The course listing represents a sampling of courses taught by the faculty in this department in the 2009-10 academic year. To select courses for Fall 2009, see the catalog listing; similarly, for Spring 2010 refer to the relevant catalog.
POLT-105 - American Government: The New President's Prospects for Success
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 4 hours
The 2008 elections promised policy change on many topics: the economy, Iraq, the environment, health care, and politics itself. Through an examination of previous presidential transitions and honeymoons and though consideration of the constraining effects of institutional and cultural factors--and the president's ability to overcome these constraints -- this course will evaluate President Obama's prospects for success. Required research projects will evaluate President Obama's success specifically in his first year in office.
Syllabus: 105 F09
POLT-110 - Revolution, Socialism and Reform in China
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
We begin with a chronological overview, from ancient times to the present. Then we proceed topically, focusing on: politics and the state; political economy (including industry and agriculture); gender relations; population; and cultural politics. Written work consists of take-home, open-book essays, and weekly comments on the readings. We will also screen and discuss several films.
Syllabus: 139 F09
POLT-114 - Political Change in Western Europe
Offered: First Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 hours
This course examines politics in Western Europe, focusing upon the evolution of political parties and social movements. The last two decades have seen dramatic changes on the Left and Right of the political spectrum, with the eclipse of Euro-communism and Christian Democracy, the transformation of Social Democracy, and the rise of the far right, Green parties, and new social movements. Politics in France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Sweden will be examined to explore these developments.
POLT-117 - Introduction to Comparative Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This is an introductory course to the Comparative Politics of the MENA area. It will cover topics such as colonialism and state formation, ethnic identity, religious movements, gender, economic development, conflict (e.g. Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel-Palestine), authoritarianism and prospects for democratization.
Syllabus: 117 F09
POLT-119 - Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course will introduce students to the field of Peace and Conflict Studies, an inter-disciplinary field that examines the causes of human aggression and conflict, with such conflict ranging in scale from the interpersonal to the international. We will survey the approaches of various disciplines to understanding violent conflict, explore potential links between violence and such factors as perceptions of injustice, and critically evaluate nonviolent means for resolving conflict.
Syllabus: 119 F09
POLT-120 - Introduction to International Politics
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course surveys the major theories and concepts of international politics, and applies them to the discipline's enduring questions. Topics include: the evolution of state sovereignty; causes of war and peace; inequality and the politics of the global economy; the emergence of non-state actors; changing norms of intervention; and the effects of globalization on the modern state system.
Syllabus: 120 F09
POLT-121 - Introduction to International Relations
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course surveys the major theories and concepts of international politics, and applies them to the discipline's enduring questions. Topics include: the evolution of state sovereignty; causes of war and peace; inequality and the politics of the global economy; the emergence of non-state actors; changing norms of intervention; and the effects of globalization on the modern state system.
Syllabus: POLT 121
POLT-122 - Colloquium: Israel-Palestine Conflict
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Discussion-based class examines the conflict in historical perspective from the end of the Ottoman Empire to the present, focusing on the effects of colonialism and external actors, regional demographic changes, nationalism, political economy, the dynamics of violence and negotiation, and internal Israeli and Palestinian politics. Students will write a series of short papers.
First- and Second-year students only.
Syllabus: POLT 122
POLT-125 - East Asian Security
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 Hours
This course examines the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of East Asia’s regional security. The central goal of the course is to think critically about some of the current policy debates in the region based on our understanding of the conceptual/theoretical issues that inform these debates. Topics to be covered include: the role of the U.S. in post-cold war East Asia, the rise of China, multilateralism, strategic culture, historical memory, and North Korea’s nuclear program.
POLT-131 - Problems of Political Theory
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Introduction to some continuing problems and issues in political theory through close readings of both classical and modern texts, including Plato, Locke, Mill and contemporary writings. Special attention is given to ideas of justice, freedom and democracy.
POLT-202 - American Constitutional Law
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 4 hours
The case method is used to analyze the principles of the American Constitution and Supreme Court decision-making. Topics include: presidential, congressional, and Supreme Court power; state versus national control of social policy and commerce; equal protection of the law and race, gender, sexual orientation; implied fundamental rights to abortion choice, education, and sexual intimacy; First Amendment rights of free speech and religion, and modern constitutional theories.
Prerequisite: One course in politics or consent of instructor. Note: Friday discussion sections to be arranged.
