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Please see the Schedule of Classes for the current semester’s offerings. For descriptions of current courses, click here.

Political Science (POLI)

Courses in political science are divided into subfields. Those numbered x1xx are courses in American politics; x2xx are in comparative politics; x3xx are in international relations; x4xx are in political theory; and x5xx are general or cross-field courses.

Courses numbered 1xxx are introductory level courses; courses numbered 2xxx are electives, for which the introductory course is generally recommended or required; courses numbered 3xxx are advanced seminars that will usually have particular prerequisites; and 4xxx level courses are independent reading or research projects.

1101 Introduction to American Politics (3 credits)
Why is the United States the only rich democracy without universal health care? Why is economic inequality so much greater than in United States compared to other rich democracies? In light of the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, to what extent is American democracy in real danger? From education and health care to environmental protection and the preservation of the republic, politics and policy matter since government action and inaction have an enormous impact on our daily lives and the broader society in which we live. Yet, most people find politics to be confusing and perhaps not too interesting.

1201 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 credits)
Why are some countries rich and others poor? What is the relationship between human rights and economic development? How can we explain differences and similarities in the domestic politics of countries throughout the world? These and other questions are explored through an examination of countries representative of different regions, political systems, and levels of development.

1301 Introduction to International Relations (3 credits)
Why do states go to war, form alliances, or make peace? What shapes the interests and motivations of state actors? How do states decide how to act vis a vis others? This course provides an introduction to the systematic study and analysis of international politics. It exposes students to major theoretical approaches in the study of international affairs and applies these approaches to the analysis of historical and contemporary political issues.

1401 Great Political Thinkers: Introduction to Political Theory (3 credits)
Survey of political philosophers in the Western tradition from Plato and Aristotle through Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Hegel, and Marx to Rawls.

1501 Fundamentals of Political Science (3 credits)

Introduction to the discipline of political science. Topics may include ethnic conflict, causes of war, international cooperation, the dynamics of political institutions, the challenge of rising political inequality in the United States, the role of civil society in democracies, the obstacles to democratic transitions in the Middle East, and the spread of partisan polarization. Recommended for those students considering a major in the department or for nonmajors seeking an overview of the field.

2100 The American Presidency (3 credits)
An in-depth study of the most powerful office in the world, focusing on explanations for presidential power and success in domestic and international affairs, as well as how the executive branch interacts with the rest of the American political system.

2105 Congress and the Legislative Process (3 credits)

Congress was intended to be the most powerful branch of government, but that requires legislators to put aside their individual differences and work together. This course examines how Congress functions and how laws are made in today's era of high political polarization and gridlock.

2121 Political Psychology (3 credits)
Why are some people liberal and others conservative? This course explores psychological explanations for political beliefs and behaviors. Topics addressed include political ideology, partisanship, polarization, belief in conspiracy theories, political violence, and attitudes toward democracy.

2135 Voting and Elections (3 credits)
Methods by which American elections are conducted; means of voter mobilization; explaining levels of voter participation.

2145 Constitutional Law (3 credits)
Changing interpretations of the meaning of the U.S. Constitution, with particular attention to decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court.

2160 Social Movements (3 credits)
Theoretical perspectives appropriate to the analysis of political, religious, and cultural movements; case studies of civil rights movement, women's movement, and others.

2170 Media and Politics (3 credits)
Role of the 'fourth estate' in American politics and policy making, with special focus on television and new media; the history and use of political propaganda.

2175 Race and Religion in American Politics (3 credits)
How race and religion have shaped American institutions and fueled partisan strife; how these divisions continue to affect political discourse and social policy. Analysis of the political mobilization of African Americans and conservative evangelicals.

2185 Power and Public Policy (3 credits)
An examination of the causes and consequences of political and economic inequality, which a sharp focus on 'who gets what' in American Politics and how policies can exacerbate or ameliorate inequality. Special areas of focus include tax policy, education, healthcare, and criminal justice.

