2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Political Science
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Craig Warkentin, Chair
435 Mahar Hall
315-312-2350
www.oswego.edu/polisci
Directory of Professors
The Political Science program at Oswego provides students with a broad understanding of politics in the current world context of continuity and change. Students begin their program with surveys of American politics and global politics, along with an introduction to political theories and ways of thinking politically. This core should be completed during the student’s first year in the department. Students then engage in advanced course work that aims to develop their understanding of contemporary politics, together with their ability to analyze political power, to think critically about politics, and to engage in the political world, whether as political activists, government officials, civil servants, or informed citizens.
The Political Science program is based on the principle of ‘guided flexibility’. Specific courses of study will be available that students can choose to follow, or students can develop an individual program together with a faculty adviser. The “courses of study” will guide students in choosing courses that relate to specific interests, such as law, political theory, or globalization. Students are also encouraged to investigate coordinating their Political Science program with one of the interdisciplinary programs in which the Political Science faculty participate, such as Global and International Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and Peace and Conflict Studies.
The faculty in Political Science values independent student research. To this end, a capstone seminar is required of all Political Science majors in which students will engage in a substantial independent research project in their area of interest. Alternatively, the department’s best students are encouraged to participate in the department’s Honors Program in which they will write a substantial thesis during their senior year under the direction of a faculty member in the department. Those students interested in pursuing advanced study in political science are especially encouraged to participate in the department’s Honors Program.
The Political Science major also recognizes that the contemporary political world is global, consisting of deepening interdependence among nations and regions, as well as a mélange of cultures and political systems. This condition presents us with both challenges and opportunities. With this in mind, the department strongly encourages all of its majors and minors to take courses with international components and to study abroad for at least one semester. A study abroad adviser is available in the department to help students coordinate study abroad with their Politics program.
We also recognize that to be political involves engagement beyond in class work. Therefore, the department hosts a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science Honor Society, which inducts students based on their academic performance, and a Political Science club, which all students are encouraged to join. The department also has a strong internship program through which students can earn up to nine semester hours credit working as assistants in local government and citizens’ organizations, state agencies, the state legislature in Albany, or the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC. Internship placements are also available abroad.
American Studies Major – B.A. Degree
The Department of Political Science cosponsors a program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies.
Major
Minor
Honor Requirements for Major
Political Science
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POL 198 - First Year Signature Course
Signature courses are small, seminar-style courses provide opportunities for students to discuss engaging issues while developing critical thinking, information literacy and both written and oral communication skills. Each class is focused on a unique subject but all classes are about intellectual curiosity, making campus connections and learning how to thrive in the SUNY Oswego community. Learning objectives include critical thinking, communication, intercultural knowledge, and campus engagement.
Credit: 3 -
POL 201 - Global Politics
This course examines approaches to studying global politics and explores a range of contemporary global issues. Specific issues addressed in the course will vary by instructor, but may include conflict, democratization, development, the environment, gender, the global economy, global security, human rights, media/technology, nationalism, religion, and social movements.
When Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit: 3 -
POL 203 - Critical Thinking in Politics
This course teaches critical thinking by engaging students in major controversies over the analysis of key concepts in political science. It develops the student’s basic skills in reading complex texts and in recognizing and analyzing assumptions, structuring and organizing arguments, and understanding and analyzing symbolic discourses. Each section of the course will raise competing perspectives and will focus on critical thinking and argument-making skills. The course will combine theoretical readings with discussions of specific political issues.
When Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit: 3 -
POL 205 - American Government and Politics
An introduction to the American federal system. Examines the Constitution, Congress, the presidency, Supreme Court, bureaucracy, political parties, elections, campaigns, interest groups, and the policy process.
When Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit: 3 -
POL 215 - Law and Courts
This survey course introduces students to traditional and contemporary theories of law and legal interpretation, and develops their ability to engage in critical and comparative analysis of those theories. It also introduces students to the structure and organization of the state and federal court systems in the United States.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 300 - Topics in Political Science
Topics will vary with current interest of faculty and students. Specific topics will be announced.
Note: May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit: 3 -
POL 303 - Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
This course studies selected texts of important political theorists from ancient Greece, Rome, and the European middle ages which continue to be important reference points in contemporary political thought. The course focuses especially on the emergence of the concept of sovereignty, the conditions which make citizenship possible, the relation of religious faith to politics, the gendered nature of political theory, and the controversies over authority and power in the rise of modern state.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 305 - Power & Institutions
This course offers a historically intensive introduction to upper-level undergraduate study in American politics through careful analysis of political institutions and the roles, importance, and influence of political ideas.
