Please note: This is NOT the most current catalog.

Political Science

http://wp.stolaf.edu/poli-sci/

Chair, 2014-15: Anthony Lott, international relations, international law

Faculty, 2014-15: Joshua Anderson, American politics, political theory; Jo Beld, American politics, public policy (on leave); Douglas Casson, political theory, American constitutional law; Christopher Chapp, American politics, methodology, political psychology; J. Patrick Dale, comparative politics, Russian, Eurasian, and European politics (on leave fall semester and Interim); Daniel Hofrenning, American politics, public policy; Anthony Pahnke, comparative politics, international relations; Katherine Tegtmeyer Pak, comparative politics, Asian politics, international relations; Kris Thalhammer, comparative politics, Latin American politics

Political science is the systematic study of government, politics, and public policies in the United States and around the world. Students in political science courses learn to frame thoughtful questions, consider diverse perspectives, marshal convincing evidence, and communicate with clarity and conviction about the major issues of public life.

Many political science courses at St. Olaf satisfy general education requirements (see below). The Political Science Department shares faculty and courses with American studies, Asian studies, environmental studies, Latin American studies, Russian studies, and women’s and gender studies. It also cooperates with the Education Department in its social studies education major.

The study of political science is often combined with majors in English, economics, history, philosophy, world languages, or any of a number of interdisciplinary majors and concentrations. Many political science students go on to complete graduate and professional degrees, not only in political science but also in law, education, public policy, international affairs, management and administration, or communications. Our graduates become policy analysts, teachers, legislators, advocates, attorneys, business owners, consultants, public relations managers, ambassadors, administrators, researchers, and journalists. The study of political science enriches students’ experience of the liberal arts and prepares them to engage in public life as responsible citizens and reflective leaders.

OVERVIEW OF THE MAJOR

The political science major provides broad exposure to the discipline and develops skills in critical thinking, systematic inquiry, and effective writing and speaking. Students majoring in political science complete courses in four areas: American politics and public policy, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Political science majors also encounter and apply a variety of approaches to studying political behavior and public policy, with particular emphasis on social scientific inquiry. Advanced seminars and independent study courses provide opportunities for specialized study and advanced research. Off-campus courses, internships, and other experiential learning experiences engage students with the realities of public life.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE MAJOR

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

Students majoring in political science must complete a minimum of nine courses in the discipline, including no more than three level I courses, one course introducing research methods (Political Science 220: Analyzing Politics and Policies), and no fewer than two level III courses.

Majors must include at least one course from each of the four subfields: American politics and public policy (Political Science 111, 211, 244, 246, 255, 272, 311, Environmental Studies/Political Science 276); comparative politics (112, 117, 240, 252, 264, 282, 283, 350, 367, 370, 382, 385; Asian Studies/Political Science 245, 250); international relations (115, 119, 121, 234, 257, 258, 285, 321; Asian Studies/Political Science 245, Environmental Studies/Political Science 201) and political theory (113, 119, 232, 260, 262, 278, 284, 384, Environmental Studies/Political Science 225). The subfield designation of political science topics (299), independent study (298), independent research (398), seminar (399), Interim courses or other courses not listed above depends on the content of the course in a given semester; students should consult with a faculty member in political science and with the department academic administrative assistant to determine the appropriate subfield for one of these courses. All level III courses are offered as seminars with two prerequisites: Political Science 220 and one other course in the relevant subfield.

Students may designate a selected statistics course OR one additional semester of a world language beyond the level of proficiency required for general education (French, German, or Spanish numbered above 232 or Chinese, Greek, Latin, Japanese, Norwegian, or Russian numbered above 231) as one of their nine courses in the political science major. Additional study in statistics and/or a world language is especially recommended for students considering graduate study.

Political science majors are also encouraged to seek out opportunities for experiential or applied study through internships, off-campus study, on-campus courses with an experiential component, or independent projects under faculty supervision. Up to two off-campus courses instructed by non-St. Olaf faculty may be included in the major. An internship for academic credit may also count toward the major, although internships cannot be used to satisfy subfield requirements. Additional suggestions and guidelines for including off-campus work and experiential study in the political science major are available in the department; students are encouraged to consult with their advisor in making their plans.