2190 Topics in American Politics (3 credits)
Topics in American Politics will vary each semester. Topics to be discussed may include, but are not limited to; American Democracy in Crisis, Courts and Social Change, Essentials of US Legal System, Religion in American Politics and Law, Partnerships for Public Good, Democracy and Inequality, Politics and Poverty in US, Controversy in Jurisprudence, Psychology and Public Opinion. May be repeated for credit if topic is different.

2210 East Asian Politics (3 credits)
Introduction to the domestic and international politics of East Asia. Interdisciplinary and historical exploration of the dynamics of one of the world's most populated, economically vibrant, and politically important regions.

2215 Latin American Politics (3 credits)
In this class we will aim to understand the main forces (political and economic) that impact democracy in the region.  Surveying main debates in Latin American studies, as well as historical cases, we will address the challenges Latin American societies face in order to find their own ways to fight inequality, poverty and oppression. At the end of the semester, students should be able to discuss the most relevant debates regarding why countries transition from authoritarianism to democracy, how did colonialism influence Latin America's lasting affair with authoritarianism, what role does economic development play in a country's transformation. We will also analyze important topics such as women and indigenous movements, poverty and inequality, U.S.-Latin American relations, as well as a series of case studies that focus on Mexico and Central America, the Southern Cone, and the Andes region.

2220 Middle East Politics (3 credits)
Major issues confronting the Middle East; religion and politics; challenges to economic development and democratization.

2260 Democracy and Development (3 credits)
Comparative study of the wave of democratization that has swept the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union; the political, economic, and social causes of this trend. Regions to be discussed will vary by semester.

2290 Topics in Comparative Politics (3 credits)
Topics in Comparative Politics will vary each semester. Topics to be discussed may include, but are not limited to; Culture Wars in Europe, Authoritarianism and Populism, the Politics of Revolution, Democracy and Development, Politics of Memory, Palestinian Conflict, Game Theory, Environmental Politics in the US and Israel, Culture and Politics, Democracy and Its Critics, the Political Ascent of Turkey, Israeli Politics and Security. May be repeated for credit if topic is different.

2305 American Foreign Policy (3 credits)
Analysis of the formation and conduct of US foreign policy in the post WWII period. Examination of international and domestic sources on policy, including power distribution, interest groups, the media and government bureaucracy. Analysis of select examples of and challenges to foreign policy over the past several decades, including the rise of China, Russian expansionism, transatlantic relationship, globalization, WMD proliferation, and global terrorism, among others. Previously POL 1305.

2330 Terrorism (3 credits)
Analysis of the causes of contemporary international terrorism, including religious and secular terrorism. Topics covered include agendas and motivations; terrorism financing; recruitment; tactics; counter-terrorism efforts; and disengagement. Study of a selection of terrorist groups throughout the semester.

2360 Weapons of Mass Destruction (3 credits)
An overview of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the international system, including nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Topics include proliferation models; deterrence; history of select national programs; international efforts to regulate proliferation; cheating; and disarmament.  

2395 Topics in International Relations (3 credits)
Topics in International Relations will vary each semester. Topics to be discussed may include, but are not limited to: Conflict Resolution, Ethics and War in the 21st Century, Nuclear World, Political Communications, Middle East Security, Israeli Security, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, US Global Leadership, International Environmental Politics, Peace and War. May be repeated for credit if topic is different.

2405 Classical Political Theory (3 credits)
This course considers the great debates that shaped our political heritage. It seeks to give students a taste of in-depth analysis of the most influential period in the history of political thought: Greece, and particularly Athens of the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. In addition, it is useful to form some contrasts with the political thought of other cultures. Accordingly, this course surveys the growth of political thought in the West, including an introduction to the non-Greek components of our political heritage; Hebrew, Christian, and Roman political thought.

2410 Modern Political Thought (3 credits)
Political thought in the 17th to 19th centuries. Theories of rights and property; moral agency; theories of state, justice, and civil society; including reading from English, French, and German thinkers (such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel and Marx).

