Physics Faculty Hollis Williams, Associate Professor of Physics (Program Chair) Description The Physics Program offers a minor for students in the Weekday Program. Physics courses also serve as required components of majors in biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, and physical science. A minor in physics complements these majors well and serves as excellent preparation for a career in secondary-school science education through the B.A./M.A.T. Program. Minor Requirements (22 credits) ALL of the following courses: PHY 115, 116, 117 General Physics I, II, & III PHY 420 Modern Physics EIGHT additional credits approved by the program chair. Program Policies Advanced Placement: A grade of 4 or 5 on one of the physics AP exams will be accepted in lieu of one semester of PHY 115, 116, or 117 at the discretion of the program chair. CLEP Policy: CLEP examinations do not fulfill the requirements of the physics minor. Grades in Minor Courses: Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in the minor. Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the minor requirements may not be taken pass/no pass. TELL Policy: TELL credits are not applicable for the minor in physics. Transfer Credits: Transfer credits may serve in lieu of PHY 115, 116, or 117 at the discretion of the program chair. Students interested in receiving transfer credits in physics should consult with the program chair as early as possible. Course Descriptions PHY 101 Physics for the Non-Scientist 4 cr Introduces the conceptual foundations of physics from a nonmathematical viewpoint. The course makes extensive use of demonstration experiments. The course consists of three hours of lecture, two of laboratory. Laboratory fee: $35. FLC, Area V, Level 1 Core, III PHY 106 Acoustics: The Science of Music 4 cr Introduces the physics of musical sounds and the various aspects of the science of audible sound. This includes the production, transmission, reception, and reproduction of sound. The course will include the study of waves, the production of sound from musical instruments, how humans receive and interpret sound, and sound reproduction systems. FLC, Area V, Level 2   PHY 115 General Physics I 4 cr Covers mechanics in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include Newton's laws, work and energy, rotational dynamics, conservation of energy, and momentum. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. Laboratory fee: $35. Prerequisite: MAT 125 FLC, Area V, Level 1 Core, III PHY 116 General Physics II 4 cr Covers electricity, magnetism, and e-m propagation in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include electric fields, Maxwell's equations, electrical circuits, magnetic fields, and light. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. Laboratory fee: $35. Prerequisites: MAT 125 and PHY 115 FLC, Area V, Level 1 Core, III PHY 117 General Physics III 3 cr Covers heat, sound, optics, and selected topics in modern physics in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include ray and wave optics, sound, basic thermodynamics, and special relativity. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of four hours of lecture and laboratory per week. Laboratory fee: $35. Prerequisites: MAT 125 and PHY 116 FLC, Area V, Level 1 Core, III PHY 220 Astronomy 4 cr Introduces students to classical through modern astronomy. Studies the basics of astronomical systems. The course places emphasis on observational techniques, stellar evolution, planets, the sun, galaxies, cosmology, and the general theory of relativity. Prerequisite: MAT 103 PHY 410 Nuclear Physics 5 cr Studies the theory of the atomic nucleus, the nature and detection of nuclear radiations and nuclear reactions, applications to chemistry and medicine. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. PHY 420 Modern Physics 3 cr Explores the concepts in special relativity; introduces quantum mechanics with applications to atoms and molecules, statistical mechanics, and solid state. Political Science Faculty: Ira Reed, Professor of Political Science (Program Chair) Kathleen McGinnis, Professor of Political Science Shelley L. Tomkin, Professor of Political Science Elizabeth James, Adjunct Professor of Political Science Description The Political Science Program emphasizes both the study of political science as a discipline and the active, practical participation of students in the political process. In addition to course work, students participate in a wide variety of internships in Washington, D.C., to learn politics through direct observation and involvement. The major in political science is designed to help students effectively fulfill their expanding roles in public life. Knowledge of governmental affairs in combination with communication and research skills can open a wide vista of challenging opportunities. Trinity looks to its political science majors to provide the much-needed dedication and leadership qualities aimed at an enriched and more just society. Political science provides students with grounding in several fields including American government, comparative political systems, international relations, political theory, and field experience afforded by Trinity's location in the nation's capital. This resource serves students in two ways: first, through utilization of the city's political and governmental institutions as learning laboratories and second, by providing students with professional contacts and networking opportunities well before they graduate. In addition, political science majors can combine a thorough grounding in political science theory and methodology with a self-directed focus on selected public policy topics and/or with multidisciplinary course selections through the FLC and complementary courses in other disciplines. An analysis of the many aspects of leadership as well as the concept itself is woven into every political science course. The