2021-2022

Political Science (Major, Minor)

History and Political Science Department

Anne E. Henderson, Ph.D.,
Jennifer L. Erdman, Ph.D.
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 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 following courses fulfill the general education requirement in Engaging Citizenship: POL-217 Civic Engagement and Leadership.

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 (3)
       POL-351 Politics of Developing Nations (3)
       POL-370 Model OAS (3)
       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 (3)
       POL 344 Civil Liberties/Civil Rights (3)
       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

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 and 103 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-219 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 at least two experiential components under faculty supervision: POL-370 Honors: Model OAS; and an internship.

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 Major Elective 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 General Education 3
General Education 3 Major Elective 3
MAT-215 Basic Statistics 3 POL-440 Global Issues 3
Major Elective 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-233 Europe & the World 3
Major Elective 3 Major Elective 3
General Education/Electives 6 General Education/Electives 6
[15 credits] [15 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
[15 credits] POL-456 Senior Seminar 3
  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 POL-252 Latin America 3
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education 3 POL-290 Women in Islamic Society 3
Foreign Language 3 General Education/Electives 6
MAT-215 Basic Statistics 3 [15 credits]
[15 credits]    
Second year      
COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication   POL-370 Model OAS 3
English Literature 3 HIS-200 Age of Genocide 3
HIS-328 Post Colonial Africa 3 General Education/Electives 9
General Education/Electives 6 [15 credits]  
[15 credits]      
Third year Study Abroad Recommended      
POL-361 Methods in Research 3  HIS-233 Europe and the World 3
POL-430 Intl Organizations 3 POL-440 Global Issues 3
General Education/Electives 9 HIS-335 Modern Japan 3
[15 credits] General Education/Electives 6
[15 credits]
Fourth year      
Major Elective 9 POL-401 Political & Economic Globalization 3
HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations 3 POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations 3
POL-312 Legal Reasoning 3 POL-338 Russia 3
[15 credits] POL-465 Senior Seminar 3
General Education/Electives 3
  [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 General Education/Electives 9
Foreign Language 3 [16 credits]
MAT-215 Basic Statistics 3
[15 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
General Education/Electives 9 General Education/Electives 9
[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 HIS/POL-elective 3
HIS-208/316 U.S. History 3 General Education/Elective 6
General Education/Elective 3 [15 credits] 3
[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 POL-217 Civic Participation and Leadership 3
Foreign Language 3 General Education/Electives 6
MAT-215 Basic Statistics 3 [15 credits]
[15 credits]    
Second year      
POL/HIS- elective  3 HIS-200/POL-200 Genocide 3
POL-370 Model OAS 3 HIS-290/POL-290 Women in Islamic Societies 3
General Education/Electives 9 General Education/Electives 9
[15 credits] [15 credits]
Third year      
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research 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
POL-324 Women/Politics/Law 3 Elective 3
[15 credits]   [15 credits]  
Fourth year      
POL-412 Constitutional Law 3 POL-370 Model OAS 3
Major elective 3 Major elective 3
POL-401 Globalization 3 POL/HIS-456  Senior Seminar 3
Electives 6 Electives 6
[15 credits]   [15 credits]  

Courses

BUS-304 The Legal Environment of Business I

Explores the legal environment of business, including contracts, implications of the Constitution and our structure of government, sales and employment law, legal substitutes for money, consumer and creditor protection including bankruptcy, and types of business organizations. Focuses on the implications of law for the business leader and practical ways to track changes in the law. Prerequisite: BUS-202 or equivalent. [3 credits]

BUS-305 The Legal Environment of Business II

Builds on material covered in Legal Environment of Business I. It explores commercial paper, debtor-creditor relations, real property and estates, accountants' liability and secured transactions. In addition, students examine the legal aspects of the various business forms in greater detail. Prerequisite: BUS-304 or permission of chair. [3 credits]

