Political Science
Women's College
Overview
Major in Political Science
Major in Political Science/International Relations
Major in Political Science/Public Service
Major in Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement
Minor in Political Science
Minor in Law and Civic Engagement
Minor in Public Leadership
Directed Leadership Experience
Political Science Four-Year Plan
International Relations Four-Year Plan
Public Service Four-Year Plan
Law and Civic Engagement Four-Year Plan
Course Descriptions
Anne E. Henderson, Ph.D, Chair
E. Susan Barber, Ph.D.
Therese Marie Dougherty, SSND, Ph.D.
(Joint Appointment with Language Dept.)
Alison Dray-Novey, Ph.D.
David G. Hoovler, Ph.D.
Angela Ruocco, M.A., J.D.
The history/political science department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in political science to students in the Women's College. Students in the program may specialize in international relations, public service, law and civic engagement, or public leadership. History and political science provide an important bridge between the humanities and the social sciences. Together they invite students to develop a wide perspective on humanity and its institutions in the past, the present and the future. They also offer students a rich variety of career preparations in academic, public or private sector opportunities.
The program in political science is designed to introduce students to the concepts and theories for understanding a broad range of political problems and to develop analytical skills for thinking and acting responsibly in the diverse field of political affairs. The program provides preparation in four broad fields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international affairs and political theory.
The student also is encouraged to seek practical experience in politics and law through internships in federal, state and local agencies arranged through consultation with the department advisor. The department also sponsors a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha (Alpha Delta Nu) for students who meet the membership requirements for this national honor society in political science.
The emphasis throughout is to plan a program with experiences to develop the student's potential, whether her interests and talents direct her toward graduate or professional study or toward employment in the public or private sector upon graduation. Political science graduates have earned advanced degrees at institutions such as the University of Notre Dame School of Law, University of Maryland School of Law, University of Maryland School of Social Work, The Catholic University of America and George Washington University. Graduates are employed by organizations such as Sinai Hospital, MBNA Corporation, Primerica Financial Services, Legg Mason and Catholic Relief Services.
The general education requirement in social science may be fulfilled by the following political science courses: POL-101, 103, 201, 252, and 324.
Political science courses that satisfy the general education requirement in cross-cultural studies: POL-101, 103, 201, 290, 325, 351, 370, 401, 430, 440.
Political science courses that satisfy the general education requirement in gender studies: POL/HIS-290 and POL-324
Students are strongly encouraged to take MAT-215 to satisfy their general education requirement in mathematics and ECO-211 to meet the social science general education requirement.
Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all courses taken to complete the requirements of the political science major.
Programs of Study
Required Courses for a Major in Political Science (Credits)
POL-101 Introduction to Politics (3)
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs (3)
POL-202 American Politics in Comparative Perspective (3)
POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership (3)
POL-312 Legal Reasoning (3)
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization (3)
POL-456 Senior Seminar (3)
POL-344 Civil Liberties/Civil Rights (3)
Internship (3)
Two of the following:
POL-351 Politics of Developing Nations (3)
POL-430 International Organizations and World Politics (3)
POL-440 Global Issues (3)
One of the following:
HIS-330 European Foreign Relations Since 1815 (3)
HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations in the 20th Century (3)
One of the following:
POL/HIS-319 The American Presidency (3)
POL-412 Constitutional Law (3)
Required Courses for a Major in Political Science/International Relations
HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations in the 20th Century (3)
HIS-330 European Foreign Relations Since 1815 (3)
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs (3)
POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations (3)
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization (3)
POL-430 International Organizations and World Politics (3)
POL-440 Global Issues or HIS/POL-325 Revolution and Terrorism (3)
POL-456 Senior Seminar (3)
Internship (3)
Four of the following:
HIS-200 Honors: The Age of Genocide (3)
HIS-214 Pre-Colonial Africa (3)
POL/HIS-252 Latin American History and Politics (3)
POL/HIS-290 Women in Islamic Societies (3)
HIS-328 Post-Colonial Africa (3)
HIS-331 Modern China (3)
HIS-335 Modern Japan (3)
POL-370 Honors: Model OAS
Approved Program for Secondary Certification in Social Studies/History (Dual Certification) (See History section of catalog for details.)