Political Science Program is also sensitive to the needs of women not only through gender-specific courses but also through many other courses that address issues and processes of special significance to women. The comparative politics sequence and international relations courses in particular provide an essential resource for the development of multicultural awareness. Courses in the political science program fall into the following categories: international relations (IR), comparative politics (COMP), political theory (PT), American politics (AMER), field experience/internship (FD), and advanced seminars (SEM). Each course taken may be counted to fulfill only one distribution requirement for the major, even if the course falls into two categories. The Political Science Program supports a major and minor in the Weekday Program only. Political science courses also support the International Studies Program and the Public Affairs Program in the Weekend College Program. Major Requirements (39-40 credits) ONE introductory course: PSC 123 American Political Process TWO courses in international relations (IR) TWO courses in comparative politics (COMP) TWO courses in political theory (PT) TWO courses in American politics (AMER) TWO courses in internships or field work (FD)* ONE approved research methods course, such as MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics ONE advanced seminar (SEM) * Students may take either one field work course and one internship or two internships Upon declaring a major in political science, students will be encouraged to prepare a brief professional development statement indicating overall career goals and related interest in disciplines outside of political science. Then, through careful advising within the Political Science program, students will choose: Complementary course electives and FLC courses related to career goals and interests. Internships (where possible related to the student's career interests and taken in conjunction with or after related courses). PSC field work in addition to other Area I FLC course selections to provide requisite skills. Minor Requirements The minor should complete 18 credits of political science. Internships cannot be counted toward the minor. Program Policies Advanced Placement: Advanced Placement credit will be accepted by the Political Science Program in American government and comparative politics at the 4 or 5 level. CLEP Policy: Students wishing to receive credit for CLEP examinations should consult the program chair. Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the major requirement may not be taken pass/no pass, except for PSC 384 Internship. Senior Assessment: Students must achieve a passing grade on the senior comprehensive examination in order to graduate with a major in political science. TELL Policy: Students may receive no more than 12 political science elective credits through the TELL Program. Transfer Credits: No more than 15 credits in courses equivalent to those required for the major may be accepted toward the major in political science. No more than nine credits may be accepted toward the minor in political science. Course Descriptions PSC 123 American Political Process 3 cr Offers an introduction to the American political and governmental system, with emphasis on the processes, institutions, and actors involved in the system. Case studies are used to focus on contemporary issues and their backgrounds. Required for majors. FLC, Area VI, Level 1 Core, II PSC 150 D.C. Politics 3 cr Introduces the student to the current political processes, institutions, and issues of the District of Columbia, including questions of home-rule, leadership, and the relationship with the Federal government. PSC 200 Introduction to Comparative Politics (COMP) 3 cr Offers an introduction to the major concepts and analytical frameworks of the sub-field. While it is designed as the appropriate first course in comparative politics, its theoretical focus makes it appropriate for more advanced students as well. FLC, Area II, Level 1 PSC 209 Personality and Political Leadership (AMER) or (COMP) 3 cr Examines "political leadership" through a consideration of psychological studies and biographies of political leaders and by investigating theoretical frameworks that guide the study of political leadership. PSC 210 Political Futures (AMER) or (COMP) 3 cr Explores the topical and controversial views of political futures through such writers as Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, and H.G. Wells; contemporary futurists such as Alvin Toffler and relevant film and other media. The implications of possible new developments and technologies for future political arrangements and outcomes will be examined. A variety of exploratory and interactive approaches will be used. FLC, Area VI, Level 1 PSC 211 Profiles in Political Courage (AMER) 3 cr Explores cases of courageous behavior and risk-taking in the public interest by politicians and activists in the U.S. and abroad through examination and discussion of books, such as John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage, and film, such as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. PSC 213 Weapons and Peace (IR) 3 cr Examines the relationship between weapons of mass destruction – nuclear, chemical, and biological – and the search for world peace, with emphasis on critical areas such as the Middle East, the former Soviet Union, India, Pakistan, and North Korea. PSC 214 The Politics of Globalization (IR) 3 cr Examines the nature and implications of the rise of globalization for the world's political economies. PSC 216 Civil Rights and Liberties (AMER) 3 cr Provides an introduction to legal opinions that focus on the 1st and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The cases and the societal issues surrounding them are presented in their historical context. Some specific topics examined in