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Politics

The study of Politics explores many dimensions of political life, ranging from small groups to citizens' organizations to cities, nation-states, and the international system. Although this includes basic information about government, law, and current events, it also examines issues of power, citizenship, and justice in broader and deeper context. Oberlin's Department of Politics presents a variety of perspectives on politics, including economic, historical, philosophical, sociological, and behavioral orientations. The Department encourages its students to develop sophisticated understandings of the conditions and uses of political power in the United States and the world, and to hone their analytical and critical abilities.

A major in Politics can be the focus of a liberal arts program in the social sciences. It can help the citizen to understand, and act more effectively in, the political realm. The major leads to careers in government service, international affairs, journalism, teaching, and organizations concerned with social change and public affairs. It also prepares students for graduate study in political science, other social sciences, international studies, law, and public policy.

Choosing Courses. The Department of Politics offers course work in four fields: American politics (the analysis of politics, government, policy, and law in the U.S.), comparative politics (the study of politics in other countries), international politics (the study of political relations among countries), and political theory (the history, interpretation, and criticism of political ideas through texts).

We encourage prospective majors to explore course offerings in each of the four fields. The Department offers regular courses, colloquia, seminars, private readings and honors projects. Introductory courses, numbered in the 100s (including colloquia), open into each of the department's fields and do not have prerequisites. Intermediate courses, numbered in the 200s, normally require some previous preparation and constitute the core of departmental offerings for majors. Seminars, numbered in the 300s, generally require previous intermediate-level work. Students should consult members of the department before choosing courses at this level. Private readings on topics not specifically covered in courses may be arranged with individual faculty. They may involve reading and discussion, research, or fieldwork, are generally at an intermediate or advanced level, and are carried out largely independently.

Advanced Placement. Students with a score of 5 on AP examinations in American government, comparative politics, or general political science will be awarded credit towards graduation and the major. Such credit will count as an introductory course.

Major. The Department encourages students to consult a faculty member when they begin to consider a major in Politics. When declaring a major, students work with a faculty advisor to develop a program that fits the student's interest and goals.

The Politics Major requires completion of: (a) a minimum of thirty credits in Politics, of which twenty must be above the introductory level; (b) intermediate courses in at least three of the Department's four fields; (c) a Politics research seminar. At least fifteen credits must be taken from the Oberlin Politics Department.

Minor. A minor in Politics consists of fifteen hours in Politics, with at least two courses at the intermediate level or above. Courses must be in at least two fields. At least eight credits must be taken from the Oberlin Politics Department.

Honors. Honors in Politics is a three-semester program in which students do sustained, independent reading and research under faculty supervision. A detailed description of the program is available in the Department office. Each January, the Department reviews the academic records of all junior majors and invites some of them to become candidates for honors. In the second semester of the junior year, such students normally undertake a junior project, which consists of a research paper done in the context of a seminar or other course. (Students who are away from Oberlin during that semester should consult the chair to work out an alternative.) Students who successfully complete junior projects are invited to pursue Senior Honors in one of the four departmental fields.

During their senior year, honors students write a thesis and take oral and written examinations, administered by an outside examiner, in their chosen field. Such students enroll for honors research courses (POLT 403, 404) totaling two to five hours each semester. Because the honors program builds on intermediate courses, we urge students interested in pursuing honors to enroll in courses in their expected field of interest as early as possible.

Winter Term. Department members who are participating in Winter Term sponsor projects including community service, off-campus internships, and other activities. Areas of particular interest are: Mr. Blecher: readings in comparative politics, Chinese and Asian politics, socialism, political economy, Marxism. Mr. Crowley: issues in post-communist politics, international relations of the Soviet Union and the former Soviet Republics, political sociology, theoretical issues in comparative politics. Mr. Dawson: local government and community service. Mr. Howell: trade unions, political economy, left-wing parties, and readings in West European politics. Mr. Kahn: First Amendment, race and gender discrimination, urban politics, Federal courts and environmental issues, law and government. Ms. Kruks: feminist theory, contemporary continental theory, and history of political thought. Ms. Sandberg: international development, African politics. Mr. Schiff: international organizations, Middle Eastern politics, arms transfers and arms control, other topics in international politics. Ms. Schildkraut: polling and public opinion analysis, media and politics, language and immigration policy, interest groups, and political participation. Mr. Wilson: history of political theory, environmental topics, utopias and dystopias, democratic theory, postmodernism and politics.

