Faculty
Ira Reed, Professor of Political Science (Program Chair)
Kathleen McGinnis, Professor of Political Science
Shelley L. Tomkin, Professor of Political Science
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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 Foundation
for Leadership Curriculum 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
College of Arts and Sciences. Political science courses also support the
International Studies Program and the Public Affairs Program available
in the School of Professional Studies.
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Requirements
Major Requirements (39-40 credits)
ONE introductory course chosen from between:
PSC 120 Power, Politics, and You: Democracy at the Crossroads
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 or
additional field work in
political science
TWO advanced seminars (SEM)
* Students may take either one field work course and one internship
or two internships
Minor Requirements (18 credits)
Students pursuing the minor should complete 18 credits of political
science courses. Internships cannot be counted toward the minor.
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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.
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Course Descriptions
PSC 123 American Political Process
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.
3 credits
Core II
PSC 150 D.C. Politics
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.
3 credits
PSC 200 Introduction to Comparative Politics (COMP)
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.
3 credits
FLC Area V
PSC 209 Personality and Political Leadership (AMER) or (COMP)
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.
3 credits
PSC 210 Political Futures (AMER) or (COMP)
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.
3 credits
FLC Area V
PSC 211 Profiles in Political Courage (AMER) or (PT)
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.
3 credits
PSC 213 Weapons and Peace (IR)
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.
3 credits
PSC 214 The Politics of Globalization (IR)
Examines the nature and implications of the rise of globalization for
the world's political economies.
3 credits
PSC 216 Civil Rights and Liberties (AMER)
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.
3 credits
FLC Area V
PSC 220 Politics and Fiction
Introduces students to political themes and concepts in fiction,
including the portrayal of political actors, institutions, political
values and attitudes, and specific political issues.
3 credits
FLC Area V
PSC 226 Religion, Law, and Politics in the
United States
Examines the relationship among religion, law, and politics in the
United States constitutional and political systems. The free exercise
and establishment clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution and
key Supreme Court opinions involving separation of church and state are
studied as well as democratic theory pertaining to this topic. Other
topics to be discussed in the class include policy issues involving
government aid to faith-based social welfare efforts and empirical
studies of public attitudes concerning the interplay among religion,
public policy, and political leadership.
3 credits
PSC 284 Independent Study
Arranged through the Political Science Program.
1-3 credits
PSC 301 Comparative Politics: Western Europe (COMP)
Studies the political systems of Western European countries, emphasizing
the unique differences among the states as well as efforts at regional
cooperation.
3 credits
PSC 302 Comparative Politics: Developing Areas (COMP)
Focuses on the concepts of modernization and development in developing
nations, using both the theoretical and case study approaches.
3 credits
PSC 303 Comparative Politics: Russia and Eastern Europe (COMP)
Explores post-Soviet and East European political systems, emphasizing
Russia and including ideology, leadership, reform, and transition.
3 credits
PSC 304 Comparative Politics: China and East Asia (COMP)
Examines the political systems of China, Japan, Korea, and others from a
comparative perspective.
3 credits
PSC 305 Comparative Politics: Latin America (COMP)
Studies the political systems of Latin America, emphasizing the unique
differences among the political units as well as the regional
similarities.
3 credits
PSC 306 Comparative Politics: Middle East (COMP)
Examines the political systems of the states in this region, their
structural similarities and differences, and their approaches to
modernization and development.
3 credits
PSC 307 Comparative Politics: Africa (COMP)
Examines the political systems of the African states, their similarities
and differences, regional distinctions, and approaches to modernization
and development.
3 credits
PSC 310 The Political Lives of Women (COMP)
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.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Honors Program or permission of instructor
PSC 312 Introduction to International Relations (IR)
Offers an introduction to the theories, actors, arenas, and techniques
of international politics. The course examines case studies on issues of
current international importance.
3 credits
FLC Area V
PSC 314, 315 United States Foreign Policy I, II (IR) or (AMER)
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.
3 credits
PSC 318 International Law and Organization (IR)
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.
3 credits
PSC 325 Congress and Policy Making (AMER)
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.
3 credits
PSC 326 Constitutional Law (AMER)
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.
3 credits
PSC 327 Field Work: Applied Research Techniques in Political
Science (FD) or (AMER)
Focuses on non-library research sources and techniques. Research project
emphasized.
3 credits
PSC 328 Women and the Law (AMER)
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.
3 credits
FLC Area V
PSC 329 Field Work: Legislative Tracking (FD) or (AMER)
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.
3 credits
PSC 330 Field Work: Political Parties, Campaigns, and Elections
(FD) or (AMER)
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.
3 credits
PSC 331 Field Work: Public Opinion Polling (FD) or (AMER)
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.
3 credits
PSC 334 The American Presidency (AMER)
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.
3 credits
PSC 335 Field Work: Political Advocacy (FD)
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.
3 credits
PSC 337 Environmental Politics (AMER)
Examines the process of making environmental policy. Includes case
studies from federal, state, and local levels of government. Related
internships can be arranged.
3 credits
PSC 351 Public Administration (AMER)
Focuses on bureaucratic structures, organizational and decision-making
theories, and policy implementation.
3 credits
PSC 352 Public Policy (AMER)
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.
3 credits
PSC 362 Political Thought: Plato to Rousseau (PT)
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.
3 credits
PSC 363 Modern Political Thought (PT)
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.
3 credits
PSC 371 Urban Politics (AMER)
Focuses on the politics of cities and metropolitan areas. Content will
include structures of government, decision-making processes, and
intergovernmental relations.
3 credits
PSC 384 Internship
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.
2-12 credits
PSC 412 Seminar in Comparative Politics and International
Relations (SEM) or (COMP) or (IR)
Identifies methods and arenas of comparative and international politics
of current concern. A case study approach is used extensively.
4 credits
PSC 413 Seminar in International Relations: International Public
Policy (SEM) or (IR)
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.
4 credits
PSC 414 Seminar in Comparative Politics: Global Democratization (SEM)
or (COMP)
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.
4 credits
PSC 417 The Cold War and Its Legacies
Examines the Cold War, the world order that it created, and its
enduring effects on contemporary international issues, with particular
emphases on its social, political, and economic contexts. Among
questions to be addressed are: What events and ideas provoked the Cold
War? How did the Cold War shape international political and economic
institutions? How did advances in science and technology help fuel a
global arms race? How did the Cold War condition society and culture?
What traces of the Cold War continue to influence world politics in the
early 21st century? This course is taught in a seminar format.
Cross-listed with SSC 317.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
PSC 420 Politics and the Media (AMER) or (SEM)
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.
4 credits
PSC 422 Political Power: Interest Groups, Lobbying, and Public
Policy (AMER) or (SEM)
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.
4 credits
PSC 424 Seminar in American Politics: Change (AMER) or (SEM)
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.
4 credits
PSC 452 Seminar in Public Policy: Children (SEM) or (AMER)
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.
4 credits
PSC 461 Seminar on Conflict Theory and Management (SEM) or (IR)
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.
3 credits
PSC 463 Seminar in Theory: Revolution in Modern Thought and
Experience (SEM) or (IR)
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.
3 credits
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