Syllabus: POLT202
POLT-205 - Political Research and Analysis
Offered: Second Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 hours
This course focuses on the quantitative approach to studying political phenomena. Students will learn how to design an empirical study, test theoretical predictions, and statistically analyze complex political questions using the computer program SPSS. Each student will have the opportunity to conduct an empirical research project on a question of his/her choosing. This course provides students with methodological skills that will be useful in both academic and professional settings. No prior background in math or statistics is necessary.
Syllabus: POLT 205
POLT-208 - Environmental Policy
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
An introduction to national environmental policy with emphasis on major issues of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the issues of growth. The course includes discussion of regulatory policies, taxes, market solutions, and other policy options applied to energy policy, transportation policy, endangered species, and materials use.
Recommended Preparation: One course in politics or environmental studies.
POLT-210 - Latin American Politics
Offered: First Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 Hours
Comparative analysis of 20th century Latin American political development. Examines major political models and their protagonists. Attention to the complexities of the political Left and Right, the military, and the contemporary challenges for democracy in the region.
POLT-211 - Revolutions
Offered: Second Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 Hours
We will examine a number of revolutions of the past century, particularly those in Latin America and Russia/Eastern Europe. The questions we will explore include: What brings about revolution? Why do some revolutions succeed, and others fail? Are revolutions effective means of social change, or do they merely reproduce the problems inherited from the past? Have recent global changes rendered revolutions obsolete, or will they likely persist as a means of social and political transformation?
Syllabus: POLT 211 Revolutions (Spring 2009)
POLT-214 - Social Change and Political Transformation in Eastern Europe
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course focuses on Eastern Europe as the first relatively backward region in the world capitalist system. We will begin with some major theories of social change and a historical introduction to the region. Next, we will turn to communist revolutions, Stalinism, reform communism, the rise of dissent and the revolutions of 1989. Much of the course will be devoted to the post-communist era, attempts to build democracy and capitalism, and the rise of nationalism.
Syllabus: 214 F09
POLT-216 - The Political Economy of Advanced Capitalism
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course is an introduction to comparative political economy, broadly defined as the ways in which the triangular relationship between the state, labor and capital differs from one advanced capitalist country to another. The course will examine the political economies of Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, the United States and Japan, paying particular attention to international economic integration, urban political economy, and challenges to the welfare state and trade unions.
Syllabus: The Political Economy of Advanced Capitalism
POLT-219 - Work, Workers and Trade Unions in Advanced Capitalist Societies
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course examines the nature and organization of work in capitalist societies, and the forms of labor organization created by workers. It is a comparative course, looking at Western Europe, Japan, and the United States. Among the topics covered are: conflict and cooperation in the workplace, the intersection of race, class and gender at work, types of trade unionism, the labor process, the role of the state and employers in industrial relations, and labor politics.
Syllabus: 219 F09
POLT-224 - Topics in Contemporary African Affairs
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Students will examine (through the lens of comparative politics and international relations literatures) some of the major changes in political, economic, and social formations that are taking place in Tanzania, Zambia, and South Africa. Topics such as development, the changing African state, democratization, donors, peasants, and labor unions will be explored. Student requirements include a research paper, mid-term assignments, group work, ad hoc assignments throughout the course, participation in case studies and other activities.
Syllabus: POLT 224
POLT-225 - International Organization
Offered: Second Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 Hours
Theory, history and practice of institutions that deal with violent conflict, economic and environmental cooperation, human rights, and other global challenges. Global organizations (UN and WTO), regional organizations (African Union and NAFTA), and non-governmental organizations (Red Cross, Amnesty International) will be considered. Students will write papers and participate in debates.
Prerequisite: One course in Politics (highly recommended: POLT 120 or 121).
Syllabus: POLT 225
POLT-227 - War, Weapons & Arms Control
Offered: First Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 Hours
Evolution of war, weapons and war technologies, arms diffusion, acquisition, and control, their influences on international violence and concepts of national security, relationship to civilian technological, organizational and political change, and relationships to military tactics will be examined. A series of policy memorandums constitute the writing requirement for the course.
Prerequisite: One course in Politics (highly recommended: POLT 120 or POLT 121).
POLT-231 - European Political Theory: Plato to Machiavelli
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Examines the development of political theory in Europe from its emergence at the time of the Greek city-state until the Renaissance and Protestant reformation. Major texts are analyzed not only in terms of their internal arguments and concepts, but also in relation to the differing social and political contexts in which each was written. Authors to be studied include: Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas and Machiavelli.