2430 American Political Thought (3 credits)
Readings in classical and contemporary commentaries on the American political experience; analysis of historical and geographical factors shaping the American political mind and tradition; including topics such as impact of religion, slavery, ethnicity, and racism; anti-democratic thought in America.

2495 Topics in Political Theory (3 credits)
Topics in Political Theory will vary each semester. Topics to be discussed may include, but are not limited to; Political Thought, Literature and Politics, Philosophy of Law, Global Justice, Antient and Medieval Philosophy, Contemporary Prospectives on Justice, Just and Unjust Wars, Zionist Political Thought, Environmental Ethics, Israeli Political Thought, Political Rhetoric, Enlightenment and Its Critics. May be repeated for credit if topic is different.

2505 Writing Social Science (3 credits)
An upper-level writing seminar designed for majors and minors who are working on a thesis. Breaking down the process of research paper writing, including proposal, bibliography, conducting research; writing a draft; providing feedback to colleagues; writing an op-ed; revisions and oral presentation of research projects. Restricted to upper juniors and seniors.

3300 International Security (3 credits)
Major theories, concepts, and research programs associated with the study of international security. Addresses such topics as grand strategy, military strategy and statecraft, war termination, alliance politics, civil military relations. Prerequisite(s): POL 1301.

3560 Political Game Theory (3 credits)
In this course, students will learn the basics of Game Theory with an emphasis on how it can teach us more about politics, with specific focus on non-cooperative games, models of strategic interaction without outside forces to ensure collaboration and teamwork. Our purpose in learning Game Theory is to get better at understanding and doing theoretical and empirical research related to politics. In other words, students are learning Game Theory as a tool to explain political interactions in the real world. In this course, students will address questions like: How can we talk about citizens' preferences in precise terms? What types of interactions produce cooperation and/or conflict? How do candidates position themselves and how do voters make their choices? What is the optimal strategy for addressing the risks of terrorism? How do legislators strike bargains? How do juries vote to convict or to acquit? When do candidates decide to enter elections and how is this like when countries decide to declare war?

POL 3575 Research Methods (3 credits)
An introduction to quantitative research methods used in the social sciences generally and within political science more particularly with an emphasis on hands-on data analysis and coding. Prerequisite(s): POL 1101, POL 1201, POL 1301, POL 1401 or POL 1501.

4741 Political Science Internship (1 to 3 credits)
Internships provide students with opportunities to gain practical, career-related experience in a variety of supervised settings. Internships are supervised by a staff person at the internship site and overseen by a faculty advisor.

4901 Independent Study (1 to 3 credits)

This independent study course provides the student with the flexibility to learn more about a topic of interest outside of the formal course setting. The subject should be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor who acts as the student's supervisor, and with the permission of the program director. The student is required to submit a course contract describing the course of study and its specific learning objectives. Course credit is determined in advance of the course, by the instructor with the approval of the program director. May be taken three times for credit towards degree.
 

Political Science Major: 33 Total Credits

There are three parts to the major: (1) Introductory courses that provide a foundation to the different subfields of the discipline; (2) Elective course distribution that provides greater depth and narrower focus in each of the subfields; (3) Free electives that allow students to pursue those area(s) that they find most interesting.

Introductory Courses: 9 Credits

Students must take three of the five following courses:

• POLI 1101  Introduction to American Politics (offered every Spring)  3 Credits
• POLI 1201  Introduction to Comparative Politics (offered every Fall) 3 Credits
• POLI 1301 Introduction to International Relations (offered every Spring) 3 Credits
• POLI 1401 Great Political Thinkers (offered every Fall) 3 Credits
• POLI 1501 Fundamentals of Political Science* 3 Credits

Students are STRONGLY advised to take their introductory courses by no later than the end of the first semester of their junior year.

*Recommended for those considering a major in the department, or for non-majors who would like a comprehensive overview of the discipline.

Electives: 24 Credits

Students must take at least one (1) elective course in each of the subfields of political science, (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory) for a total of 12 credits.  

The remaining four courses (12 credits) may be taken in any subfield of political science. 