Required Courses for a Major in Political Science/Public Service
POL-101 Introduction to Politics (3)
POL-202 American Politics in Comparative Perspective (3)
POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership (3)
POL-312 Legal Reasoning (3)
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
Internship (3)
POL-456 Senior Seminar (3)
One of the following:
POL/HIS-319 The American Presidency (3)
POL-412 Constitutional Law (3)
One of the following:
HIS-208 The United States, 1900-1945 (3)
HIS-316 The United States, 1945 to the Present (3)
One of the following:
BUS-394 Organizational Behavior (3)
BUS-302 Principles of Management (3)
One of the following:
COM-331 Public Relations (3)
COM-403 Organizational Communication (3)
Three other political science or history courses of student's choice (9)
Recommended electives: BUS-211 and BUS-212 Principles of Accounting I and II.
Major in Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement
The Political Science major with a law and civic engagement track introduces students to the principal fields of inquiry and intersection within legal systems and political institutions. The program explores the special relationships of women to law and government—as lawmakers, leaders, and policymakers. Accordingly, the major helps prepare students to assume positions of leadership in their communities.
Students interested in attending law school should consider taking a broad undergraduate program in the liberal arts, with a particular focus on courses in English, history, political science and philosophy. Successful law school applicants should have a broad understanding of history, including the various factors that have influenced the development of society in the United States. They should possess a fundamental understanding of political thought and of the contemporary American political system. Through strategic selection of courses fulfilling general education requirements they should also acquire mathematical and financial skills, such as an understanding of pre-calculus mathematics and an ability to analyze financial data. Finally, they should possess an understanding of human behavior and social interaction as well as an understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States, of international institutions and issues, of world events, and of the increasing interdependence of the nations and communities within our world.
Required Courses for Major in Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement
HIS-101 Dynamics of History (3)
HIS-410 Law and Society (3)
POL-202 American Politics in Comparative Perspective (3)
POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership (3)
POL-312 Legal Reasoning (3)
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
POL-412 Constitutional Law (3)
POL-440 Global Issues (3)
POL/HIS456 Senior Seminar (3)
POL-344 Civil Liberties/Civil Rights (3)
Two internships or one internship/one study abroad experience (6)
Four additional courses at the 300/400 level (12)
At least three must be from disciplines other than history or political science. Courses fulfilling this requirement include, but are not limited to:
BIO-308 Geology and Ecology of the American West
IDS-369 Genethics
PHL-471 Morals and Mortality
SOC-371 Social Problems
BUS-304 Legal Environment of Business I
BUS-305 Legal Environment of Business II
COM-441 Mass Communication Law
ECO-311 Applied Macroeconomics
ECO-342 Introduction of Public Finance
ECO-402 Money and Banking
ECO-404 International Economics
PHL-310 Logic
PHL-322 Social and Political Philosophy
PHL-324 Critical Theories of Race
PHL-330 Ethics
PHL-334 Business Ethics
PHL-339 Medical Ethics
RST-331 Comparative Religious Ethics
RST-345 Justice and Peace
RST-403 Problems in Discrimination and Prejudice
Minor in Political Science
The department also offers a minor in political science consisting of a minimum of 18 credits of course work in political science. Students who wish to minor in political science should consult the department chair. POL-101, 103 and 201 are required.
Minor in Law and Civic Engagement
The minor in law and civic engagement is an 18 credit course of study designed to deepen understanding of the structures and functions of American government and the role of law in contemporary society. The minor particularly seeks to explore the special relationships of women to law and government—as lawmakers, leaders, and policymakers. When coupled with the student's major, the law and civic engagement minor prepares students to assume positions of leadership in their communities. For those interested in attending law school, the minor provides a focused set of courses aimed at providing relevant skills and knowledge. The minor includes the following courses:
HIS-410 Law and Society
POL-202 American Politics in Comparative Perspective
POL-312 Legal Reasoning
POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership
POL-312 Legal Reasoning
POL-412 Constitutional Law
One internship (Typical sites include state and federal courts, the Maryland State Legislature, state agencies, local government bodies, law firms, advocacy groups, and other organizations.)