POLT-233 - American Political Thought
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 4 hours
A critical analysis of the main currents of American political theory from the Puritans to the present, with particular emphasis on the Founding period. Traditional American political concepts are examined and re-evaluated in the light of late twentieth century conditions. Some attention is given to the development of an American science of politics and to problems of national and group identity.
This is a core course in the Law and Society Program.
Syllabus: POLT 233
POLT-234 - European Political Theory: After Marx
Offered: First Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 Hours
A critical analysis of European political theory from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. Issues examined include the nature of power, the relation of freedom to authority, whether individual political action remains possible in the modern world, and the status of social science methods in political theory. Authors studied include Durkheim, Nietzsche,Weber, Lenin, Camus and others.
POLT-235 - Debating Democracy
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Students will reflect on their own views about the nature of democracy as they explore some of the ways that democracy has been conceptualized, defended, and criticized in different times and places. Issues in recent democratic theory, such as multiculturalism and the place of deliberation in democracy, will be discussed. Comparisons made with ancient Greek and early modern theories will illuminate how social contexts have shaped -- and continue to shape -- ideas about democracy.
POLT-237 - Environmental Political Theory
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
An examination of various political theories concerned with the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Issues such as the human transformation of nature through technology and social practice, the 'tragedy of the commons,'' the social construction of nature, and the development of a 'green' democratic theory and practice are considered. Readings are drawn from a wide range of political theories, including neo-Malthusianism, libertarianism, ecosocialism, social ecology, deep ecology, eco-feminism, postmodernism and democratic theory.
Prerequisite: At least one course in political theory, or ENVS 208.
POLT-239 - Marxist Theory
Offered: Second Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 Hours
A survey of Marxist theory from Marx and Engels to the present. After discussing Hegel, the heart of the course is in-depth study of Marx and Engels. We proceed next to leading Marxist thinkers and political activists of the early 20th century: Bernstein, Luxemburg, Kautsky, Lenin and Gramsci. Finally we briefly take up critical theory, feminist Marxism, environmental Marxism, analytical Marxism, and postmodern Marxism.
POLT-271 - Gender, Sexuality and the Law
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course will consider some of the historical, theoretical, and doctrinal issues surrounding sexuality and gender in American law. A previous course in constitutional law is helpful but not required. Topics include sexual privacy, military exclusions, and the construction of manhood, gender, and sexuality in the workplace and in education, sexual consent, and various topics in family law. Class participation is essential and is a component of each student's grade.
POLT-302 - American Democracy: Law and Policy
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course will focus on politics, the political and electoral process, and the courts. We will examine some of the key legal and policy issues framing the political landscape: the right to vote, money and politics, reapportionment and vote dilution. We also will look at the role of the political parties, the federal and state judiciary, and the voters, among other significant players. Prior coursework in constitutional law is strongly desired.
POLT-305 - Seminar: The Presidency
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
The study of the American presidency provides an opportunity to examine the nature and interaction of historical, institutional, cultural, and political forces in the acquisition and exercise of political power. Specialized topics vary by year. Consent of instructor required.
Prerequisites: Two courses in American politics, one of which is POLT 204 or equivalent methodological training.
Syllabus: POLT 305 (S09)
POLT-307 - Democratic Engagement in the United States
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
A consideration of the theory and practice of democracy in the American context. Students will pursue substantial research projects. Topics include the changing nature of citizenship, the decline of political participation, and the nature of political activism.
Syllabus: 307 F09
POLT-309 - Public Education, Policy and Law
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This seminar will explore how law and policy interact in public education (K12 and higher education), focusing on significant Supreme Court constitutional rulings involving race and/or religion. We will grapple with several questions: 1) What theory of judicial review should the Court embrace? 2) How are Court decisions made? 3) What impact do Court decisions have on policy and practice? 4) To what extent does (or should) the law limit policy options in these areas?
POLT-315 - Seminar: The Future of Organized Labor
Offered: First Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 hours
This seminar examines the challenges facing labor movements in advanced capitalist societies today, and the ways in which workers and labor unions are responding to those challenges. The focus will be upon organized labor in the United States and Western Europe. Among the issues explored will be: economic restructuring; globalization; changes in the composition of the working class, including immigration and the feminization of work; the role of the state; and new organizing strategies.
POLT-317 - Seminar: The Transformation of the Welfare State
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This seminar examines the emergence of new, qualitatively different kinds of welfare states across the advanced capitalist world in the past two decades. The seminar will be comparative, examining the causes and consequences of the crisis and transformation of the welfare state in Western Europe and North America. Topics will include: welfare and healthcare reform, the feminization of the labor force, and the impact of globalization on welfare states.