In addition, the Department annually sponsors a January Winter Term Congressional Internship program. Information may be obtained from the Department office.

The Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics. The Department oversees a program of course offerings (POLT 421, 422, 207) and paid, eight-week summer internships designed to interest students in, and prepare them for, service in elective offices. Information is available from the Department office.

Politics On-Line. For more information on the Politics Department, courses and instructors, please visit our home page at www.oberlin.edu/~politics.

Cross-Referenced Courses. The following cross-referenced courses can be counted towards the Politics major or minor, but do not satisfy the 15 (major) or 8 (minor) minimum departmental credit requirement.
AAST 235. Government and Politics of Africa Mr. Saaka
AAST 336. Pan-Africanism Political Perspective Mr. Saaka

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Introductory Courses

American Politics

101. Colloquium: Race and Ethnicity in American Politics 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. For full course description see section entitled "Colloquia for First- and Second-Year Students."

103. Political Change in America 4 hours
4SS, CD, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.

105. American Government: Institutions, Policies, and Politics 4 hours
4SS, WR
First Semester. This course is concerned with what has been and remains the fundamental issue of American political life: What should government do? To seek an answer to this question, the course relies on a Socratic method; through discussion of daily issues of the New York Times, academic studies, policy cases, and in-class simulations, we will inductively arrive at, test, and apply fundamental principles about the nature and operation of the American political system.
Mr. Dawson

106. Mass Politics 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.


Comparative Politics

110. Revolution, Socialism and Reform in China 3 hours
3SS, CD, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.

111. Colloquium: Third Way Politics: Left Governments In Power in 3 hours
Europe and North America
3SS, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.

114. Political Change in Western Europe 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. This course examines politics in Western Europe, focusing upon the evolution of political parties and social movements. The last two decades have seen dramatic changes on the Left and Right of the political spectrum, with the eclipse of Eurocommunism and Christian Democracy, the transformation of Social Democracy, and the rise of the far right, Green parties, and new social movements. Politics in France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Sweden will be examined to explore these developments. Enrollment Limit: 60.
Mr. Howell


115. Post-Soviet Politics 3 hours
3SS, CD, WR
First Semester. In examining Soviet and post-Soviet politics, this course explores some of the major political themes of the twentieth century -- the Russian revolution, Stalinism, the nature of the Soviet political system, Gorbachev's perestroika, the Soviet collapse, and Russia's struggle with building capitalism and democracy. Much of the course will be devoted to the dramatic events since the fall of the Soviet empire and Russia's attempt to find its place in the global political economy. Enrollment Limit: 45.
Mr. Crowley


International Politics

120. Introduction to International Relations 3 hours
3SS, WR
First Semester. Theories and topics address: post-Cold War security concerns, issues of political economy, the rise of regional organizations, foreign policy making, constructivist approaches to analyzing non-state actors, and some issues in North-South relations. Requirements include: a midterm, a research paper and a final, attendance and participation in class, group work, case study participation and written responses, and a final exam. Enrollment Limit: 35.
Ms. Sandberg

121. International Politics 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. Introduces the modern international system, nationalism, imperialism, war, diplomacy, international organizations and law, global economic relations, the Cold War, its end and the system's future. Theoretical perspectives will be explored. Enrollment Limit: 55.
Staff

122. Colloquium: Israel-Palestine Conflict 3 hours
3SS, CD, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.


Political Theory

131. Problems of Political Theory 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. Introduction to some continuing problems and issues in political theory through readings in both classical and modern texts. Enrollment Limit: 45.
Staff

132. Colloquium: Explaining Social Power: Classical and 3 hours
Contemporary Theories
3SS, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.

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Intermediate Courses

American Politics

202. American Constitutional Law 4 hours
4SS, CD, WR
Second Semester. The case method is used to analyze the principles of the American Constitution and Supreme Court decision-making. Topics include: presidential, congressional, and Supreme Court power; state versus national control of social policy and commerce; equal protection of the law and race, gender, sexual orientation; implied fundamental rights to abortion choice, education, and sexual intimacy; First Amendment rights of free speech and religion, and modern constitutional theories. This is a core course in the Law and Society Program. Prerequisite: One course in politics or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 75.
Mr. Kahn

203. Congress: Politics and Policy-Making 4 hours
4SS, WR
First Semester. After surveying the historical and current characteristics of the U.S. Congress and its evolving role in the political system and by tracking and analyzing the congressional elections of 2002, this course provides an understanding of the relationships among politics, policy-making processes, and policy outcomes. Prerequisite: One course in American Government or Economics. Enrollment Limit: 25.

