Phone: (845) 257-3540
Location: SCB 134
Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/polisci_intlrela

The Department of Political Science & International Relations offers majors in Political Science and International Relations that are rigorous and grounded in the liberal arts. Students receive a solid introduction to their fields of study to prepare them for careers, as well as basic writing, reasoning and communication skills that will enable them to be successful in a wide variety of professions.

Both majors integrate academic rigor with real-world experience, and our faculty support students in achieving their goals. For some, this means graduate or professional schools. For others, the objective is to begin a career. Our students have been accepted into prestigious graduate schools in political science and international relations, as well as leading law schools. Others have worked for the U.S. government in the diplomatic corps, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, the Peace Corps, and other government agencies as well as in the private sector.

In addition to its two majors, the Department of Political Science & International Relations offers minors in Political Science, International Relations, and Law & Politics. Interest in pre-law training, preparation for law school admissions, and advanced graduate work in law, legal process, and judicial behavior is met with an extensive range of courses within Political Science. A pre-law advisor works with students to prepare them for law school admission.

Also available are several experience-based, credit-bearing options outside of the traditional classroom. Among these are internship programs through which graduates have found positions in state and federal government, industry, media relations, public policy, and communications and journalism.

Students must earn a grade of C- or better in courses used for the Political Science and International Relations majors and minors.

Honors in Political Science

The departmental honors program recognizes outstanding student performance. A chapter of the national political science honors society, Pi Sigma Alpha, has been active on campus since 1979. In addition, students may earn a departmental award of honors in political science at the time of graduation with a GPA of 3.30 and successful completion of POL491 Honors Research under the supervision of a department faculty member and with the approval of the full department.

Pi Sigma Alpha

Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science student honor society. The Department of Political Science & International Relations has maintained a membership in Pi Sigma Alpha for over 30 years and accepts applications at any time from students who meet the following qualifications. A formal induction ceremony for new members is held annually on campus in late spring.

Requirements for acceptance into Pi Sigma Alpha (upon condition of verification):

  1. completion of at least 60 college credits;
  2. completion of at least 15 credits in political science;
  3. completion of at least 3 upper-division political science credits;
  4. GPA of at least 3.3 in political science classes; and
  5. overall GPA of at least 3.0.

For additional information and applications, please contact Professor Joel Lefkowitz (lefkowij@newpaltz.edu, (845) 257-3792).

Program Learning Outcomes: International Relations (BA, BS) and Political Science (BA, BS)

  • Describe and explain the basic concepts and theoretical approaches in the discipline.

  • Describe and explain the content, issues, concernsand debates in disciplinary subfields.

  • Use mastery of concepts and content to relate the historical to the present nature of politics and governance.

  • Apply theories and research methods to understand new and complex phenomena.

  • Relate theoretical approaches with practice through internships.

  • Develop writing skills, the ability to develop a coherent and structured argument as part of assignedresearch papers.

  • Possess oral communication skills allowing engagement in discussion and exchange of ideas and concepts.

  • Possess a sense of the responsibilities of citizenship and a sense of personal political efficacy/engagement.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See also Courses Accepted for International Relations Credit (Major or Minor) and LAW course descriptions.

POL193. Pol Sci Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May be repeated for credit

POL199. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

POL210. The Nature of Political Thinking. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the field of political theory by looking at how some political theorists have discussed fundamental questions of public life such as human nature, freedom, the purpose of politics, democracy, and legitimacy.

Attributes:

  • Effective Expression/Written
  • GE3: HUM
  • GE4: Humanities
  • GE5: Humanities
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

POL216. American Govt and Politics. 4 Credits.

Structure and processes of the American system of government and politics. Basic constitutional principles, the theory and practice of representative government, and the organization and function of the political system.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE3: USST
  • GE4: United States Studies
  • GE5: US History Civic Engmnt

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

POL220. Athens and Jerusalem: Political Thought in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. 4 Credits.