Syllabus: 317 F09
POLT-321 - Seminar: International Politics
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Selected issues in international relations. In 2009, the seminar focuses on International Criminal Law (the law of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes), related domestic and international institutions (military tribunals, truth commissions, mixed courts, ad hoc international tribunals, and the International Criminal Court), and relevant international relations and international legal concepts (international norms, state sovereignty, universal jurisdiction, positive and natural law). Students will research and write a major paper throughout the course of the semester, engage in debate, discussion and presentations.
Syllabus: 321 F09
POLT-328 - Seminar: Pirates, Priests and Protestors: Non-state Actors in International Politics
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Non-state actors have long influenced international politics through the use of violence, the creation of norms, and the production of wealth. How do contemporary non-state actors challenge states, or reinforce state capacity? How do they influence norm building and policy making? The course examines the evolution of a range of non-state actors, including transnational advocacy networks, NGOs, transnational corporations, transnational criminal networks, private security providers, and terrorist groups.
POLT-329 - Seminar: Globalization
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This seminar will examine what is arguably the dominant trend of the post-Cold War world: the increasingly global nature of capitalism, together with the compression of the world through new technologies, and the consequences and reactions these trends have spurred. We will examine competing theoretical perspectives on globalization, and explore the impact on the Third World, labor, the environment, state sovereignty and world culture, as well as the rise of various movements as a result.
Syllabus: POLT 329
POLT-331 - Seminar: Modernity and Postmodernity in Contemporary Political Theory
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
An intensive, critical examination of the works of several recent political theorists (Arendt, Habermas, Foucault, and some others). Particular attention will be given to issues raised in recent debates about modernity and postmodernity, such as the nature of history and the possibility of progress, the place of truth and knowledge in politics, or whether we can still talk of social emancipation.
POLT-334 - Seminar: Theories of Justice and Democracy in Contemporary America
Offered: Second Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 Hours
This seminar discusses some of the most important recent and contemporary American political theories, focusing on controversies about the nature of justice and the scope and extent of democracy in a political society of plurality and difference. Various approaches to political theory are represented, including the work of Arendt, Rawls, Nozick, Walzer, Connolly, Young and others.
Prerequisite: At least one course in political theory, preferably POLT 232, 233 or 234.
POLT-403 - Senior Honors
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 1-5 hours
Senior honors course requires consent of the instructor.
POLT-404 - Senior Honors
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 1-5 hours
Senior Honors. Consent of instructor required.
POLT-411 - Practicum in Applied Research
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Functioning as part of a small consultancy team, students will research and write on a topic that services the needs of an off-campus organization or government official. Students will learn about the management, ethical activities, and choices of political research consultants as a model for launching their own businesses or managing not-for-profits. Students will research best-management, innovation practices of four not-for-profits in NE Ohio and offer recognition to a not-for-profit with the best management innovation practice.
Syllabus: POLT 411
POLT-421 - Studies in Electoral Politics
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 2-3 hours
This is a research and writing seminar exclusively for Cole Scholars who have been selected to participate in the Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics. The seminar will prepare students for their summer internships and familiarize them with the major scholarly and practical literature concerning campaigns and elections.
POLT-422 - Projects in Electoral Politics
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 2-3 hours
An analysis of electoral politics in light of social science theories and field work. Enrollment in this course is limited to Cole Scholars who have completed their summer internships under the auspices of the Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics.
POLT-900 - OCEAN: Global Politics
Offered: First Semester, Second SemesterCredit Hours: 1-3 hours
An analysis of electoral politics in light of social science theories and field work. Enrollment in this course is limited to Cole Scholars who have completed their summer internships under the auspices of the Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics. Consent of instructor required.
POLT-950 - Principles of Ethno-National Conflicts & Their Management
Offered: First Semester, First ModuleCredit Hours: 2 Hours
This course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the tools available to states and policy makers to manage conflict and will include a close examination of cases of divided societies such as India, South Africa, Lebanon and Yugoslavia. The course will divide conflict management into four main themes: territorial devices, repressive and accommodation incorporation, violence, and solutions within democracies. Classes will occur in the classroom as well as out in London.
Note: Taught in London. Prior application and acceptance to the Oberlin-in-London program required.
POLT-995 - Private Reading
Offered: First Semester, Second SemesterCredit Hours: 0.5-3 hours
Signed permission of the instructor required.
To register for a private reading, the student must obtain the signatures of the instructor and department chair on a private reading card and turn the card in to the Office of the Registrar.
