Political Science (Major, Minor)

History and Political Science Department

Anne E. Henderson, Ph.D, Chair
Therese Marie Dougherty, SSND, Ph.D. (Joint Appointment with Language Dept.)
David G. Hoovler, Ph.D.

Degrees offered

Major
Minor

Campuses

Main Campus

The Political Science curriculum offers in-depth instruction in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Affairs.

Summary

Women's College

The History/Political Science Department of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business 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 of Study 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 Program is particularly distinctive for its focus on the role of women in politics, as well as issues of justice and peace. It offers unique perspectives on problems of political violence, terrorism, genocide, and human rights abuses, and provides students with experiential learning opportunities to grapple with these problems in real-world contexts.

The student 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-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization (3)
POL-404 US Foreign Relations
POL-456 Senior Seminar (3)
Internship (3)

Three of the following:

POL-290 Women in Islamic Societies
POL-351 Politics of Developing Nations (3)
POL-370 Model OAS
POL-430 International Organizations and World Politics (3)
POL-440 Global Issues (3)
HIS-233 Europe and the World (3)

One of the following:

POL/HIS-219 The American Presidency (3)
POL-312 Legal Reasoning
POL 344 Civil Liberties/Civil Rights
POL-412 Constitutional Law (3)
POL-324 Women, Politics, and the Law (3)

Required Courses for a Major in Political Science/International Relations

HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations in the 20th Century (3)
HIS-233 Europe and the World (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)
POL/HIS-252 Latin American History and Politics (3)
POL-290 Women in Islamic Societies (3)
HIS-328 Post-Colonial Africa (3)
HIS-331 Modern China (3)
HIS-338 Russia Since 1917 (3)
POL-370 Honors: Model OAS
HIS-340 History of the Holocaust

Approved Program for Secondary Certification in Social Studies/History (Dual Certification) (See History section of the 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

POL-101 Introduction to Political Science (3)
POL-219 American Presidency
POL-324 Women, Politics, and the Law (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) or POL-370 Model OAS
POL/HIS-456 Senior Seminar (3)
POL-344 Civil Liberties/Civil Rights (3)
One internship or study abroad experience (3)

Four additional courses (12)

Courses fulfilling this requirement include, but are not limited to:

BUS-304 Legal Environment of Business I
BUS-305 Legal Environment of Business II
COM-441 Mass Communication Law
CRM-107 Introduction to Criminology
CRM-307 Theories of Crime and Social Deviance
CRM-310 The Criminal Justice System
HIS/POL-200 Genocide
HIS/POL-290 Women in Islamic Societies
HIS-215 Women in American History
HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations
PHL-310 Logic
POL-260 Immigration Law and Policy
POL-401 Globalization
POL-430 International Organizations

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 202 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:

POL-202 American Politics in Comparative Perspective
POL-312 Legal Reasoning
POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership
POL-412 Constitutional Law

Two courses from the following:

POL-101 Introduction to Political Science
POL-2xx American Presidency
POL-324 Women, Politics, and the Law
POL-344 Civil Liberties
POL-370 Model OAS
POL-440 Global Issues

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

Below is a 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	POL-351 Politics of Developing Nations	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	3
[15 credits]		[15 credits]
Third year
POL-361 Methods in Research	3	POL-312 Legal Reasoning	3
POL-430 International Organizations	3	HIS-233 Europe & the World	3
Philosophy or Religious Studies Values	3	IDS-361 Internship	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

Below is a 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
NDMU-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
HIS/POL-290 Women in Islamic Societies		HIS-233 Europe and the World	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
IDS-361 Internship	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

Below is a 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
NDMU-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	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

Below is a 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
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education	3	HIS/POL-200 Genocide	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	3
MAT-215 Basic Statistics	3	POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership	3
[15 credits]		[15 credits]
Second year
PHL-201 Introduction Philosophy	3	Religious Studies 300/400	3
POL/HIS- elective	3	HIS/POL-290 Women in Islamic Societies	3
POL-370 Model OAS	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
CRM-107 Introduction to Criminology	3	POL-440 Global Issues	3
POL/HIS elective for major	3	Internship	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
[15 credits]		[15 credits]
Fourth year
POL-412 Constitutional Law	3	POL-324 Women, Politics and the Law	3
Major elective	3	Major elective	3
POL-401 Globalization	3	POL/HIS-456 Senior Seminar	3
Electives	6	Electives	3
[15 credits]		[15 credits]