GENERAL EDUCATION

The Political Science Department offers courses that satisfy general education requirements in Human Behavior and Society (HBS), Historical Studies in Western Culture (HWC), Multicultural Studies (MCD, MCG), and Ethical Issues and Normative Perspectives (EIN). In addition, all level III courses are designated Courses with Writing (WRI).

DISTINCTION

See Political Science department Web site for details.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Political science students may choose from a rich assortment of domestic and international off-campus study opportunities, some during Interim and others lasting a semester or more. See the International and Off-Campus Studies section of this catalog. They can also arrange for credited internships in a wide variety of settings, from law offices and campaign organizations to the national or state legislature. Further information on internships, Interim off-campus course offerings, and other special programs such as the Washington Semester and international programs with political science credit, is available in the department or from the Office of International and Off-Campus Studies.

COURSES

111 American Politics

The promise of American politics is the equal freedom of all. How does practice match principles? What roles do class and race play? Do interest groups and political parties foster democracy? This course is designed not only to help students understand American government and politics but also to motivate them to be active and informed participants. Offered annually. Counts towards American studies major.

112 Comparative Politics

Why do some societies have democratic political systems and others authoritarian ones? What is democracy? Is it the norm or the exception? The course provides a foundation for the understanding of contemporary political regimes. It applies the major concepts of comparative analysis to the political systems of Western and non-Western societies. Offered annually.

113 Introduction to Political Theory

This course is an introduction to some of the central, interrelated concepts and questions of political theory. Some of the readings will be drawn from recognized classics in the field while others will arise from contemporary debates about political issues and cultural diversity within the U.S. The course pays considerable attention to historical shifts in political thought but is not designed to provide a chronology of the great Western political thinkers. Instead, this course aims to provoke and sustain a semester-long exploration of what it means to be a political actor -- that is, a citizen -- and what it means to think about politics. Offered annually.

115 Global Democracy

Where does democracy originate, within nations or from international processes? What factors shape efforts around the world to claim power for the people? Should democratic states seek to promote democracy internationally? This course asks students to consider these questions by exploring global experiences of democratization from the 20th century through recent events. The course introduces ideas from political scientists and political actors and requires students to compare them. Offered annually.

117 Politics and Human Rights

What makes a person capable of repression? Who obeys morally unjust orders to torture or kill innocent victims? What causes genocide? Who risks his or her life to defend others' rights? Using case studies from around the world, this course looks at various explanations for the range of ways individuals respond to immoral government actions, with special emphasis on theories of political psychology.

119 The Problem of War

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the long tradition of debate concerning the nature and legitimacy of war. The course explores the reality of war, the revulsion of violence and the possibility of just war through texts ranging from Thucydides, Aquinas, and Walzer. The course explores contemporary debates in light of moral and empirical arguments learned.

121 International Relations

War and peace, justice and power -- these are age-old topics of the politics among nations. This course examines them by emphasizing certain problem areas in the world and evaluating the principal theories for understanding international politics. Offered annually.

Environmental Studies/Political Science 201: Topics in Global Environmental Politics

Population growth, industrialization, and the consumption of fossil fuels have increased global environmental problems. The course examines the ways in which nation-states and/or international institutions have addressed these environmental concerns. Depending on the instructor, the focus of the course is either the environmental problems of a particular area (e.g., Latin America, Russia or Asia) or a broader global arena (e.g., international institutions and the environment). Offered annually.

211 Media and Politics

In a democratic state, the media play an important role in linking the people to elected officials and political institutions. The course is principally concerned with this connection. By analyzing broad and varied forms of political communication and studying scholarship on the role of media in society, students explore the structure of American media with respect to political institutions, the effects media can have on individuals' political attitudes, and the role the media play in political campaigns and governance. Prerequisite: none, but one course in political science is recommended.