the course are Supreme Court decisions that affect the civil rights movement, free speech, and privacy issues involving Internet communications. PSC 220 Politics and Fiction 3 cr Introduces students to political themes and concepts in fiction, including the portrayal of political actors, institutions, political values and attitudes, and specific political issues. PSC 230 Race and Gender in Election2000 (AMER) 3 cr Explores the roles of gender, race, and ethnicity in the 1996, 1998, and 2000 elections. Topics to be considered include the "gender gap," key campaigns involving women candidates, and the impact of gender and ethnicity on voting behavior. This course also examines the primary and general election processes and the roles of money and media in the 2000 campaign. PSC 284 Independent Study 1-3 cr Arranged through the Political Science Program. PSC 301 Comparative Politics: Western Europe (COMP) 3 cr Studies the political systems of Western European countries, emphasizing the unique differences among the states as well as efforts at regional cooperation. FLC, Area II, Level 2 PSC 302 Comparative Politics: Developing Areas (COMP) 3 cr Focuses on the concepts of modernization and development in developing nations, using both the theoretical and case study approaches. FLC, Area II, Level 2 PSC 303 Comparative Politics: Russia and Eastern Europe (COMP) 3 cr A study of post-Soviet and East European political systems, emphasizing Russia and including ideology, leadership, reform, and transition. FLC, Area II and VI, Level 2 PSC 304 Comparative Politics: China and East Asia (COMP) 3 cr Examines the political systems of China, Japan, Korea, and others from a comparative perspective. FLC, Area II, Level 2 PSC 305 Comparative Politics: Latin America (COMP) 3 cr Studies the political systems of Latin America, emphasizing the unique differences among the political units as well as the regional similarities. FLC, Area II, Level 2 PSC 306 Comparative Politics: Middle East (COMP) 3 cr Examines the political systems of the states in this region, their structural similarities and differences, and their approaches to modernization and development. FLC, Area II, Level 2 PSC 307 Comparative Politics: Africa (COMP) 3 cr Examines the political systems of the African states, their similarities and differences, regional distinctions, and approaches to modernization and development. FLC, Area II, Level 2 PSC 310 The Political Lives of Women (COMP) 3 cr Explores the interaction of women and the political system through a variety of life story forms, including biographical and autobiographical writing and film. Particular focus is placed on the cultural, ethical, and gender contexts of women's political lives. Prerequisite: sophomore standing PSC 312 Introduction to International Relations (IR) 3 cr Offers an introduction to the theories, actors, arenas, and techniques of international politics. The course examines case studies on issues of current international importance. PSC 314, 315 United States Foreign Policy I, II (IR) or (AMER) 3 cr Examines United States foreign policy. The first semester focuses on the content or substantive nature of the policy, and the second semester concentrates on the policy-making process. PSC 318 International Law and Organization (IR) 3 cr Examines the development and current status of international law as the legal framework for international conflict and cooperation, as an academic discipline, and as a practical procedure. Looks at international organizations as conflict managers and functional mechanisms. PSC 325 Congress and Policy Making (AMER) 3 cr Examines the internal politics of the legislative branch, its relationship to other branches, historical development, and modern theories of decision making. Students may take a related internship. PSC 326 Constitutional Law (AMER) 3 cr Studies the United States Supreme Court, including its composition, decisions, and role in the American political process. Students read and brief court opinions involving issues such as racial discrimination, First Amendment rights, and separation of powers among the three branches of national government. PSC 327 Field Work: Applied Research Techniques in Political Science (FD) or (AMER) 3 cr Focuses on non-library research sources and techniques. Research project emphasized. FLC, Area I, Level 2 PSC 328 Women and the Law (AMER) 3 cr Examines Supreme Court rulings, as well as federal and state statutes and court decisions affecting women. Topics include women and employment, sexual harassment, and legal issues involving pregnancy and privacy rights. PSC 329 Field Work: Legislative Tracking (FD) or (AMER) 3 cr Focuses on legislative research and emphasizes the development of professional legislative tracking skills. Students learn to "track" federal legislation from the introduction of a bill in Congress, through the legislative process, to the writing of federal regulations for implementation. PSC 330 Field Work: Political Parties, Campaigns, and Elections (FD) or (AMER) 3 cr Provides an introduction to electoral processes and political party politics in the United States. Students learn specific skills and techniques used in political campaigns such as fundraising and targeting. Students work in a political campaign organization to fulfill part of their course requirements. PSC 331 Field Work: Public Opinion Polling (FD) or (AMER) 3 cr Examines the dynamics of public opinion formation and political socialization as they apply to politically salient attitudes and voting behavior. Students conduct a class poll on a current topic designed to provide them with "hands-on" experience in all stages of the survey research process. PSC 334 The American Presidency (AMER) 3 cr Views the presidency from two perspectives: as an institution and as a reflection of the individual in office. Leadership styles, relationships with other governmental branches, and