COM-331 Public Relations

Takes a social science approach to the study of public relations as relationship management. Examines communication strategies for reaching various publics and stakeholders. Provides practical experience in planning and writing publicity and public relations materials to reach communication goals. Opportunities to produce materials for the professional portfolio. [3 credits]

COM-403 Organizational Communication

Studies communication systems, structure, problems and solutions within complex organizations, such as business corporations, governmental agencies, hospitals and schools. Students develop practical plans to improve communication within organizations. [3 credits]

COM-441 Mass Communication Law

Provides students with opportunities to discuss and analyze the major legal problems encountered by communication practitioners. Teaches case method by review of benchmark federal and state court decisions and statutes. Covers freedom of information, censorship, copyright, privacy, libel, and law for the digital media, public relations, business communication, advertising and broadcasting. Students write case briefs and hypothetical case analyses. [3 credits]

CRM-310 The Criminal Justice System

Examines the American criminal justice system. Introduces students to the workings of police, courts and corrections in American society, and how each functions as a mechanism of social control. Explores local, state and federal agencies as individual components of the comprehensive and interrelated system of justice. Prerequisites: CRM-101; PSY-210 or CRM-360. [3 credits]

HIS-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] Fulfills General Education Requirement: History

HIS-208 The United States:1900-1945

Examines the transformation of the United States into an industrial-urban state and the impact of reform movements on American politics and life. Considers the rise of the United States as a world power. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [ 3 credits ]

HIS-219 The American Presidency

Examines presidential power, presidential elections, foreign and domestic policy, presidential decision-making, and relations with Congress with historic and contemporary examples. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [ 3 credits ]

HIS-233 Europe and the World

Examines Europe's changing world role from 1800 to the present. The course will focus on the major 19th century events as well as World War I, World War II, the Cold War and the post-Cold War periods. Fulfills general education requirements for history and cross-cultural studies. [ 3 credits ]

HIS-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 ]

HIS-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 history, cross-cultural and gender studies. [ 3 credits ]

HIS-328 Post-Colonial Africa

Focuses on helping students understand the socioeconomic, political and cultural development of Africa in the post-colonial era. Students examine the struggle for and acquisition of independence from European powers, the experiences of early post-colonial regimes, and the threat of post-colonialism. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [ 3 credits ]

HIS-331 Modern China

Illuminates today?s China by examining central themes in the modern revolution there, from 1850 to the present time. Focuses also on fundamental social and political change as human experience in Chinese literature and autobiographical writing. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [ 3 credits ]

HIS-338 Russia Since 1917

Examines major problems of interpretation in the history of the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union. Focuses especially on the fall of the Soviet Union and its aftermath in Russia and the independent states. Addresses cultural as well as political and economic issues. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [ 3 credits ]

HIS-340 History of the Holocaust

Uses original and secondary sources, including memoirs, survivor and perpetrator testimonies, films, and scholarly texts, to examine the history of the Holocaust.  Examines the nature, causes, and consequences of the Holocaust, and introduces students to the controversies surrounding its analysis, meaning, and legacies.  Fulfills the General Education Requirement for History.  [ 3 credits ]

HIS-404 United States Foreign Relations in the 20th Century

Examines United States foreign relations from 1900 to the post-Cold War Era. Focuses on the Cold War, its aftermath and the fallout from September 11. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [ 3 credits ]

HIS-456 Senior Seminar in History

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. 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 and minors eliminate prerequisites.  [3 credits]

PHL-310 Logic

This course will address topics in both informal and formal logic, with an emphasis on formal logic. Topics covered will include argument identification and structure, the translation of English statements into propositional form, the use of truth tables, and natural deduction in propositional logic. Fulfills general education requirement for 300/400-level philosophy. [ 3 credits ]

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 transcend. [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-219 The American Presidency

Examines presidential power, presidential elections, foreign and domestic policy, presidential decision-making, and relations with Congress with historic and contemporary examples. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [ 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-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-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-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-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 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. Prerequisites: POL-101 or POL-103 for POL and INS majors; HIS-101 for History Majors. [ 3 credits ]