Minor in Public Leadership
The department also offers an interdisciplinary minor in public leadership designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in preparing for leadership roles (professional or voluntary) after graduation. This minor should also be useful for students active in student government by providing academic experiences related to effective leadership. The nature of this minor makes it an effective complement to many majors. The requirements are as follows: 18 credits consisting of 9-12 credits in academic courses and 6-9 credits in experiential components.
Required courses: POL-202 American Politics in Comparative Perspective; POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership; and POL-319 The American Presidency or POL-324 Women, Politics and the Law. Students taking 12 credits in academic courses will select one course from the following: HIS-208 The United States, 1900-1945 or HIS-316 The United States, 1945 to the present.
Students must also participate in two or three experiential components under faculty supervision: POL-411 Women and Public Policy: A Washington Seminar; POL-370 Honors: Model OAS; POL-462.
Directed Leadership Experience
Students interested in this minor should consult the department chair.
Political Science Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the political science major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | POL-202 American Government in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| POL-101 Introduction to Politics | 3 | Natural Science | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| History | 3 | [16 credits] | |
| [15 credits] | |||
| Second year | |||
| POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs | 3 | ||
| ECO-211 Macroeconomics | 3 | Philosophy or Religious Studies (300) | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 | COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Comm | 3 |
| MAT-215 Basic Statistics | 3 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| English Literature | 3 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Third year | |||
| POL-361 Methods in Research | 3 | POL-312 Legal Reasoning | 3 |
| POL-430 International Organizations | 3 | HIS-330 European Foreign Relations | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies Values | 3 | POL-319 or 412 | 3 |
| Physical Education | 1 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | [15 credits] | |
| [16 credits] | |||
| Fourth year | |||
| HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations | 3 | POL-401 Political & Economic Globalization | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 12 | POL-217 Civic Participation & Leadership | 3 |
| POL-456 Senior Seminar | 3 | ||
| [15 credits] | General Education/Electives | 6 | |
| [15 credits] |
Political Science/International Relations Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the political science major, with a concentration in international relations. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs | 3 | ECO-211 Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | Natural Science | 4 |
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | History | 3 |
| MAT-215 Basic Statistics | 3 | General Education/Electives | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [16 credits] | ||
| Second year | |||
| COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication | |||
| English Literature | 3 | Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | [12 credits] | |
| [15 credits] | |||
| Third year | |||
| Study abroad recommended OR | HIS-330 European Foreign Relations | 3 | |
| POL-312 Legal Reasoning | 3 | POL-440 Global Issues | 3 |
| POL-361 Methods in Research | 3 | HIS-335 Modern Japan | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies (300) | 3 | HIS-252 Latin American History and Politics | 3 |
| POL-430 Intl Organizations | 3 | General Education/Electives | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 3 | [15 credits] | |
| [15 credits] | |||
| Fourth year | |||
| Philosophy or Religious Studies Values | 3 | POL-401 Political & Economic Globalization | 3 |
| HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations | 3 | POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations | 3 |
| POL-elective | 3 | POL-328 Post-Colonial Africa | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | POL-465 Senior Seminar | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 3 | ||
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] |
Political Science/Public Service Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the political science/public service major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | ECO-212 Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECO-211 Macroeconomics | 3 | ENG-101 College Writing | 3 |
| POL-101 Introduction to Politics | 3 | Natural Science | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| MAT-215 Basic Statistics | 3 | Philosophy/Religious Studies (200) | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [16 credits] | ||
| Second year | |||
| POL-202 American Government in Comparative Perspective | 3 | HIS/POL-elective | 3 |
| BUS-211 Accounting I | 3 | BUS-212 Accounting II | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 | Philosophy/Religious Studies (300) | 3 |
| English Literature | 3 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| Fundamentalsof Oral Communication | 3 | [15 credits] | |
| [15 credits] | |||
| Third year | |||
| COM-331/403 PR/Organizational Communication | 3 | POL-317 Civic Participation & Leadership | 3 |
| BUS-302/394 Mgt/Organizational Behavior | 3 | POL-312 Legal Reasoning | 3 |
| POL-361 Methods in Research | 3 | Philosophy/Religious Studies (300) | 3 |
| HIS-208/316 U.S. History | 3 | HIS/POL-elective | 3 |
