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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. This includes basic information about government, law, and current events, and 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 United States), 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 and will count as three hours toward general graduation credit. 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 30 credits in Politics, of which 20 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 15 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. Mani: peaceful conflict resolution, Latin American politics, international security affairs. Mr. Medani: Middle East and North Africa, international migration, international political economy. Ms. Sandberg: international development, African politics. Mr. Schiff: international organizations, Middle Eastern politics, arms transfers and arms control, other topics in international politics. 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 207, 421, 422) 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 Online. 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 eight (minor) minimum departmental credit requirement. African American Studies (AAST) 235 Government and Politics of Africa 336 Pan-Africanism Political Perspective
100. The American Experiment 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. How do the Constitution and the values it embodies shape American politics? We will assess the character and ramifications of the American government's original experimental design and subsequent attempts to change it to develop a lens with which to view current politics. Explores differing accounts of the motives behind the Constitution's formation, the character of Americans, the success or failure of American institutions, and the current political situation in America. Enrollment Limit: 25. Staff 101. Colloquium: Race and Ethnicity in American Politics 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. For description, please see "Colloquia for First- and Second-Year Students" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 15. Ms. Schildkraut 105. American Government: Institutions, Policies, and Politics 4 hours 4SS, WR First Semester. This Socratically taught course is focused on the presidential election campaign of 2004 and on the underlying issue in American political history: "What is the proper role of government?" Each student will prepare an original report to predict and explain the likely winner of a particular state. Case studies and daily issues of the New York Times are used to derive and illustrate fundamental principles about the nature and operation of the American political system. Mr. Dawson FYSP 119. The First Amendment and the Internet 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006. FYSP 139. Political Leadership 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006. Comparative Politics FYSP 112. Globalization Politics 3 hours 3SS, WRi First Semester. For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 14. Mr. Crowley 114. Political Change in Western Europe 3 hours 3SS First 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. No prerequisite. 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 20th 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 117. Comparative Politics of the Middle East and North Africa 3 hours 3SS, CD First Semester. Compares government and societies of regional states, focusing on governmental, political-economic, religious, class and cultural homogeneity and heterogeneity, international connections and history to introduce the region's countries. The course will combine an historical with a thematic approach. Enrollment Limit: 35. Mr. Medani FYSP 138. Class: Comparative Perspectives 3 hours 3SS, WR First Semester. For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 14. Mr. Blecher International Politics American Politics 120. Introduction to International Relations 3 hours 3SS, WR First Semester. Theories and topics will address the creation of the Bretton Woods institutions, Realism and post-Cold War security concerns, issues of political economy and North-South relations, foreign policy making, constructivist approaches to analyzing non-state actors. Requirements: midterm, resource document, research paper, take-home final, group work, case study and other participation activities, ad hoc assignments. Enrollment Limit: 35. Ms. Sandberg 121. Introduction to International Relations 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. Surveys major theories and evidence that explain patterns of international conflict and cooperation. Examines basic theoretical concepts (anarchy, security, power), tools (force, diplomacy), domestic factors (regime type, nationalism, decision-maker bias) and international factors (trade, technology, norms). Empirical focus on what creates and thwarts development of war, peace, international organizations, regional blocs, NGOs, ethnic conflicts, human rights, intervention, and the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction. Enrollment Limit: 35. Ms. Mani FYSP 149. War and Power 3 hours 3SS First Semester. For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 14. Ms. Sandberg FYSP 188. Non-violent Strategies of Conflict 3 hours 3SS First Semester. For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 14. Ms. Mani FYSP 189. Global Ethnic Conflict 3 hours 3SS First Semester. For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 14. Mr. Medani Political Theory 131. Problems of Political Theory 3 hours 3SS, WR First Semester. Introduction to some continuing problems and issues in political theory through close readings of both classical and modern texts, including Plato, Locke, Mill, and contemporary writings. Special attention is given to ideas of justice, freedom, and democracy. The course is taught through lectures and discussion groups. Enrollment Limit: 40. Mr. Wilson 132. Colloquium: Explaining Social Power: Classical and Contemporary Theories 3 hours 3SS, WR Second Semester. For description, please see "Colloquia for First- and Second-Year Students" in this catalog." Enrollment Limit: 15. Ms. Kruks FYSP 176. Utopian Thought 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006.
