Y101: Introduction to political science (3 cr) An introduction to the major sub-fields of political science, including international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.
Note: Y101 Introduction to Political Science is not recommended for majors and if taken limits your choice of electives in the Junior and Senior years.
Y103: Introduction to American politics (3 cr) An introduction to the key features and dynamics of politics and government in the United States. We study the origins of American government, the constitution, and the branches of the federal government (the presidency, Congress, and the judicial system). We also look at the key problems and issues facing government and the American people today.
Y200: Contemporary political topics (variable title) (1-6 cr) This course offers an intensive analysis and discussion of selected contemporary political problems. Recent topics have included the problems of poverty, political protest, women in politics, the environment, and the problems of developing areas.
Y205: Elements of political analysis (3 cr) An introduction to the techniques used by people interested in the systematic study of political science. The course includes an introduction to the quantitative analysis of political data.
Y211: Introduction to law (3 cr) An introduction to law as a means of dealing with social problems and as an aspect of the social and political system. The course offers an introduction to legal reasoning, procedures, and materials, and usually includes a comparison of approaches to law in the United States and other societies.
Y213: Introduction to public policy (3 cr) An introduction to public policy: what it is, who makes it, how it is made, and what it means to US citizens. The course offers several case studies, looking at areas such as economic policy, welfare, civil rights and liberties, and environmental and foreign policy.
Y215: Introduction to political theory (3 cr) A survey of the major theories of political science, and the major theorists, from Locke and Rousseau to Marx and Lenin.
Y217: Introduction to comparative politics (3 cr) An introductory survey of the different ways in which societies govern themselves. We study politics in countries like Britain, Russia, Mexico, Nigeria and Egypt, and make comparisons among them and with the United States.
Y219: Introduction to international relations (3 cr) Studies the relationships among countries, the nature of the global political and economic system, and the major institutions of international government (such as the United Nations). The course also looks at the key issues in international relations, such as arms control, nuclear weapons, human rights, and war.