| Physical Education | 1 | General Education/Elective | 3 |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | [15 credits] | |
| [16 credits] | |||
| Fourth year | |||
| POL-319/412 American Presidency or Positional Law |
3 | POL- 456 Senior Seminar | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 12 | POL - Elective | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 9 | ||
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] |
Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for political science/law and civic engagement major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | HIS-101 Dynamics of History | 3 |
| POL-101 Introduction to Politics | 3 | POL-202 American Government in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | COM-106 or COM-206 | 3 |
| MAT-215 Basic Statistics | 3 | DRM-240 Acting Techniques | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Second year | |||
| PHL-201 Introduction Philosophy | 3 | Religious Studies 300/400 | 3 |
| POL/HIS-200/300-level elective for major | 3 | 300/400-level elective for major | 3 |
| POL-217 Civic Participation & Leadership | 3 | English Literature | 3 |
| Natural Science | 4 | Elective courses (2) | 6 |
| Elective | 3 | Physical Education | 1 |
| [16 credits] | [16 credits] | ||
| Third year | |||
| POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research | 3 | PHL values course | 3 |
| POL-344 Civil Rights/Civil Liberties | 3 | POL-312 Legal Reasoning | 3 |
| HIS-410 Law and Society | 3 | POL-440 Global Issues | 3 |
| POL/HIS-300/400-level elective for major | 3 | Internship | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Fourth year | |||
| POL-412 Constitutional Law | 3 | POL-440 Global Issues | 3 |
| 300/400-level elective for major | 3 | 300/400-level electives for major | 3 |
| Internship | 3 | POL/HIS-456 Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | Electives | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] |
Course Descriptions
POL-101 Introduction to Politics
Introduces students to major historical and contemporary belief systems and ideologies as well as major aspects of political systems. Fulfills general education requirement in social science and cross cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs
Introduces students to different perspectives on power, conflict, international economics and the environment. The role of international organizations and especially the United Nations will also be a focus of the class. Fulfills general education requirements in social science and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-202 American Politics in Comparative Perspective
Introduces students to the nature and structure of the American political process. It gives special attention to the presidency, the congress and the courts, as well as elections, interest groups, and foreign and domestic policy. Contrasts the American system with a variety of rich and poor countries and democratic and non-democratic countries. Fulfills general education requirement in social science and cross cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership
Examines citizenship at the local, state, national and international levels. Offers alternative leadership models to help students in their civic engagement. [3 credits]
POL/HIS-252 Latin American History and Politics
Analyzes the history of Latin America from pre-Columbian times to the present, navigating through colonialism, independence, the formation of nations, military and personal dictatorships, to current imperfect democracies. The course reviews the economic swings between protectionism and neo-liberalism, and studies how different states deal with income inequality, race, environmental issues, the changing role of women, cultural differences, and the role of religion. Case studies will focus on Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, and Cuba. Fulfills general education requirements in social science history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL/HIS-290 Women in Islamic Societies
Examines the historical development and current realities of women's political, social, and economic roles in Islamic societies. The course explores the diversity of women's roles in Muslim countries in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It examines how women have influenced, and been affected by, international trends such as the spread of democracy, the rise of religious fundamentalism, and the process of globalization. Students learn how Muslim women have defined themselves, and been defined, in the realms of political/social activism, work, and the family. In addition, students critically analyze Western perceptions and stereotypes of Muslim women and their lives. Fulfills general education requirements in history, cross-cultural studies, and gender studies. [3 credits]
POL-312 Legal Reasoning
Introduces students to the structure of the American legal system and the sources of legal authority. Students learn how to read and analyze cases and statutes and how to communicate their analysis by writing memoranda, letters to clients and briefs. The course also includes some basic instruction in legal research and citation form. [3 credits]
POL/HIS-319 The American Presidency
Examines presidential power, presidential elections, foreign and domestic policy, presidential decision-making, and relations with Congress, illustrated with historic and contemporary examples. Fulfills general education requirement for history. [3 credits]
POL-324 Women, Politics and the Law
Analyzes the changing legal status and political role of women in the United States. Focuses on issues related to marriage and family, women's employment and political participation. Studies Supreme Court decisions related to women. Fulfills general education requirements in social science and gender studies. [3 credits]