Mr. Dawson

204. Political Inquiry: Investigations into Controversial Issues 3 hours
3SS, Qph
Second Semester. This course introduces the use of quantitative and qualitative methods for investigating political issues such as the death penalty, immigration, campaign reform, gender and ethnicity, and other policy controversies. Students will develop research designs and learn how to collect, analyze, and present data. The course emphasizes hands-on training that will provide useful skills for academic and professional settings. No prior statistics background necessary. Coursework includes weekly assignments and a final team project. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Ms. Schildkraut

206. American Public Opinion 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. Addresses the impact of public opinion on the political process and vice versa. Topics include the nature of attitude stability and change, the role of the media in opinion-formation, the relationship between elite and mass opinions, the link between public opinion and democracy. Analysis of elections is a central feature of the course. Students will become critical consumers and competent users of opinion data through analysis of surveys and experiments. Enrollment Limit: 55.
Ms. Schildkraut

207. Electioneering: Theory and Practice 3 hours
3SS, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.

208. Environmental Policy 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. Identical to ENVS 208.
Mr. Orr

209. Public Policy in America 3-4 hours
3-4SS

Next offered 2003-2004
.

Comparative Politics

210. Latin American Politics 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. Examines major political issues' affects upon Latin America states. The first half surveys the region between the WWII and 1985 focused on economic development, the break down of democracy and turns toward authoritarianism. The second half examines challenges of democratization and prospects for current regimes. Two major questions focus the class: What are the sources of political change and stability in Latin America? What are the prospects for changing those conditions? Enrollment Limit: 25.
Staff

211. Revolutions 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. We will examine a number of revolutions of the past century, particularly those in Latin America and Russia/Eastern Europe. The questions we will explore include: What brings about revolution? Why do some revolutions succeed, and others fail? Are revolutions effective means of social change, or do they merely reproduce the problems inherited from the past? Have recent global changes rendered revolutions obsolete, or will they likely persist as a means of social and political transformation? Enrollment Limit: 35.
Mr. Crowley

213. The Political Economy of Gender in Advanced Capitalism 3 hours
3SS, WR
Second Semester. This course explores the relationship between gender and capitalism comparatively, paying particular attention to Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, the United States and Japan. It examines a range of approaches to the integration of gender into political economy, including neo-classical economics, segmented labor market theory, feminist economics, Marxist-feminism, and a range of alternative feminist approaches to the political economy of gender. Topics include affirmative action, welfare policy, pay equity, labor markets and labor unions. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Mr. Howell

214. Social Change and Political Transformation in Eastern Europe 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. This course focuses on Eastern Europe as the first "relatively backward" region in the world capitalist system. We will begin with some major theories of social change and a historical introduction to the region. Next, we will turn to communist revolutions, Stalinism, reform communism, the rise of dissent and the revolutions of 1989. Much of the course will be devoted to the post-communist era, attempts to build democracy and capitalism, and the rise of nationalism. Identical to SOCI 230. Enrollment Limit: 35.
Mr. Crowley

215. Labor in the Global Economy 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

216. The Political Economy of Advanced Capitalism 3 hours
3SS, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.

218. Marxist Analysis of Society and Politics 3 hours
3SS, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.


International Politics
 
221. Third World Political Economies 3 hours
3SS, CD, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.

222. Latin American International Relations 3 hours
3SS, CD
First Semester. Latin America has long played an important role on the international scene. This course will examine the political and economic relations between the countries of Latin America and the rest of the world. The class will begin with an overview of the main historical trends from independence to the 1989 invasion of Panama. After this overview, the course will focus on a set of contemporary issues, including the rise of regional trading blocs, the contemporary place of revolutionary movements in the region, the process of democratization, and drug trafficking. Enrollment Limit: 25.
Staff

224. Topics in Contemporary African Affairs 3 hours
3SS, CD, WR
Second Semester. Students will examine (through the lens of comparative politics and international relations literatures) some of the major changes in political, economic and social formations that are taking place in the 1990's in Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa and the regional organization of the Southern Africa Development Community. Student requirements include: a research paper, electronic and hardcopy written assignments, participation in class, group work, case study participation and written responses, and a final exam. Identical to AAST 254. Enrollment Limit: 35.
Ms. Sandberg

