POLS 1002: Introduction to Political Theory (3.00 credits)
Wednesday 3:35PM-6:05PM Prof. Susan Herbst
Political theory is the basis for the field of political science, exploring the most profound questions we ask: What is a just society? How can the people be effectively represented in a democracy? What are the balances and tensions between equality and freedom? We will explore questions like these, using classical texts and contemporary political challenges. This is a seminar with required, extensive, weekly participation in class discussions.
POLS 1202: Introduction to Comparative Politics (3.00 credits)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11:15AM-12:05PM (Hybrid) Prof. Yonatan Morse
Comparative politics is the systematic study of politics within and across countries. It assesses questions such as where do successful states come from? What form of political institutions promote stability and prosperity? What are the sources of democracy and wealth? We assess these questions by examining some key theoretical perspectives and exploring specific regional and country experiences. In addition, the course will assist students in evaluating the world and how we go about knowing things to begin with.
POLS 1602: Introduction to American Politics (3.00 credits)
Tuesday/Thursday 2:00PM-3:15PM Prof. Beth Ginsberg
Throughout this course we will learn about the foundation and inner workings of the American government. We will learn about the actors working in government as well as the influences on government. We will also attempt to bridge the theoretical material we will learn with the practical by using current events in our understanding of government.
POLS 2072Q: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (3.00 credits)
Tuesday/Thursday 3:30PM-4:45PM Prof. Robert Lupton
This course is an introduction to the methods of political analysis and the scientific study of politics and government. You will learn to construct causal theories and develop hypotheses, as well as test them using basic statistical tools. In the process, you will learn the fundamentals of probability, causality, and statistical inference. Throughout the course, we will highlight the distinctions between political science and our ordinary understanding of politics with an aim toward improving your ability to consume critically both scholarly and popular media accounts of political and social events. A final goal of the course will be for you to formulate an original research question and empirically analyze the relationship among key variables.
POLS 2998W: Divided Government in the US (3.00 credits)
Tuesdays/Thursdays 12:30PM-1:45PM Prof. Beth Ginsberg
This course will attempt to understand the governmental phenomenon of Divided Government – how it happens and its consequences. Does government function better or worse during Divided Government? When are more laws passed and when do more oversight investigations take place? What effect does Divided Government have on the elected officials? This is a “writing intensive” course and students will research a specific policy issue to determine whether legislation is more successful during unified or divided government. Note: Designated “W” for writing-intensive.
POLS 2998W: Politics in Africa (3.00 credits)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 1:25PM-2:15PM (Online Hybrid) Prof. Yonatan Morse
Africa is one of the most misunderstood regions in the world. This course challenges popular preconceptions about endemic conflict and poverty to provide a more complex and complete view of the complex and diverse politics of Africa. We will cover the role of colonialism, the struggle for independence and the challenges African states have faced since. The course examines the source of economic development in Africa, assesses the state of democracy, and the sources and resolutions of conflict.
Note: Designated “W” for writing-intensive.
POLS 3413W: International Security (3.00 credits)
Monday 3:35PM-6:05PM Prof. Miles Evers
This course provides students with an overview of the theoretical and policy debates that comprise the field of international security. We will analyze classic studies of why countries go to war as well as more recent research topics like why groups use terrorism, the emergence of humanitarian intervention, and the role of technology – from nuclear weapons to computer viruses – in both supplying and threatening international security. Note: Designated “W” for writing intensive. Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011. Recommended preparation: POLS 1402.
POLS 3625: Public Opinion
Tuesday 5:30PM-8:00PM Prof. Robert Lupton
This course examines American public opinion and voting behavior. We will explore the sources of individuals’ political attitudes, perceptions, and electoral choice, and compare Americans’ attitude formation process and behavior to standards of democratic citizenship. We will also investigate the role of core values, as well as partisan, ideological, racial, class, religious and gender identities, to public opinion and their contribution to political polarization. Ultimately, this course will enable you to understand better how and why people think about politics the way they do, as well as how they behave in the political realm, and the degree to which citizen inputs influence policy outcomes.
Prerequisites: Open to juniors and higher or with instructor permission.
POLS 3662: Latino Political Behavior
Tuesday/Thursdays 11:00AM-12:15PM Prof. Beth Ginsberg
Latinos are the fastest growing non-white population in the United States. This course will attempt to examine their history in the United States, their impact on the political system and the political issues that are of concern to them. We will also discuss the construct of race in American politics. Other topics that will be examined include the relationship between Latinos and the various governmental institutions. Special attention will be paid to Latino voting behavior.
Prerequisites: Open to juniors and higher or with instructor permission.
For more information, contact: Dr. Morse at yonatan.morse@uconn.edu