Introductory Courses (100/200-level)
Y101: Introduction to political science (3 cr) An introduction
to the major sub-fields of political science, including international
relations, comparative politics, and political theory.
Y103: Introduction to American politics (3 cr) An introduction
to the key features and dynamics of politics and government in the United
States. We study the origins of American government, the constitution, and
the branches of the federal government (the presidency, Congress, and the
judicial system). We also look at the key problems and issues facing
government and the American people today.
Y200: Contemporary political topics (variable title) (1-6 cr)
This course offers an intensive analysis and discussion of selected
contemporary political problems. Recent topics have included the problems
of poverty, political protest, women in politics, the environment, and the
problems of developing areas.
Y205: Elements of political analysis (3 cr) An introduction to
the techniques used by people interested in the systematic study of
political science. The course includes an introduction to the quantitative
analysis of political data.
Y211: Introduction to law (3 cr) An introduction to law as a
means of dealing with social problems and as an aspect of the social and
political system. The course offers an introduction to legal reasoning,
procedures, and materials, and usually includes a comparison of
approaches to law in the United States and other societies.
Y213: Introduction to public policy (3 cr) An introduction to
public policy: what it is, who makes it, how it is made, and what it means
to US citizens. The course offers several case studies, looking at areas
such as economic policy, welfare, civil rights and liberties, and
environmental and foreign policy.
Y215: Introduction to political theory (3 cr) A survey of the
major theories of political science, and the major theorists, from Locke
and Rousseau to Marx and Lenin.
Y217: Introduction to comparative politics (3 cr) An
introductory survey of the different ways in which societies govern
themselves. We study politics in countries like Britain, Russia, Mexico,
Nigeria and Egypt, and make comparisons among them and with the United States.
Y219: Introduction to international relations (3 cr) Studies the
relationships among countries, the nature of the global political and
economic system, and the major institutions of international government
(such as the United Nations). The course also looks at the key issues
in international relations, such as arms control, nuclear weapons, human
rights, and war.