220 Analyzing Politics and Policies

This course explores the diverse modes of inquiry in the discipline of political science. Broadly centered around the question, "How do you know?," students focus on different methods of locating and collecting data, reviewing political texts and contested concepts, and constructing theoretical explanations of political phenomena. Prerequisite: one previous course in department. Offered each semester. Counts toward environmental studies major (social science track). Non-majors may register with permission of instructor.

Environmental Studies/Political Science 225: Environmental Political Theory

This course examines relations between conceptions of "nature" and political issues of power, justice, liberty, and equality; and it explores theoretical foundations from which ecologically grounded institutions, policies, and political understandings arise. The course attends to issues currently being addressed by international green political theorists, including "ecological citizenship" and "green democracy."

232 American Political Thought

American politics is about ideas. The rule of the people is superior to the rule of the few. Free speech is good. Political power should be distributed, checked and balanced, and federalized. This course traces the origins of these and other important ruling ideas in the writings of America's most prominent thinkers.

234 World Courts in Europe

This course introduces students to the complexities of international adjudication. Students meet with leading figures in international law at some of the most important venues for deciding matters of public international adjudication in the world. Students gain a general understanding of the complex institutional mechanisms that have been created to ensure security among states and prosecute international criminals.

240 Changing Political Identities in Coastal Central Europe

The course is based on the Adriatic Coast of Slovenia with travel to Italy, Croatia and Bosnia to students study processes of political identity formation in a part of Europe that has seen the collapse of multi-ethnic empires and the multi-ethnic state of Yugoslavia. Students work in groups representing the concepts used by Charles Tilly to analyze political identity. In group reports, students construct analytical images of political identities in Piran, Triest, Vukovar, Belgrade, Sarajevo and Mostar.


244 Race and American Politics

This class aims to better understand the racial climate in the United States, and the implications for American politics. Differing analytical perspectives from political science are used to interpret the role of race. A central question is the degree to which "post-racial" is an appropriate description of the current era. Counts toward political science major.

Asian Studies/Political Science 245: Nationalism, Regionalism, Globalization in Asia

Currents of nationalism, regionalism and globalization organize political life around the world. What trends and policies promote regional integration? What forces frustrate integration? To answer these questions this course investigates security, economic, and cultural relations at the beginning of the 21st century within Asia and between Asia and Russia and the U.S. This course looks at the historical interaction of national, regional, and global forces for additional answers. Prerequisite: previous course in Asian studies or political science, or permission of instructor.

246 Introduction to Public Policy

The product of the political process is public policy. This course surveys the major areas of domestic public policy in the United States: education, welfare, health, housing, the environment, and the economy with special attention to the impact of public policies on women and minorities. Counts towards American studies major.

Asian Studies/Political Science 250: Asian Citizenships: Identities and Rights

How do people in Asia understand citizenship? Students learn how membership in cultural, social, and political communities shapes rights, responsibilities, and identities in Asian countries. Reading historical and social science research, students consider and compare citizenship in Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Prerequisite: One previous course in Asian studies or political science. Offered periodically.

252 Politics and Development

Some formerly developing countries have found the way to join the ranks of the industrialized nations, others have not. What explains the difference? By introducing students to theories of modernization, dependency, world systems, order, class, revolution, state, and political economy, the course attempts to provide the framework for answering this question. Counts toward Latin American studies major and concentration.

255 Political Parties and Elections

Political parties have traditionally served to organize the American electoral process but not to govern. Is their role changing? This course examines party organization, candidate recruitment, campaign strategies, the role of the media, election financing, and citizen participation. Counts towards American studies major.

257 U.S. - Latin American Relations

Often controversial, U.S.-Latin American relations occupy a special place in the foreign policy of the United States. Students compare differing views of political issues of importance to both regions and explore the emergence of U.S. power, interventionism, cooperation, revolution, collective security, the transition to democracy, and the influence of economic factors on the relationship between Latin America and the U.S. Counts toward Latin American studies major and concentration.

258 World Politics

The goal of this course is to expand students' knowledge of conflict, cooperation, trade, development, inequality, imperialism, and power in world politics. The course uses substantive examples to teach about issues and institutions in "world politics" and to examine appropriate mechanisms to understand and explain international phenomena.

