environmental concepts such as sustainable development, environmental justice
and the tragedy of the commons. The course will cover ecology and human systems;
energy and resources; climate change, atmosphere and chemicals issues in global
politics; environmental economics debates; trade and financing issues; the
cultural aspects of global environmental policy; and environmental law and
governance, all with a special emphasis on the political challenges associated
with these issue areas. A number of case studies will also be examined relating
to fisheries, climate change, air quality and biological diversity.
PS 189-01 SEM: ELEMENTS OF THE BUSH DOCTRINE - Smith
(W 1:30-4:00) - Block 7
The Bush Doctrine is the most complex and coherent foreign policy doctrine in
the history of the United States. Its "elements" deserve careful
consideration--just as its "whole" (which is greater than the sum of its parts)
merits attention as well. A variety of arguments make up these "elements."
Some, like "democratic peace theory," are "liberal," but "the unipolar moment,"
was essentially "realist." How these various elements cohere is the question of
the course, and especially how these elements come together to constitute a
"grand strategy" for U.S. foreign policy. The power of this thinking is such
that we will ask if the contenders for the presidency on November 4, 2008 think
much differently from the terms of the Bush Doctrine. A great course for those
interested in international relations "theory," but not for the faint of heart.
PS 189-02 SEM: CAUSES OF MODERN INTERSTATE WAR (M) - Greenhill
(M 6:30-9:00) - Block 10
This course explores the causes of interstate war, with a particular- but not
exclusive- focus on preventable causes. Topics to be examined include the
security dilemma, diversionary war, deterrence, power transition theory,
misperceptions, domestic politics, the role of alliances, and economic causes of
war. These theories will be examined through the lens of some of the major wars
and crises of the modern era. Although we will cover a good deal of historical
material, our focus will be primarily theoretical, and the particular conflicts
examined will be used to illustrate and to question the logic of the various
theories that purport to explain their causes. In other words, we will examine
cases with an eye towards "testing" the prevailing explanations for their
origins.
PS 189-03 SEM: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF EAST ASIA - Fujihira
(W 6:30-9:00) - Block 12
This course investigates the strategic, economic, and diplomatic relations
among states in East Asia. The Asia-Pacific region has been vital to American
security and economic interests, at least since the late nineteenth century, but
the region's analytical and practical importance has never been greater today
for the United States. Topics covered will include: origins and consequences of
the Pacific War, the Cold War in East Asia, U.S.-Japan alliance, the Taiwan
Strait, divided Korea, security in Southeast Asia, China's rise, development of
regional institutions, India in the Asia-Pacific region, and globalization and
Asian regionalism. The course has no prerequisites, though prior coursework in international
relations theory (PS51/61) and East Asian history would provide a helpful background to the
student.
PS 198 SENIOR THESIS (M) - Eichenberg
(M 1:30-4:0) - Block 5
This course explores the theoretical, empirical, normative, and
methodological problems involved in conducting political science research. It
will also provide a forum for discussing students' draft thesis chapters.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors Thesis Program in the Department of
Political Science. Although it differs from the listed timeblock, this thesis seminar will in
all likelihood meet from 5-7:30pm on Wednesdays.
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