American Politics 201. The Political Development of American Institutions 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. The goal of the course is to deepen students' understanding of American political institutions, i.e. Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court, Political Parties, and the Bureaucracy by tracing their historical development and by assessing their current structure and functions. How does the political development of an institution change political behavior? How does the development of one institution affect the political resources of other institutions? Enrollment Limit: 25. Staff 202. American Constitutional Law 4 hours 4SS, CD, WR Next offered 2005-2006. 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: 45. Staff 205. Rational Choice Theory and American Politics 3 hours 3SS First Semester. Rational choice is a dominant theory in empirical political science that posits that human beings are instrumental in their political behavior. The course explores this theory and what it can contribute to understanding American politics. Using insights from the theory, we will examine the "collective action" problem and the two-party system to consider why people are not more engaged politically and why there are only two politically effective parties in the United States. Enrollment Limit: 25. Staff 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. Staff 207. Electioneering: Theory and Practice 3 hours 3SS, WR First Semester. This survey/research course is focused on the congressional election campaigns of 2004 and on historically demonstrated relationships among electioneering, race, redistricting, representation, the pursuit of political power, and legislative outcomes. Each student will prepare an original report to predict and explain the likely winner of a particular congressional election. Prerequisite: One course on American politics; POLT 204 also highly recommended. Enrollment Limit: 25. Mr. Dawson 208. Environmental Policy 3 hours 3SS First Semester. Identical to ENVS 208. For description, please see "Environmental Studies" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 25. Mr. Orr 209. Public Policy in America 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. This course is concerned with diagnosing the sources of folly in the making of public policy and with developing those political skills of analysis that enhance policy-making effectiveness. Academic perspectives expose historical errors. An emphasis on experiential learning makes the acquisition of political skills personally meaningful. Prerequisites: Two courses in American politics. Enrollment Limit: 25. Mr. Dawson Comparative Politics 210. Latin American Politics 3 hours 3SS, CD Second Semester. Comparative analysis of 19th- and especially 20th-century Latin American political development. Considers political ideologies (republicanism, authoritarianism, revolution and democracy) and their institutions. Seeks to explain why political and economic models have been adopted almost cyclically and how traditions of legalism have coexisted alongside legal impunity. Examines development of major political actors in the region: the state, caudillos, political parties, the military, class sectors, and their agendas. Enrollment Limit: 25. Ms. Mani 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 212. Political Economy of Development in Asia 3 hours 3SS, CD, WR First Semester. A survey of relationship of politics and economy in India, China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, including: legacies of historical structures; effects of imperialism; state formation; rural development; industrial development; finance; international economic relationships. Key issues include: capitalism vs. state socialism; export-led industrialization vs. import substitution; the position and role of labor. Written work consists of take home, open book essays. Prerequisite: One course in the social sciences. No background in economics is required. Note: Counts towards the East Asian Studies major. Enrollment Limit: 45. Mr. Blecher 213. The Political Economy of Gender in Advanced Capitalism 3 hours 3SS, WR Next offered 2005-2006. 214. Social Change and Political Transformation in Eastern Europe 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. Identical to SOCI 230. For description, please see "Sociology" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 35. Mr. Vujacic 215. The Political Economy of Labor 3 hours 3SS First Semester. This course explores the variety of ways labor has been politically and economically incorporated into capitalist, state socialist, and post-state socialist societies. Its focus is the range of organizational forms, strategies and practices developed by labor movements, and the manner in which states and business interests have sought to regulate those movements. Topics include economic restructuring, new management strategies, globalization, changes in the composition of the working class, and relationships between labor movements and politics. Enrollment Limit: 50. Mr. Blecher, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Howell 216. The Political Economy of Advanced Capitalism 3 hours 3SS, WR First Semester. This course is an introduction to comparative political economy, broadly defined as the ways in which the triangular relationship between the state, labor and capital differs from one advanced capitalist country to another. The course will examine the political economies of Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, the U.S. and Japan, paying particular attention to international economic integration, the position of women and minorities, and challenges to the welfare state and trade unions. No prerequisite. Enrollment Limit: 30. Mr. Howell 217. Urban Politics in the Middle East and North Africa 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. The course explores the relationship between globalization, the transformation of urban space, and the rise of new social movements in the Middle East and North Africa. In particular it will address the influence of urban poverty, migration, informal economic activities, and limited social welfare provisions in the transformation of class, ethnic and religious identities. Examines the struggles over power, resources, identity and physical space in the context of de-industrialization and the diminished economic role of the state. Enrollment Limit: 25. Mr. Medani 218. Marxist Analysis of Society and Politics 3 hours 3SS, WR Next offered 2005-2006. 