260 History of Modern Political Thought

Machiavelli founded modern political philosophy by asking "How does the ruler acquire power?" This course explores how modern political thinkers answered this question by changing the grounds of authority from religious and philosophical foundations to rational ones. Texts include Machiavelli's Prince and Hobbes's Leviathan, Locke's Second Treatise, Rousseau's Social Contract, Marx's Communist Manifesto, and Nietzsche's Use and Abuse of History.

262 Critics of the State

Twentieth-century thought across the political spectrum was critical of the modern state. Traditionalists and radicals alike were horrified by the rise of totalitarianism and the dangers of unrestrained political authority. In this course students engage with the works of leading critics of the state on both the Right (e.g. Hayek) and Left (e.g. Foucault), consider the similarities and differences of their critiques, explore the ethical consequences of the alternatives, and assess their contemporary relevance.

264 Latin American Politics

How do the peoples of Latin America participate politically? How do domestic politics interact with national and international economics? How do states treat challenges posed by migration and by desires for "modernization" and democracy in a context of authoritarian legacy and debt? Students examine how Latin American politics work, focusing on Mexico, parts of Central America, the Caribbean, the Andean Region, and the Southern Cone. Counts toward Latin American studies major and concentration.

272 American Constitutional Law: Power

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles of American constitutional law as well as the political struggles that shaped them. The course focuses not only on constitutional doctrine, but also on competing interpretations and political effects of landmark decisions. This course emphasizes debates over civil rights and civil liberties that have been central to modern Supreme Court jurisprudence. Counts towards American studies major.

Environmental Studies/ Political Science 276: Environmental Politics

Analysis of environmental policy includes the politics of agenda setting, policy selection and program implementation, and the effects of policy outcomes. Offered annually. Counts toward American studies major.

278 Ambition and the Vocation of Leadership

This course explores the ethics of ambition and leadership from a variety of normative perspectives. By studying historical examples and theoretical approaches from Plato to the present day, students learn to reflect on amibition as an irrepressible human passion and an unavoidable element of civic leadership. Students also consider the ways in which their own ambition might relate to their vocation. Prerequisites: completion of BTS-T or permission of instructor.

282 Russian and Eurasian Politics

The course examines continuity and change in Russian political culture. The institutions and politics between the Soviet and Post-Soviet periods under the leadership of Yeltsin and Putin are explored. The course considers Russia as an energy-exporting state. The varied political developments of former Soviet republics in Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia are compared and contrasted.

283 European Social Democracy

This course examines the European working classes' struggle for political representation and social welfare after World War II. Attention is given to the Norwegian, French, British, and Czech cases. The course inquires whether social democracy has become a victim of its own success. Offered annually in the fall semester.

284 Ethics of Citizenship in Times of War and Terrorism

How ought citizens respond to threats to national security from terrorists and distant states? The course examines Just War theory and Jihad to enquire about the connections between religions and political violence. It considers the strategic logic of terrorism and the ethical "costs" of responses to it. It examines conflicts between Islamic "moderates" and "extremists" to reveal the ethical and political spectrums within Islam. Prerequisite: completion of BTS-T. Required prior experience of political analysis or the study of religion.

285 International Law

Once the purview of diplomats and generals, international law has broken those narrow confines and is becoming a part of traditional practice in areas of business, environment, human rights, and criminal law. This course introduces students to this vast and changing subject from a liberal arts perspective, including its history, theory, and practice.

294 Internship

Internships are available in a wide variety of public and private institutions including the state legislature, lobbying agencies, law firms, media organizations, corporate public affairs, and executive agencies.

295 Internship and Reflection Seminar

This seminar integrates the liberal arts with the experience of work and the search for a vocation or career. Course content will include both an off-campus internship and on-campus class sessions that connect academic theories/analyses of work with their particular internship experience. Students will also consider and articulate the value of the liberal arts for their pursuit of a creative, productive, and satisflying professional life.