225. International Organization 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. Theory, history and practices of multilateral international organizations seeking to deal with international peace keeping, arms control, war-avoidance, environmental protection, human rights, economic cooperation and other global issues. Organizations to be studied include the United Nations and its agencies, regional organizations such as MERCOSUR and NAFTA, and non-governmental organizations such as Amnesty International. Prerequisite: one course in Politics (highly recommended: POLT 120 or 121). Enrollment Limit: 35.
Mr. Schiff

227. War, Weapons, and Arms Control 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

228. U.S. Foreign Policy Making 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. In this course, we will analyze the changing institutions and strategies through which the United States determines and implements its foreign policy goals. Additionally, we will examine how non-state actors attempt to influence the foreign policy making processes. After reading scholarly literature in the field of US foreign policy making, we will examine some key foreign policy choices. Students will have two writing assignments and a final exam. Enrollment Limit: 35.
Ms. Sandberg

230. Politics of the Middle East 3 hours
3SS, CD
First Semester. Compares selected Middle East governments and looks at the effects of outside powers, oil interests, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and at the causes and consequences of interstate and civil wars. Examines the role of Islam in politics, the effects of modernization, and religious, class, gender, and ideological conflicts. Combines international and comparative approaches. Prerequisite: One course in international or comparative politics. Enrollment Limit: 35.
Mr. Schiff


Political Theory

231. European Political Theory: Classical to Early Modern 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

232. European Political Theory: Hobbes to Marx 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. Examines the main developments in European political theory from the emergence of the early nation-state until the era of industrial capitalist society. Through a close study of selected texts, the decline of absolutist theories of the state, the development of liberalism as the central political theory tradition, and of conservatism and socialism as critical responses to it, are studied. Authors include: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Bentham, J.S. Mill, and Marx. Enrollment Limit: 40.
Mr. Wilson

233. American Political Theory I: to Civil War Period 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

234. European Political Theory: After Marx 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. A critical analysis of European political theory from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries. Issues examined include the nature of power, the relation of freedom to authority, whether individual political action remains possible in the modern world, and the status of social sciences methods in political theory. Authors studied include Durkheim, Nietzsche, Weber, Lenin, Camus, Arendt, and others. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Mr. Wilson

236. American Political Theory II 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

237. Green Political Theory 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. An examination of various political theories concerned with the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Issues such as the human transformation of nature through technology and social practice, the "tragedy of the commons," the social construction of nature, and the development of a 'green' democratic theory and practice are considered. Readings are drawn from a wide range of political theories, including neoMalthusianism, libertarianism, ecosocialism, social ecology, deep ecology, ecofeminism, postmodernism, and democratic theory. Prerequisite: at least one course in political theory, or ENVS 208. Enrollment Limit 30.
Mr. Wilson

238. Western Marxism and Critical Theory 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

239. Marxist Theory 3 hours
3SS, CD
Second Semester. This course features close study of the work of Marx and leading Marxists. Some attention will also be given to anarchist theories and their relation to Marxism. Writers studied will include Marx, Engels, Luxemburg, Lenin, Gramsci, Bakunin, Kropotkin, and Sorel. This course is recommended preparation for POLT 218 and POLT 238. Discussion sections Friday at 1:30 or 2:30. Prerequisite: one course in the social sciences. Enrollment Limit: 40.
Mr. Wilson

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Seminars and Advanced Colloquia

American Politics

300. Seminar: In Contemporary Constitutional Theory: 3 hours
Explaining the Rights of Subordinated Groups
3SS, CD
Second Semester. The construction the social, political, and economic world outside the Supreme Court in constitutional practice, theory, and precedents. The rights of homosexual men and lesbians, African-Americans, women, and members of minority religions and ethnic groups under the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of 14th Amendment, and the Free Exercise Clause of First Amendment. Topics include: sexual intimacy and marriage for gay men and lesbians; abortion choice; death penalty and race discrimination; free exercise of religion for Native-Americans; and new historical institutionalism and constitutional change. Students may choose widely in selecting paper topics. Prerequisite: POLT 103, POLT 202, or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Kahn