Prerequisite: POL 205; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 306 - African American Political Thought
This course explores the African American community’s diverse responses to the predominant challenges it has faced (including, but not limited to, slavery); the economic and political legacies of those challenges; and American political culture more broadly. Coursework will explore and analyze the various strains within Black political thought.
Prerequisite: POL 205; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 307 - European Politics
Examines European politics from the Atlantic to the Ural Mountains. It discusses the historical evolution of the modern European democratic nation-state; its organization and political practices; the institutions and politics of the European Union; and the endurance and proliferation of the state in Europe.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 308 - Global Challenges
This course uses the history and theory of International Relations (IR) as a launching point for understanding a proliferating, confounding array of global challenges. Going beyond IR’s traditional foci (e.g., conflict and cooperation among nation-states), students study phenomena likely to dominate future debates, e.g., race, outer space, and technological revolution.
Prerequisite: Three credits in Political Science or GLS 200 or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
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POL 309 - International Law
Surveys the rules, procedures, and practices that regulate the various actors in the international arena. Emphasizes the post World War II era and new perspectives such as the control of the use of force, redistribution of world resources, and international protection of human rights.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 311 - Public Policy Analysis
Studies the theoretical foundations and alternative models of the policy process. Covers topics such as education, health, welfare, energy, and environmental policy.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 313 - Modern Political Thought
This course studies selected texts of important political theorists from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution. It focuses specifically on the political theory of the enlightenment, the emergence of the modern theory of democracy, rationalizations of the sovereignty of the nation-state, and the development of critical theories of capitalism and modernity in the late nineteenth centuries. Theorists studied will include Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Montwequieu, Burke, Mill, Marx, and Nietzsche.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 316 - American Political Thought
This course focuses on the political philosophies and ideas that underscore American political culture, institutions, and policy-making. Coursework may emphasize long-standing philosophies that influence contemporary politics or the evolution of views of the economy, the role of government, the concept of citizenship and more from the founding to the present.
Prerequisite: POL 203 and POL 205; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 318 - Global Ethics
This course introduces a way of analyzing and understanding global politics that foregrounds ethical evaluations and moral judgment in the complex international realm. The course covers contending ethical traditions and engages students in an exploration of issue areas such as political violence, economics, security, technology, the environment, and human rights.
Prerequisite: Three credits in Political Science or GLS 200 or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 319 - International Organization
Examines the organization and functioning of such international and regional organizations as the United Nations, the European Community, the Organization of American States, NATO and specialized agencies such as the World Health Organization.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 325 - The Presidency
Development and contemporary status of presidential power and of the presidential office. Historical, analytical and critical approach with emphasis on the personal and political aspects of the institution.
Prerequisite: POL 205; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 327 - African Politics
Analyzes the development of the political systems of sub-Saharan Africa from the interaction of traditional African and modern European social forces. Emphasizes colonialism, nationalism, and political patterns in the post-independence period.
Prerequisite: Three credits in Political Science; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 328 - Politics and Literature
This course explores the connections between politics and literature, with an emphasis on developing the theoretical foundations and analytical skills needed to understand and interpret literature in its political context. Topics will vary by instructor.
Note: May be taken twice, with different professors, for credit.
Prerequisite: Three political science credits; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 329 - American Foreign Policy
Historical roots of United States foreign policy. Examines the development of the U.S. into a global power; involvements in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Covers the individual and institutional actors involved in the foreign policy making process.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 330 - Internet Politics
This course surveys the relationships between the Internet and contemporary politics. It teaches students the skills needed for basic Internet literacy, examines the medium’s ongoing development and the political context in which this occurs, and addresses connections between various Internet-related topics and politics.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 333 - Global Political Theory
This course focuses on the interactions among different traditions of political theory, examining points of contact and difference. Students will study both alternative traditions of political thought and issues in political theory that address transnational political formations.
Note: Note: This course is the fourth of four survey courses in political theory. It may be taken by itself or as part of the sequence of survey courses in political theory (POL 303, 313, and 323). It will be taught every other spring semester.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 335 - The Supreme Court
Examines the structure and functioning of the Supreme Court. Particular attention given to the role of the Court in the American political process.