219. Work, Workers and Trade Unions in Advanced Capitalist Societies 3 hours 3SS, WR Next offered 2005-2006. 261. Islam and Politics 3 hours 3SS, CD First Semester. Explores the role of Islam in politics, primarily in the Middle East and North African regions. Focuses on the variety of understandings of the role of Islam as a religion in the politics of regional states, political parties, movements and conflicts. Examines in particular the rise of Islamism as a mobilizing ideology, and the role and variety of understandings of Jihad in contemporary discourse. Enrollment Limit: 25. Mr. Medani 262. Nation and State Building in the Middle East and North Africa 3 hours 3SS, CD Next offered 2005-2006. International Politics 221. Third World Political Economies 3 hours 3SS, CD, WR Next offered 2005-2006. 222. Latin American International Relations 3 hours 3SS, CD First Semester. Surveys influence patterns among Latin American countries and between Latin America and other international actors in the 19th and 20th centuries. Emphasizes linkages between domestic and international aspects of politics, economics and security. Examines the formation of national identities, political regimes and ideologies, economic development and integration, regional security structures, civil and international wars, peacemaking and transnational crime. Focus on Southern Cone, Andean and Central American countries. Prerequisite: POLT 120 or 121. Enrollment Limit: 25. Ms. Mani 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 Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, and South Africa. Regional issues will be explored. U.S. foreign policy toward Africa will be explored. Student requirements include a research paper, a take home final, group work, ad hoc assignments throughout the course, participation in case studies and other activities. 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 First Semester. Explores the evolution of war, weapons technologies, strategies, arms diffusion and arms control efforts and their influences on international violence and concepts of national security. The relationship of weapons development and wars to civilian technological, organizational and political change will also be examined. Prerequisite: One course in Politics (highly recommended: POLT 120 or POLT 121). Enrollment Limit: 35. Mr. Schiff 228. U.S. Foreign Policy Making 3 hours 3SS First Semester. We will address theories of how U.S. Foreign Policies are made and analyze some cases of U.S. foreign policy making. We will ask questions such as: What are the relative powers of the President and Congress regarding foreign policy making? How do bureaucracies, the public, and the press influence policy makers? How do the personal experiences of decision makers affect their policy-making frames? Requirements: midterm, group work, various assignments, class participation, research final paper. Enrollment Limit: 35. Ms. Sandberg Political Theory 231. European Political Theory: Classical to Early Modern 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006. 232. European Political Theory: Hobbes to Marx 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. Examines 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: 30. Ms. Kruks 233. American Political Theory 4 hours 4SS First Semester. A critical analysis of the main currents of American political theory from the Puritans to the present with particular emphasis on the Founding period. Traditional American political concepts are examined and re-evaluated in the light of late 20th-century conditions. Some attention is given to the development of an American science of politics and to problems of national and group identity. Each student must attend a discussion section either 1:30 or 2:30 Fridays. This is a core course in the Law and Society Program. Enrollment Limit: 45. Mr. Wilson 234. European Political Theory: After Marx 3 hours 3SS First Semester. A critical analysis of European political theory from the mid-19th to the mid-20th 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 science methods in political theory. Authors studied include Durkheim, Nietzsche, Weber, Lenin, Camus, and others. Enrollment Limit: 30. Ms. Kruks 237. Environmental Political Theory 3 hours 3SS Second 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 neo-Malthusianism, libertarianism, ecosocialism, social ecology, deep ecology, eco-feminism, postmodernism, and democratic theory. Prerequisite: At least one course in political theory, or ENVS 208. Enrollment Limit: 30. Mr. Wilson 239. Marxist Theory 3 hours 3SS, CD, WR Second Semester. A survey of Marxist theory from Marx and Engels to the present. After discussing Hegel, the heart of the course is in-depth study of Marx and Engels. We proceed next to leading Marxist thinkers and political activists of the early 20th century: Bernstein, Luxemburg, Kautsky, Lenin and Gramsci. Finally we briefly take up critical theory, feminist Marxism, environmental Marxism, analytical Marxism, and postmodern Marxism. Enrollment Limit: 60. Mr. Blecher
