Fall 1992 Course Descriptions


121 -LAW AND POLITICS (Sub-field A)
This course is an introduction to the American legal system, with emphasis upon the structure and function of courts. The judiciary is viewed as part of the political as well as the legal system. The course consists of three segments: (1) an introduction to civil and criminal law and procedure; (2) an analysis of judicial decision-making, particularly within the U.S. Supreme Court; (3) a discussion of current controversies within law and politics, such as abortion, capital punishment, affirmative action, and gun control. Prerequisite: 21, and sophomore standing. Tubbs(A), Thomas(B).

122(A) - CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I (Sub-field A)
First semester of a two-course sequence. Emphasis on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the United States Constitution and the resulting effects. Primary focus will be on the granting and limitations of constitutional powers to both the state and federal governments. Prerequisite: 121, and sophomore standing. Tubbs.

124(A) -THE PRESIDENCY (Sub-field A)
The functions and activities of the President and staff. Prerequisite: 21, three hours at 100 level. Burke.

125(A) -POLITICAL PARTIES (Sub-field A)
Analysis of the political processes and institutions of governance in Vermont in the contet of the federal system and other American states. Prerequisite: 21. three hours. Nelson.

126(A) -INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Sub-field A)
Introduction to study of public administration emphasizing such matters as organization, management, personnel, financial administration, and policy making in modern bureaucracies. Prerequisite: 21. three hours. Bryan

132(A) - U.S. SUPREME COURT: POLITICS AND PROCESS (Sub-field A)
The course will examine the U.S. Supreme Court as one of the three major political institutions. We will examine the politics of the selection process, the intracourt politics of the Justices of the Court, the Court's litigation processes and the dynamics of Supreme Court decision-making, and the impact of Court policy on the larger political-economic-social community. Hopefully, by the end of the course, we will understand how the Court operates, be familiar with the paths to judicial decisions, and become aware of the political implications of the Court's policy- making role. We will examine how Justices of the Court marshall their forces on substantive issues before the brethren and will also discuss the quality of the product produced by the Court, i.e., the opinion itself. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Ball.

141(A&B)- HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT (Sub-field B)
This course is the first semester of a two semester survey of the history of Western political theory. During the fall semester we will study a number of the primary texts of this tradition, beginning with Greek political writers and (probably) working our way through the 17th century work of Thomas Hobbes. We will evaluate the similarities and differences between classical and more modern political philosophy the reasons for these similarities and differences, the way(s) political thinkers approach political problems, and the role of political philosophy in political life. It is hoped that the student will gain both an understanding the tradition of political theory as well as a deeper understanding of the nature of political philosophy and the requirements for thinking theoretically about political problems. Prerequisite: 41 (PSCI 31), and sophomore standing. Neal(A), Levine(B).

151(A) - AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY (Sub-field C)
This course will focus on the process of foreign policy making. We will be concerned primarily with the question, "How is foreign policy made?" The bureaucratic, institutional and popular constraints surrounding the decision- makers who shape foreign policy will be examined. The course will begin with a historical overview concentrating on the general themes and objectives of American foreign policy. We will examine theoretical models of decision-making and the roles of various individuals and institutions in the foreign policy making process. Prerequisite: 21, 51, and sophomore standing Altemus.

153(A) -INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION (Sub-field C)
Theory and practice in supranational institutions. Prerequisite: 51. Pacy.

170(A) - Elliott

171A&B -171(A&B) - WESTERN EUROPE (Sub-field D)
This course looks first at the overall pattern of liberal democracy in West Europe. It then examines and compares in more detail the central political and governmental institutions of Great Britain, France, and West Germany. These include the role of political parties, elections, legislatures and executives. Attention is also given to the distinctive historical experiences of each country, as well as their current social and economic characteristics. There will be two mid-terms and a final examination. Prerequisite: 71, and sophomore standing. Moyser.

175(A) - New

177(A) - THE POLITICAL SYSTEMS OF TROPICAL AFRICA (Sub-field D)
In this course we will examine certain fundamental aspects of the development of political systems in tropical Africa (excluding South Africa and North Africa), emphasizing general trends as well as particular differences among these sub-Saharan nations. We will focus on the problems of political system- building, the phenomenon of single party rule, the role of elections, the role of the military, the politics of personal rule, the politics of development, the rise and decline of centralized states, and the meaning political life for ordinary Africans. Prerequisite: Political Science #71 or previous course in African Area Studies. Forrest

181(A&B) - FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (Same as Soc 100) (Sub-field E).
Introduction to research methods in social science. Includes examination of research design, measurement, data collection, data analysis, and the presentation and theoretical interpretation of research findings. Prerequisite: 21 or 81, and sophomore standing. Danigelis, McCann.