Since introductory courses are meant to provide a foundation in a subfield, it is STRONGLY recommended that students take a field introductory course or Fundamentals before they take an elective course in that subfield.

Political Science Minor: 18 Total Credits

Introductory Courses: 6 Credits

Students must take two of the five following courses

• POLI 1101  Introduction to American Politics (offered every Spring)  3 Credits
• POLI 1201  Introduction to Comparative Politics (offered every Fall) 3 Credits
• POLI 1301 Introduction to International Relations (offered every Spring) 3 Credits
• POLI 1401 Great Political Thinkers (offered every Fall) 3 Credits
• POLI 1501 Fundamentals of Political Science* 3 Credits

*Recommended for those considering a major in the department, or for non-majors who would like a comprehensive overview of the discipline.

Electives: 12 Credits

Students must take at least one elective course in three of the four subfields of political science, for a total of 9 credits (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory).

The remaining one course may be taken in any subfield of political science for 3 Credits

Since introductory courses are meant to provide a foundation in a subfield, it is STRONGLY recommended that students take a field introductory course or Fundamentals before they take an elective course in that subfield.

Concentrations

In addition to the general Political Science Major, the department offers the option of focusing on a specific concentration in Political Science. Students may focus on: 

• American Politics and Policy 
• Comparative Political Studies
• Law and Justice 
• International Affairs and Security Studies 

Your concentration may be mentioned in professional resumes and cover letters and may be useful in pursuing your professional aspirations as a signal to prospective employers about your unique qualifications. 

To have a concentration, students need only to complete five courses specified for the various tracks. All courses may be counted toward this total, including introductory courses as well as those used to fulfill the subfield distribution. Thus, it is likely that students will need only two additional electives to complete the requirements for a concentration. Taking additional courses within the concentration is recommended. 

The different concentrations are associated with a range of career paths. See HERE for a set of sample career options. Of course, students may choose to have no concentrations and strive for breadth

Internships and Cross-listed courses

Students may also take one internship to count towards satisfaction of the elective requirement.

Students may use up to two courses cross-listed with other departments toward their elective requirements.

Before students register for internship credit, they need to consult with the department and with the Academic Advisement Center to learn of specific requirements and restrictions of this option.

For more details about the Political Science major and minor - see the factsheet at the Academic Advisement webpage.

The following list includes faculty who teach at the Beren (B) and/or Wilf (W) campus.

Ruth A. Bevan
Professor Emerita of Political Science
David W. Petegorsky Chair in Political Science (W)

Jonathan Cristol
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Political Science (B)

Matthew Incantalupo
Assistant Professor of Political Science (W)

Joseph E. Luders
Associate Professor in Political Science (B);
David and Ruth Gottesman Chair in Political Science 
Chair, Department of Political Science

Alexandra Panzarelli
Adjunct Instructor in Political Science (B/W)

Chuck Freilich
Visiting Professor of Political Science (B/W)

Joel Strauss
Adjunct Instructor in Political Science (B)

Tevi Troy
Senior Scholar - Straus Center (W)

Maria Zaitseva
Clinical Assistant Professor in Political Science (B/W)

Students often find that internships enhance their practical knowledge of politics and provide them with valuable work experience as well as useful contacts. Students are strongly encouraged to seek out these opportunities. Internships might be combined with academic work in independent studies for course credit.

Many students have found many rewarding opportunities in Washington D.C. through the program.

Below you will find a listing of a small sample of the many internship options. Look them over carefully. You should also consult some of the many internship search engines and available online. 

Journalism

• The Nation Internship Program (small stipend, New York)

International and Domestic Politics and Policy

• ADL Summer Internship (Anti-Defamation League) - New York
• AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee; pro-Israel lobby)
• (international aid and justice)
• (Washington, DC)
• (a progressive research foundation; New York and DC).
• (numerous internships; paid and part-paid in media, health policy, housing, income security, etc.)
• (Washington, DC)
• (liberal activist organization)
• (paid and unpaid, New York and D.C.)
• (New York Public Interest Group)
• (New York; paid and unpaid)

Additional listings can be found at the websites of national advocacy organizations and think tanks.