Courses

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-200 Hrs: To Break the Killing Machine: Understanding, Preventing, and Overcoming Genocide

Examines the nature, causes and consequences of genocide in order to understand the possibilities and challenges of preventing genocidal violence in the future. The course introduced students to the controversies surrounding the definition and analysis of genocide. It begins with the contested question of what constitutes genocide, and how genocide stands apart from other forms of mass violence such as ethnic cleansing and massacres. The course then considers several approaches to theorizing the causes of genocide. In addition, we analyze the challenges of identifying potentially genocidal situations before the killing begins and of intervening to prevent and stop genocides. The course also studies processes of reconciliation in societies that have experienced, or teetered on, the brink of genocide. Using scholarly texts, works of fiction and films, we explore issues of causation, intervention and healing in cases including the colonial genocides of indigenous populations, the Holocaust, Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Iraqi Kurds and Darfur. Ultimately, the course asks students to decide whether genocide is an inevitable scourge of the human condition or a tragic aberration that humanly has the power to transcord. [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-252 Latin American History and Politics

Analyzes the history or 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 countries 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 history and cross-cultural studies. [ 3 credits ]

POL-260 The Politics of Immigration in the U.S.

Surveys the politics of U.S. immigration from historic, economic, security, social, humanitarian and global perspectives. Students study current immigration reform debates and examine immigration policies, including those on visas, employment and family based immigration, deportation, asylum/refugee status, naturalization, and citizenship. The course explores the relationship between immigration and assimilation, inclusion, social justice, human rights, racism, civil rights, tolerance and multiculturalism. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural studies. [ 3 credits ]

POL-290 Women in Islamic Societies

Examines the historical development and current realities of women's political, cultural, 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, the arts and culture, and the family. In addition, students critically analyze Western perceptions and stereotypes of Muslim women and their lives. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural 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-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-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-344 Civil Liberties, Civil Rights

Introduces students to the study of civil liberties as protected by the Constitution of the United States, with a primary focus on those rights incorporated into the Bill of Rights, especially the freedoms of speech, press, association, and religion. Also addresses the rights to privacy, franchise and citizenship, due process, equal protection against race, gender, and other discrimination, and the rights of those accused or crimes and the death penalty. Confronts contemporary civil liberties issues in a post 9/11 world and the global war on terror by touching on such matters as interrogation and torture, killing and assassination, detention and trial. Provides a deeper understanding of two central questions: how the Constitution protects us from each other, and how the Constitution protects us from our government. Fulfills general education requirement in social science. [ 3 credits ]

POL-346 History of Middle Eastern Politics

Engages in a comprehensive analytical examination of Middle East politics with a special focus on four problem relationships: The Israelis and the Palestinians; the Arabs and the Persians, the Turks and the Kurds; and the Indians and the Palestinians. The role of the United States in each of these conflicts, as well as the continuing unrest in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, will be discussed. The Palestinian situation will be a topic of intense concentration. Fulfills the 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 Hrs: Model Organization of American States (OAS)

Prepares students to participate in the Model Organization of American States (Model OAS) competition, which takes place at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C. in the spring. A team of 10 Notre Dame students, representing an assigned country, debates other colleges and universities from the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean on issues such as democratization, regional integration, poverty, environmental problems and human rights issues. In addition to becoming familiar with hemispheric issues, students learn leadership, cooperation, persuasion and diplomatic skills. Prerequisite: Morrissy scholar and permission. Fulfills general education requirement in social science and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

POL-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. [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-427 Study Tour

Combines study with travel to various parts of the world. Organized by faculty members of the department. Offered periodically in Summer and Winterim. [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. [3 credits]

POL-440 Global Issues

Examines five to six 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 communication are some of the issues we visit. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite: POL-103. [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 their 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 major use the selected topic as a focal point for synthesizing their understanding of the diverse theories and methods of thier 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. Prerequisites: POL-101 or POL-103 for POL and INS majors; HIS-101 for History Majors. [ 3 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]