Prerequisite: POL 215; or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 336 - Pop Culture and Politics
Drawing on political theory, contemporary political writings and popular culture texts, this course introduces students to the way in which popular culture reflects, contests, and reinforces political ideology. Students will learn to analyze pieces of popular culture as texts that explore the ideals and fears that permeate American political culture.
Prerequisite: Minimum of 3 political science credits; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 337 - Middle East Politics
Examines contemporary political issues in the Middle East and North Africa, including international relations, the politics of oil, the environment, democratization, gender, religion, and the development of civil society.
Prerequisite: Three credits in political science, or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 338 - Politics and Film
This course explores the connections between politics and film, with an emphasis on developing the theoretical foundations and analytical skills needed to understand and interpret popular films in their political context. Topics will vary by instructor. May be taken twice, with different professors, for a total of 6 credits.
Prerequisite: Thee credits in Politcal Science; or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 339 - International Relations Theory
This course surveys contending theoretical frameworks used to study contemporary international relations, examining both traditional and newer approaches. Perspectives addressed will vary by instructor but may include liberalism, realism, Marxism, critical theory, constructivism, feminism, postmodernism, and green theory.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 343 - Democratic Theory
This course examines democracy as an ambiguous achievement, both valued and undermined, in modern political thought. It surveys a variety of historical traditions of democratic thought, and investigates current problems of democratic politics in light of recent developments in political economy, the capitalist state, and global politics.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 345 - American Constitutional Law
The Supreme Court’s contribution to constitutional development as reflected primarily in its decisions in cases on the nature of judicial authority, the commerce clause, the separation of powers, the division of authority between the national and state governments, and others.
Prerequisite: POL 215; or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 346 - American Political Development
This advanced course introduces students to the subfield of American political development which studies political institutions, public policy, and political change through an emphasis on history (path dependency, unintended consequences) and culture (narrative, rhetoric).
Prerequisite: Three credits in Political Science or instructor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 347 - Politics of Development
This course addresses issues of political, economic, and social development. We critically examine the notion and paradigm of development, the ways in which countries and other institutions attempt to bring about development, and successful and unsuccessful cases of development in countries around the world.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 353 - Contemporary Political Theory
This course investigates important conceptual issues in contemporary political theory by surveying twentieth century theorists such as Freud, Weber, Habermas, and Foucault, as well as rival theoretical approaches such as utilitarianism, communitarianism, critical theory, feminism, and post-structuralism.
Prerequisite: Upper division standing; or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 355 - Civil Liberties
A survey of American civil liberties. Emphasizes contemporary problems such as freedom of speech, press, religion, procedural guarantees of persons accused of crime, and the right to be free from racial discrimination, and other matters within the purview of the Bill of Rights.
Prerequisite: POL 215; or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 356 - Freedom of Speech
This course studies the evolution of freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It focuses on approaches to expressive freedom taken by different Supreme Court justices and legal theorists throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and analyzes the controversies associated with specific types of expression.
Prerequisite: POL 203 or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 357 - Latin American Politics
This course examines politics in Latin America. After a brief overview of history and the theoretical approaches that have been used to understand Latin America, it examines contemporary political, economic, and social issues affecting Latin America generally, combined with country case studies for more detailed analysis.
Prerequisite: One course in political science, or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 358 - Narrative, Leanguage & Politics
This course trains students in the interdisciplinary analysis of political discourse, including rhetoric, argument, metaphor and, in particular, narrative analysis. We explore how such approaches illuminate patterns of contestation and cooperation in domestic and international politics through consideration of a variety of political artifacts, including novels, films, and other fictions.
Prerequisite: Three credits in Political Science or GLS 200 or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 359 - The Nation-State and Global Order
This course introduces students to the historical, conceptual, and institutional sources of the modern political world. It emphasizes the historical formation of the nation-state, its development into a global system of states, the alternative forms it has taken in both the developed and under-developed worlds, and the global forms of political and economic organization that currently challenge the nation-state as the primary focus of political power and identity.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 363 - Feminist Social and Political Theory
This course introduces students to feminist theories of politics. It surveys different theoretical traditions in feminist theory, and examines feminist approaches to key issues in political theory. It also introduces students to an important interdisciplinary approach to social and cultural theory.
Prerequisite: GWS 200 or 3 credits in Politcal Science; or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 368 - International Politics and Security of the Asia Pacific
This course surveys the international relations of the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, providing students with the tools to make critical evaluations of the security challenges facing regional actors. The course emphasizes many different facets of international security through discussions of topics like national identity, American hegemony, and the rise of China.