policymaking roles are examined. FLC, Area VI, Level 2 PSC 335 Field Work: Political Advocacy (FD) 3 cr Focuses on the development of skills necessary for effective political advocacy at federal, state and local levels of government. Particular emphasis is placed on political communication, organization and research. Related internships available. PSC 337 Environmental Politics (AMER) 3 cr Examines the process of making environmental policy. Includes case studies from federal, state, and local levels of government. Related internships can be arranged. PSC 341 State and Local Politics (AMER) 3 cr Focuses on the politics of state and local government. Content will include structures of government, decision-making processes, and intergovernmental relations. PSC 351 Public Administration (AMER) 3 cr Focuses on bureaucratic structures, organizational and decision-making theories, and policy implementation. PSC 352 Public Policy (AMER) 3 cr Focuses on the overall policy-making process including its various stages and actors. Integrates material on the presidency, Congress, political parties, interest groups, courts, and public administration courses into an understanding of the whole policy process. FLC, Area VI, Level 2   PSC 353 The Politics of the Federal Budgeting Process (AMER) 3 cr Explores the processes and procedures of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Congress that culminate in budgetary decisions for each fiscal year. "Politics" and relationships among White House, agency, and interest group participants in the budget process are also considered. PSC 362 Political Thought: Plato to Rousseau (PT) 3 cr Provides an introduction to the primary sources in political thought, including the differing interpretations of political theories and the methods and significance of interpretation. Explores political thought of Plato, Aristotle, the Hellenic period, the Romans, the Middle Ages, Machiavelli, the Renaissance and the Reformation, and the emergence of the modern state. Also examines the political thought of the English revolution, the Enlightenment, and Rousseau. PSC 363 Modern Political Thought (PT) 3 cr Considers political thought from Rousseau to the present, focusing on theories of change including violence and revolution and alternatives, and the forms of socialism from the 18th century through its contemporary expression, as well as the views of its opponents. Also examines the methods and the significance of political thinking and the relations between political thought and modern life. PSC 371 Urban Politics (AMER) 3 cr Focuses on the politics of cities and metropolitan areas. Content will include structures of government, decision-making processes, and intergovernmental relations. PSC 384 Internship 2-12 cr By special permission of the program faculty and under the supervision of a faculty member during fall or spring semester only. Projects must be agreed upon in advance in writing. PSC 412 Seminar in Comparative Politics and International Relations (SEM) or (COMP) or (IR) 4 cr Identifies methods and arenas of comparative and international politics of current concern. A case study approach is used extensively. PSC 413 Seminar in International Relations: International Public Policy (SEM) or (IR) 4 cr Explores the international, political, and legal aspects of global environmental problems and issues, focusing specifically on resource depletions and shortages, pollution and technology problems, and the use or misuse of the oceans and atmosphere. Focus is on energy and food issues. PSC 414 Seminar in Comparative Politics: Global Democratization (SEM) or (COMP) 4 cr Using a case study approach, explores varying international meanings, interpretations, and measures of democracy and the process of transforming Marxist and authoritarian regimes in the Third World, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union toward democratic values, practices, and institutions. PSC 420 Politics and the Media (AMER) or (SEM) 4 cr Examines coverage of politics, elections, and related topics. Current events are treated within a theoretical and historical perspective of major communications issues facing the ongoing American democratic experiment. PSC 422 Political Power: Interest Groups, Lobbying, and Public Policy (AMER) or (SEM) 4 cr Uses case studies to test ideas about the nature of political power and the behavior and impact of organized groups on the American political process. A historical perspective on lobbying and lobby reform highlights the moral and political dilemmas. PSC 424 Seminar in American Politics: Change (AMER) or (SEM) 4 cr Focuses on the topic of political change in the American political system. Provides an overview of major trends in electoral, presidential, congressional, intergovernmental, and personal politics. Students investigate a specific project of their own design as part of the course. PSC 452 Seminar in Public Policy: Children (SEM) or (AMER) 4 cr Offers an interdisciplinary examination of public policies affecting children, including issues of child welfare, health, education, and the family. The course also includes an in-depth review of the policy-making process. Related internships are encouraged. PSC 461 Seminar on Conflict Theory and Management (SEM) or (IR) 3 cr Provides a multidisciplinary examination of theories about conflict, including the causes and arenas of conflict and proposed methods for regulating it. Includes seminar discussions, guest lecturers, and experimental learning situations. PSC 463 Seminar in Theory: Revolution in Modern Thought and Experience (SEM) or (IR) 3 cr Analyzes theories about the causes, processes, and implications of revolution and terrorism. Working from case studies, primary sources, and representations in the arts and social science analyses, the course examines revolution and terrorism as methods of political change in modern political thought and events.