POL/HIS-325 Revolution and Terrorism
Traces the causes, patterns and outcomes of the French, Russian, Cuban and Iranian Revolutions, and analyzes the similarities and differences between revolutionary movements and guerrilla and terrorist groups. The course looks at the ideological, ethnic and religious terrorist groups with a special emphasis on religious terrorism and its worldwide impact. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations
Introduces students to economic, political and cultural issues of development and underdevelopment in Asia, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research
Examines political science research including theory construction, data generating techniques and data analysis. Students learn to match appropriate methodologies with relevant research questions in the field. Prerequisite: MAT-215. [3 credits]
POL-370 Honors: Model Organization of American States (OAS)
Prepares students to participate in a Model Organization of American States (OAS) competition, which takes place at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., during the spring term. A team of 10 Notre Dame students represents an assigned country and debates other colleges and universities from the United States, Latin Americ, and the Caribbean on issues such as democratization, regional integration, poverty, environmental problems and human rights issues. Students learn leadership, cooperation, persuasion and diplomatic skills. Morrissy scholar or permission. (Offered every spring.) Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL/HIS-390 Environmental Policy at the U.S. State and National Level
Focuses on U.S. state and national environmental policies regarding air and water pollution, use of public lands, climate change and alternative energy sources. The course will also focus on risk assessment and environmental justice issues. Students will analyze the historical development of policies as well as current and evolving political processes. Fulfills general education requirement in history [3 credits]
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization
Introduces students to the political implications of trade, aid, investment, technology and energy relations along with their impact on relations between rich as well as poor countries. Fulfills general education requirement for cross cultural studies. Prerequisite: POL-103 or permission of instructor. [3 credits]
POL-411 Women and Public Policy: A Washington Seminar
Provides a unique opportunity to participate in a one-week seminar in Washington, D.C. that focuses on women's role in policy formation and implementation. Includes visits to key government agencies and presentations by women leaders from Congress, the courts, executive agencies, the media and special interest groups. Offered in Winterim only. Permission of instructor required. Additional fees payable to PLEN, the Public Leadership Education Network. [3 credits]
POL-412 Constitutional Law
Examines the evolving interpretation of the provisions of the U.S. Constitution. Considers current issues and benchmark cases important to understanding Constitutional law. [3 credits]
POL-430 International Organizations and World Politics
Introduces students to past, present and future international organizations. Emphasizes evaluation of the operations of the United Nations as an arena for conflict resolution and attention to social welfare concerns in the international system. Fulfills general education requirement for cross cultural studies. Prerequisite: POL-103 or permission of instructor. [3 credits]
POL-440 Global Issues
Examines four major topics that interconnect or divide the contemporary world. Democracy, the global economy, religion and ethnicity, global migration, population trends, women, the environment, and technology and communicationare some of the issues we visit. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite: POL-103 or permission of instructor. [3 credits]
POL-456 Senior Seminar
Applies ideas, methods, and approaches from history, political science, and international studies to the exploration of selected topics. Students situate their discipline within the context of related fields, while also advancing the skills necessary for professional work in their own areas. In this team-taught course, history majors address the selected topic through focusing on the history of history, the politics of history, and the art of writing history based on original sources. Meanwhile, political science and international studies majors use the selected topic as a focal point for synthesizing their understanding of the diverse theories and methods of their disciplines. All students will, in consultation with their professors, select, design and write an original research paper to be presented to the class at the end of the semester. Serves as the capstone course for history, political science, and international studies majors. Pre-requisites: POL101 or 103 and POL361 for POL and INS majors; HIS101 for History Majors. For seniors only; juniors by permission of instructor and department chair. [3 credits]
POL-462 Directed Leadership Experience
Allows individual students an opportunity to undertake a specific leadership project under the guidance of a member of the department. [2-6 credits]
POL-463 Independent Study
Focuses on an independent research project of the student's choosing with direction and guidance by a faculty member of the department. [2-6 credits]
POL-465 Directed Readings: Selected Topics in Political Science
Offers an opportunity to focus on extensive examination of a topic of special interest to the student under the guidance of a faculty member of the department. [3-4 credits]