191 - INTERNSHIPS
Internship applications must be submitted during the semester prior to the internship, no later then two weeks before the end of classes. No more than 6 hours of internship credit can be awarded. Credit is granted on a PASS/NO PASS basis only. Prerequisite: Jr. or Sr. status at time of internship; 4 core POLS courses and 1 advanced POLS course; Submit application to Prof. Pacy.

193 COLLEGE HONORS
Apply to Committee on Honors. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

197 - READINGS & RESEARCH
An educational experience outside the traditional classroom setting. The project is faculty supervised and tailored to fit the interests of a specific student. See specific guidelines on pg. 30 in the Catalogue ("Guidelines for Independent Studies"). Students are REQUIRED to prepare a document including, but not limited to, the following:

  • a) project title
  • b) a statement of justification
  • c) a clear and complete statement of project objectives
  • d) a concise statement of the plans and methods to be used in order to accomplish each objective
  • e) a schedule of dates when student and faculty will meet and discuss progress
  • f) a list of those ways in which documentation of work can be shown
  • g) a plan for evaluation.

    • **NOTE** Copies of all documents and schedules must be filed with the department chairperson by the end of the add/drop period. Failure to do so may result in disenrollment.

    228(A) - CONGRESS AND FOREIGN POLICY (Sub-field A)
    This course examines Congress's role in foreign policymaking, and particularly Congress's role in the post-Vietnam period. More specifically, we will look at the following such questions: Can Congress effectively participate in foreign policymaking? Can Congress influence the formation of the foreign policy agenda? How else (besides in the area of agenda setting) do members affect the foreign policy decisions and actions of the U.S.? And should Congress become a more active participant in foreign policymaking? In exploring these and related questions, we will examine such topics as the following: the Vietnam War; the War Powers Resolution treaties, agreements, and commitments; the Intelligence community and congressional oversight of covert operations; the Iran-Contra affair; defense issues; arms sales; foreign aid; foreign economic policy; human rights; interest groups; congressional-executive relations; and members' decisionmaking. Course requirements will include papers (some short and some of medium length), oral presentations, class participation, and a final exam. Prerequisite: 21, three hours at 100 level, and Jr/Sr standing. Burgin

    229 -SEMINAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS (Sub-field A) Rice(G), Gierzynski(H).

    241(A&B) - JUSTICE AND EQUALITY (Same as Phil 242) (Sub-field B)
    An examination of contemporary theories of justice, as expressed in the works of John Rawls (A Theory of Justice), Robert Nozick (Anarchy, State and Utopia), and Michael Walzer (Spheres of Justice). We will also read works by a number of critics of these theories. The principal questions addressed in these works, and hence in the seminar, are: what is justice?; and, upon what principles would a just society be founded? By implication then, the justness (or lack thereof) of our society as it is will be an issue of concern in the seminar. Prerequisite: 41 (PSCI 31) OR PHIL 1 or 2, and Jr/Sr standing. Neal.

    242(A) - Taylor.

    249(B) - Levine.

    257(A) - Moyser.

    259(D) - Kaufman.

    275(A) - Thomas.

    279(D) -POLITICAL TERRORISM (Sub-field D)
    A survey of the nature and causes of political terrorism, and of the range of possible state responses to it, illustrated by contemporary case studies. Prerequisite: 71, 3 hours 100 level Moyano.

    279(E) - Feldman.

    279(D) -POLITICAL TERRORISM (Sub-field D)
    A survey of the nature and causes of political terrorism, and of the range of possible state responses to it, illustrated by contemporary case studies. Prerequisite: 71, 3 hours 100 level Moyano.

    293(A) - DEPARTMENT SENIOR HONORS SEMINAR I.
    By invitation only. Elliott.

    295 - Conrad & Smith

    297 - ADVANCED READINGS AND RESEARCH.
    (see description for 197) Prerequisite: Junior/Senior only. Staff.