Examines the power, purposes, and problematics of the presidency as a role of national leadership in the American and political constitutional system. While the emphasis is on the modern presidency (1933-present), attention is given to its historical development. Prerequisite: Two courses in PLAP, or instructor permission.

Focuses on the contemporary organization and workings of the United States Congress. Emphasizes elections, the committee system, political parties, staff, and the law-making process, as well as the role of Congress in the national policy making system.

Focuses on the state and how power is gendered in the developing world. Topics include feminist methods and concepts, women in the military, nationalism, women's movements, quotas, citizenship and globalization. Cross-listed with SWAG 3350.

Investigates a selected issue in American government or American political development. Prerequisite: One course in PLAP or instructor permission.

Special Topics in International Relations

Examines how attributions of racial difference have shaped American Politics. Topics include how race affects American political partisanship, campaigns and elections, public policy, public opinion, and American political science. Prerequisite: One course in PLAP or instructor permission.

This course looks at the production and consumption of food in a political context. We will explore legislation, regulation, and other policies that affect the food system and examine their implications for the environment, public health and democratic politics. We will look closely at controversies over agricultural subsidies, labeling requirements, farming practices, food safety, advertising and education.

Examines the role of mass media in the political process including such topics as print, broadcast, and online news, media and election campaigns, political advertising, and media effects on public opinion and political participation.

This course is an introduction to political science research methods. We will address basic principles of research design and data analysis, including hypothesis testing, measurement, case selection and data gathering. What are the strengths and weaknesses of particular methods? How can we improve our ability to draw inferences from data? Our goals are to learn how to ask good questions and to consider different approaches to answering them.

Analyzes major themes in American foreign policy, emphasizing security issues, from World War I through the Nixon administration. Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations or in U.S. history.