Government

City

• New York City Mayor’s Office and City Council
•  - Multiple listings in city government.  
• - Recent participating agencies include: Department of Transportation, Economic Development, Youth and Community Development, Homeless Services, and Environmental Protection.
• ($25,000). For recent graduates; applications due between September through mid-January.

State

• New York State Assembly & Senate Internships (paid)

Federal

• (under Internships)

International Government

• (UNICEF, International Money Fund, Democracy Watch, Human Rights, and others).

Students may also take one internship to count towards satisfaction of the elective requirement. Before students register for internship credit, they need to consult with the department and with the advising center to learn of specific requirements and restrictions of these two options.

Further DC internship advice from PolitixGroup: “One of the best ways to find employment in the Washington DC area is to intern. Whether it is for the United States Congress, the White House, a think tank, political parties, or another branch of the government, DC internships offer you an experience that is a unique perspective and an excellent complement to your education and/or your political aspirations

While summer is the most convenient time for many young people to intern in DC, spring and fall is the best time to apply for internships. Competition is fierce for internship slots in the summer, while during the other parts of the year, it is easier to get selected.

Washington, DC is an expensive city in which to live. The fact that most internships are unpaid does not help. It is important to have either some money saved, family financial backing, or to consider even a part-time job while you are up here. While it is expensive, don't let that deter you from pursuing an internship. The long-term political experience that you will gain will definitely outweigh the short-term financial strain.

Whether you go on to a career in politics or not, an internship in Washington, DC will provide you with a valuable learning experience which will serve you well in whatever career you choose to pursue. Interns, especially interns in DC, run the city and are regarded as a precious commodity, whether they are opening mail or helping to draft policy. Besides learning a great deal, they also have a lot of fun. We cannot recommend internships enough to students, and hope that everyone will have the chance to have the experience.�

• Azrieli Fellowships in Public and International Affairs (speak with Dr. Luders)
• - Essay Contest (juniors and seniors; December deadline)
• ($25,000)
• Thomas J. Watson Fellowship (study abroad) Click here for a general listing.

Political Science

International Affairs

Policy and Public Administration

Social Work

•  
• Wurzweiler School of Social Work 

American Government

• US Senate: 
• US House: 
• The White House: 
• US State Department: 
• Thomas Library of Congress--Search for Legislation: 
• US Library of Congress: 
• US Government's Official Web Portal:   
• US Supreme Court: 
• US Department of Defense: 

International

• The UN: 
• European Union: 
• International Atomic Energy Agency: 
• NATO: 
• World Bank: 
• International Monetary Fund: 
• British Government 

Special Interest/Lobbying Groups

• National Rifle Association: 
• American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC): 
• AFL-CIO: 
• American Farm Bureau: 
• Business-Industry Political Action Committee: 
• National Farmers Union:   
• US Chamber of Commerce:   
• NARAL Pro Choice America: 
• National Right to Life: 
• National Taxpayers Union: 
• Christian Coalition of America: 
• American Civil Liberties Union: 
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving: 
• National Coalition on Health Care: 

Think Tanks

• The Brookings Institution: 
• Cato Institute: 
• Center for American Progress: 
• Center for Budget and Policy Priorities: 
• Demos:   
• The Heritage Foundation: 
• Hudson Institute 

Political Science Citation Guide

When you follow the Style Manual for Political Science (1993) published by the American Political Science Association (APSA), use parenthetical citations within your text to indicate the source of borrowed ideas and quotations.

At the end of your paper you should provide a list of all of the references cited in your paper. The sample citations and references on these pages are drawn from the Style Manual for Political Science, revised edition, 1993, and from The Chicago Manual of Style, 14th edition (1993).

The following Web sites will prove useful as you begin to become familiar with the APSA form of citation in your papers:

• Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services

Writing Center

Analytical writing is a craft that takes practice to master. To obtain personal assistance, visit the Beren Campus Writing Center.