American Politics 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. Staff 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. Prerequisites: two courses in American politics, one of which is POLT 204 or equivalent methodological training. Enrollment Limit: 12. Mr. Dawson 306. Seminar: Use and Abuse of Executive Power 3 hours 3SS First Semester. Examines the relationship between executive power and American constitutional democracy. Common readings will explore the place of executive power in the constitutional system. What should be the role of the executive? What is "executive prerogative?" Why is it necessary? Is it threatening to democracy? Students will explore these questions by pursuing research projects focused on some use of executive power in American history. Enrollment Limit: 13. Staff Comparative Politics 313. Seminar: Socialist Reform and Crisis in China 3 hours 3SS, CD, WR Second Semester. We analyze the achievements and problems of China's ongoing efforts at structural "reform" away from state socialism and toward capitalistic authoritarianism, sampling the latest studies of political economy (the role of the state in industry, agriculture, commerce and finance), political sociology (inequality, stratification, social problems) and politics (resistance, civil society and democracy). Students will write research papers on a topic of their choice; they and the instructor will present and critique drafts. Prerequisites: One course in comparative politics or consent of the instructor. Enrollment Limit: 15. Mr. Blecher 316. Seminar: Post-Communist Transformations 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006. 317. Seminar: The Transformation of the Welfare State 3 hours 3SS, WR Next offered 2005-2006. 318. Seminar: Ethnic and Religious Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. Explores theories of religious and ethnic conflict and applies these to case studies in the Middle East and North Africa. Examines the sources of ethnic conflict and Islamic fundamentalism and their implications for domestic politics and regional order. Focuses on the linkages between international, regional and local processes underpinning religious, sectarian and ethnic strife through class discussion, oral presentations and written assignments. Case studies will include Iraq, Lebanon, Israel/Palestine, Sudan and Somalia. Enrollment Limit: 13. Mr. Medani 319. Islam and Politics in the Middle East and North Africa 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006. International Politics 321. Seminar: International Politics 3 hours 3SS First Semester. Selected issues in international relations. In 2004 the seminar focuses on international humanitarian law (the law of war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity), related domestic and international institutions (truth commissions, UN tribunals, the International Criminal Court), and relevant international relations and international legal concepts (international norms, state sovereignty, universal jurisdiction, positive and natural law). Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 13. Mr. Schiff 326. Seminar: Military and Security in Latin America 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006. 328. Seminar: Pirates, Priests and Protestors: Non-state Actors in International Politics 3 hours 3SS First Semester. Non-state actors have long influenced the use of violence, the creation of norms, and the distribution of wealth that guide relations among states. They increasingly challenge the traditional state system and thus the underlying structure of international politics. The course explores how non-state actors form and evolve, and under what conditions they become influential. Focus on NGOs, transnational advocacy networks, transnational corporations, private armies, and transnational criminal and terrorist networks. Influence areas include social policy, the environment, security, and human rights. Historical and contemporary cases. Enrollment Limit: 14. Ms. Mani 329. Seminar: Globalization 3 hours 3SS Second Semester. This seminar will examine what is arguably the dominant trend of the post-Cold War world: the increasingly global nature of capitalism, together with the compression of the world through new technologies, and the consequences and reactions these trends have spurred. We will examine competing theoretical perspectives on globalization, and explore the impact on the Third World, labor, the environment, state sovereignty and world culture, as well as the rise of various movements as a result. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 14. Mr. Crowley Political Theory 331. Seminar: Contemporary Political Theory 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006. 334. 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, preferably POLT 232, 233 or 234. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15. Mr. Wilson 335. Seminar: Gender and Political Theory 3 hours 3SS, CD First Semester. Until recently, Western political theory presumed that political actors were male. This seminar will begin by exploring how key concepts in political theory, such as citizenship, justice, freedom, and democracy, have long been shaped by masculinist assumptions. It will then consider some recent works of feminist political theory. By reconfiguring the gender assumptions of previous theory, these invite us to think anew about the nature of justice, democracy, the distinction between public and private life, and other questions. Prerequisite: At least one course in political theory. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 12. Ms. Kruks 339. Seminar: Political Theory and Political Education 3 hours 3SS Next offered 2005-2006. 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 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. Dawson 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. Dawson London Program 900. The Danenberg Lectures on British Culture and Society 2 hours 2EX Second Semester. For description, please see "London Program" in this catalog. Mr. Howell, Mr. Wojtal 980. New Labour in Power: Has The Third Way Lost Its Way? 6 hours 6SS Second Semester. For description, please see "London Program" in this catalog. Mr. Howell 981. Producing Power: The Science and Politics of Energy Policy in Britain 6 hours 3SS, 3NS Second Semester. For description, please see "London Program" in this catalog. Mr. Howell, Mr. Wojtal 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. Mani, Mr. Medani, Ms. Sandberg, Mr. Schiff, and Mr. Wilson. |
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