298 Independent Study

After completion of three courses in political science, students may approach a member of the department faculty and propose a course of study not currently offered to be conducted in tutorial fashion.

299 Topics in Political Science

The department periodically offers special topics courses. The specific title of the course is listed in the class and lab schedule when it is offered.

311 Seminar in American Politics

This seminar introduces the core questions, concepts, and theories of the field of American politics. With topics varying from term to term, students read both "cutting edge" research and the classic articles of the field. The methodology employed in the research is a central topic. Students ask whether the methods are appropriate and helpful for answering the central questions of American politics. The course also includes a major research project. Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor. Counts towards American studies major.

321 Seminar in International Relations

The course introduces core questions, concepts, and theories of international relations. Topics vary, ranging from persistent problems and enduring themes in global relations to prominent questions confronting scholars of international relations. The course highlights methods and practices of political science research and includes a major research project. Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield, or permission of instructor.

350 Immigration and Citizenship

Mexicans dying to enter the U.S. Moroccans dying to enter Spain. Europeans reluctant to accept Turkey's EU bid out of fear of more migrants. Britons worried that migrants fuel terrorism. Headlines worldwide draw attention to transnational migration. This course covers explanations of entry control policy, integration and citizenship policy, and the political activities of migrants in the wealthy democracies. Alternative arguments emphasizing the role of economic interests, sovereignty, national identity, and gender are introduced. This course can count for comparative politics subfield. Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield or permission of instructor.

367 Seminar in Latin American Politics

This course focuses on problems of inequality and democracy and the interconnection between them. Using theory, historical, fictional, and factual accounts, students look for the human ramifications of these dramatic changes as well as exploring their nature and origins. Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield or permission of instructor. Counts toward Latin American studies major and concentration.

370 Courageous Resistance to Injustice

Individuals, communities, and organizations have found ways to address even the most egregious state abuses of human rights and other injustices. Using comparative analysis, this course considers cases and theories of nonviolent personal and political resistance and the factors that appear to contribute to people taking action and to successful responses. Students research and analyze cases of their choosing in light of the literature. Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and at least one comparative politics course or permission of instructor.

382 The Geopolitics of Eurasian Energy

Students examine the geopolitics and political economy of Russia as an energy producing and consuming "Petrostate." Beginning with the domestic political economy of the Russian energy industries, students proceed to Russia's relations with Central Asia from which it imports gas and with Europe to which it exports oil and gas. The course also considers Russia's relationships with the U.S.A., India, and China. Special attention given to Russian/Norwegian energy relations in the Barents Sea. Prerequisite: PSCI 220 and at least one comparative politics course or permission of instructor.

384 Seminar in Political Theory

This is an advanced course in the area of political thought. The topic, a detailed study of either major works or themes in political philosophy, varies with each offering. Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield or permission of instructor.

385 Becoming European: Central Europe's Entry into the European Union

Students examine the antecedents and collapse of the Cold War division of Europe, the growth of the European Economic Community, and its transformation into the European Union as Western European phenomena. The course also focuses on the working of European Union institutions and consideration of theories of integration. The course ends with the post-communist transformation of 2004 and 2007 entrants and their experience following accession. Prerequisite: PSCI 220 and at least one comparative politics course or permission of instructor.

394 Internship

Students with ideas for internships are encouraged to approach instructors within the department in order to arrange supervision for credit. For Level III credit students must have successfully completed a Level II internship in the same area. Prerequisite: PSCI 294.

396 Directed Undergraduate Research: "Topic Description"

This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to his/her research interests. Prerequisite: determined by individual instructor. Offered based on department decision. May be offered as a 1.00 credit course or .50 credit course.

398 Independent Research

Students who have taken five political science courses, one of which is in the area of the proposed research, may propose an independent research project to a member of the departmental faculty. Prerequisite: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield or permission of instructor.

399 Seminar

Seminars are special topics courses offered periodically by the department. The specific title of the seminar is listed in the Class and Lab Schedule when it is offered. May be repeated if topics are different. Prerequisites: PSCI 220 and one course in the subfield or permission of instructor.