Prerequisite: Three credits in Political Science; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 369 - Terrorism and Political Violence
This course surveys the nature, causes, and implications of terrorism and other forms of political violence. Relevant theoretical understandings, case studies, and policy responses will be explored, with special attention paid to the factors that motivate individuals to become involved in terrorist activities.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 378 - Gender and Global Politics
This course introduces a way of analyzing and researching global politics that takes gender seriously as an analytic category. The course covers various approaches to the study of gender, femininity and masculinity in international relations and topics such as war and peace, economics, security, the environment, and human rights.
Prerequisite: Three credits in Political Science; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 379 - War, Technology, and the Modern State
Examines war as an agent of political development; specifically, how changes in warfighting and weapons technology gave rise to standing armies which in turn gave rise to the centralized, bureaucratized modern state capable of supporting such armed force on a permanent basis and contributed to democratic governance and welfare programs.
Prerequisite: Upper division standing
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 385 - Law and Society
This course examines the perennial questions: How does law shape society and conversely, how does society shape law? This is an ongoing discussion which is reflected in the political discourse and decision making in our courts, legislatures, and communities.
Prerequisite: POL 205 or 215; or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 386 - Vote Oswego
In this practical skills-based course students will participate in a non-partisan voter registration and mobilization campaign on campus. Coursework will balance training in practical skills such as setting and revising campaign goals, recruiting and training volunteers, and developing a coalition with reviewing contemporary research on campaigns and elections.
Prerequisite: POL 205; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 387 - Global Environmental Politics
This course addresses environmental issues including acid rain, climate change, desertification, population issues, soil erosion, sustainability, and water access and quality. We will examine the relationship between environmental issues and conflict, focusing on the historical and contemporary efforts of governments, NGOs, and activists to address domestic and transnational environmental issues.
Prerequisite: SUS 115 or GLS 200 or 3 credits in Politcal Science; or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 388 - Chinese Foreign Policy
This course introduces the foreign policy of the People’s Republic of China, informed by the study of China’s history and the ideas that animate its search for security in the modern world. Students will analyze the geopolitical challenges facing China and the influence of its domestic political situation.
Prerequisite: Three credits in Political Science; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 389 - Security Studies
This course explores contending theoretical approaches to the study of contemporary global security, examines key concepts and relevant debates, surveys specific security challenges, and evaluates attendant policy responses. Subject issues may include alliances, the arms trade, energy security, ethnic conflict, human security, organized crime, peace operations, terrorism, and war.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 405 - Mass Media and Public Opinion
A study of the formation of public opinion and how it affects and is affected by the mass media. Critical examination of the media and politics focusing on such subjects as the media and the public interest, problems of objectivity, what the news does not cover, and government regulation of the media.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or instuctor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 409 - Comparative Energy Policy
This course provides an interdisciplinary understanding of current energy issues and responses to those issues. We examine energy policies of several countries and the science relating to those policies, for example, how we get energy from fossil fuels, alternative energy sources, reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, and ethanol.
Prerequisite: SUS 115 or GLS 200 or three credits in Political Science; or instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 415 - Women and Politics
Historical role of women in politics; women’s movement in America; women today; analysis of political role of women in the future.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Politcal Science or Instuctor Permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 490 - Political Science Honors
In this course exceptional students will read extensively and write a substantial independent honors thesis under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
Note: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisite: Political science major and senior standing.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3 -
POL 497 - Seminar in Political Science
Research, writing, and reporting on topics chosen for their particular value to political science majors.
Note: May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
When Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit: 3 -
POL 498 - Internship in Political Science
Field experiences with selected agencies of local, state or national government, or work done directly for individuals actively involved in the political process. Specific assignments individually determined.
Note: Departmental approval required. Variable credit one to 12, repeatable three times for a total of 15 credits.
Prerequisite: Upper division standing and minimum 2.5 GPA.
Acceptance of experience through EXCEL: Experiential Courses and Engaged Learning, an approved position description filled out by Site Supervisor and permission of the student’s major academic advisor and sponsoring faculty member. Clear learning objectives and academic assignments appropriate for the position and credits being earned.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 1 - 12 -
POL 499 - Independent Study
Individual readings and research projects under supervision of a member of the political science faculty.
Note: Variable credit one to six repeatable for a total of nine credits.
Prerequisite: Upper division standing and instructor permission.
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
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