301. Seminar: Constitutional Law: The First Amendment 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

304. Seminar: Political Psychology 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. Political psychology is an interdisciplinary field that employs social and cognitive psychological theories to examine the world of politics. Students in this seminar will explore several key approaches to understanding the psychology of political behavior and will examine the psychological origins of citizens' political beliefs and actions from a variety of perspectives. Topics covered include: information processing, inter-group conflict, attribution, blame management, norms and values, heuristics, stereotyping and prejudice, and political communication. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Schildkraut

305. Seminar: The Presidency 3 hours
3SS, WR
Second Semester. The study of the American presidency provides an opportunity to examine the nature and interaction of historical, institutional, cultural, and political forces in the acquisition and exercise of political power. Specialized topics vary by year. Prerequisite: two courses in American politics, one of which is POLT 204 or equivalent methodological training. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Mr. Dawson


Comparative Politics

315. Seminar: Future of Organized Labor 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

316. Seminar: Post-Communist Transformations 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

317. Seminar: The Transformation of the Welfare State 3 hours
3SS, WR
Second Semester. This seminar examines the emergence of new, qualitatively different kinds of welfare states across the advanced capitalist world in the past two decades. The seminar will be comparative, examining the causes and consequences of the crisis and transformation of the welfare state in Western Europe and North America. Topics will include "workfare", healthcare reform, and responses to the simultaneous feminization of the labor force, and aging of populations in capitalist societies. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Howell


International Politics

321. Seminar: International Politics 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. Selected issues in international relations. In 2002 the topic includes the historical development, current status and institutions involved in implementing international human rights law, the scope and limits of national sovereignty, and the gap between law and practice. Prerequisites: POLT 120, 121, 123, 202, 225 or 228. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 13.
Mr. Schiff

323. Seminar: Democratization in the Twenty-First Century 3 hours
3SS, CD, WR
Next offered 2003-2004.

329. Seminar: Globalization: Labor Issues 3 hours
3SS
First Semester. The focus of this year's seminar will be on labor, specifically on labor issues in Third World and post-communist countries, with emphasis on such questions as labor-intensive industry as a means of development, sweatshops, global labor standards, labor migration, and cross-boarder labor organizing. We will examine these issues through case studies drown from Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Students will write a research paper on a related topic of their choice. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Crowley


Political Theory

331. Seminar: Contemporary Political Theory 3 hours
3SS
Next offered 2003-2004.

334. Seminar: Theories of Justice and Democracy in Contemporary America 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. This seminar discusses some of the most important recent and contemporary American political theories, focusing on controversies about the nature of justice and the scope
and extent of democracy in a political society of plurality and difference. Various approaches to political theory are represented, including the work of Arendt, Rawls, Walzer, Connolly, Sandel, Okin, Gutmann, and Young. Prerequisite: at least one course in political theory. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Wilson

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Honors

403. Senior Honors 2-5 hours
2-5SS
Consent of instructor required.
Staff

404. Senior Honors 2-5 hours
2-5SS
Consent of instructor required.
Staff


Practicum

411. Practicum in Policy Evaluation and Applied Research 3 hours
3SS
Second Semester. Students, as part of a team, will research and write on a topic in the Policy realm that services the needs of an off-campus organization. Students will receive training in strategies for conducting research and a standardized method of presenting written and oral findings to a client. Students will be responsible for completing assigned research and writing, common readings, participating in on-campus and off-campus activities. We will address issues concerning the business and ethical activities of political research consultants. Time meets by permission of the instructor. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Sandberg

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Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics

421. Studies in Electoral Politics 2-3 hours
2-3SS
Second Semester. Research and writing seminar for Cole Scholar students who have been selected to participate in the Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics. The seminar will prepare students for their summer internships and familiarize them with the major scholarly and practical literatures concerning campaigns and elections. Consent of instructor required.
Mr. Kahn, Ms. Schildkraut

422. Projects in Electoral Politics 2-3 hours
2-3SS
First Semester. An analysis of electoral politics in light of social science theories and field work. Enrollment in this course is limited to Cole Scholars who have completed their summer internships under the auspices of the Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics. Consent of instructor required.
Mr. Kahn, Ms. Schildkraut
Individual Projects

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Individual Projects

995. Private Reading 1-3 hours
1-3SS
Consent of instructor required. Projects sponsored by Mr. Blecher, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Howell, Mr. Kahn, Ms. Kruks, Ms. Sandberg, Mr. Schiff, Ms. Schildkraut, and Mr. Wilson.

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