A consideration of the nature and purpose of political association, human purpose and flourishing, the origins of the state, justice, equality, relations between states, and the relationship between theology, philosophy, and politics.

Attributes:

  • Effective Expression/Written
  • Liberal Arts
  • GE3: WEST
  • GE4: Western Civilization
  • GE5: World History Global Aw

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

POL227. Intro International Politics. 4 Credits.

Policies of the great powers and smaller nations, and their relations to each other. Elements of national power and their impact on world affairs.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Introductory
  • Information Mgmt Intro
  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE4: Social Science
  • GE5: Social Sciences
  • GE3: SSCI

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

POL229. Intro to Comparative Politics. 4 Credits.

Study of the major political systems of the world through the use of comparative theories and techniques.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts
  • Systematic Inquiry
  • GE5: World History Global Aw
  • GE4: World Civilizations
  • GE3: WRLD

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

POL293. Political Sci Select Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May be repeated for credit

POL295. Indep Study Political Science. 1-6 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May be repeated for credit

POL299. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

POL300. Political Science Research Methods. 4 Credits.

Focusing on empirical political science, emphasizing learning by doing, this class explores some of the methods by which political scientists and international relations scholars collect and analyze data.

Attributes:

  • Research
  • Critical Thinking Intermediate
  • Information Mgmt Intrmd
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • International Relations (534)
    • Political Science (533)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL301. State and Local Politics. 3 Credits.

The organization and operation of government and politics in the American States and local governments. Fiscal and policy relationships between levels of government, in the context of the federal system. Special emphasis on New York State.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL302. Political Parties and Interest Groups. 3 Credits.

Political parties and interest groups as mediating institutions in American politics, with special focus on their role in nominating and electing public officials and their internal dynamics.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL303. Campaigns and Elections. 3 Credits.

What decides elections? What do elections decide? We will seek answers to these questions through reading the political science literature carefully and through original research projects, including research on the current elections.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL305. American Legislative Process. 3 Credits.

Survey of American legislative systems, emphasizing Congress, the state legislatures, and the internal forces and procedures that facilitate or delay the solutions of urgent public problems. Organic political relationships with other institutions of government and within the entire Federal structure.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL310. Public Management. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the principles and practices of administrative organization and management in government.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL311. American Environmental Politics. 3 Credits.

Study of current environmental problems and efforts to develop policies to address them through American policy-making process and examination of roles that political actors play in that process.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL316. American Public Policies. 3 Credits.

Survey of American public policies, contrasting philosophies shaping evolution and evaluations of policy implementation by government. Policies include: business and labor regulation, education, affirmative action, social welfare and security, health and environmental protection.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL317. The American Judiciary. 3 Credits.

Federal and state courts examined from a political perspective. Federal and state court structure, methods of selection of judicial personnel, aspects of the legal profession as practiced in America that affect judicial decisions, intricacies of court procedure, and personal background characteristics relevant to judicial decisions.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL319. Politics and Media. 3 Credits.

This course explores the relationship between the various media, politicians, and government officials. Particular attention is paid to the way the press and legislators, political executives, lobbyists, and members of the legislature interact.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL320. Protest Movements. 3 Credits.

Examination of the origins, strategies, and outcomes of American protest movements, and major analytic concepts and research methods in the study of movements, through reading, discussion, replication and extension of earlier studies, and original research.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL323. Sovereigns, Subjects, and the State: Modern Political Thought. 4 Credits.

A survey of major political thinkers from Machiavelli to Nietzsche with emphasis on key concepts like modernity, liberalism, justice, rights, freedom, and the idea of the self.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL324. International Relations Theory. 3 Credits.

A theoretical examination of the main ideas of several different competing schools of thought within the field of international relations.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL325. Power, Justification, Discipline:Political Thought in the Twentieth Century. 3 Credits.

Considers Post and Anti-Enlightenment theories of the political in the 20th Century, including readings from Nietzsche, Heidegger, Schmitt, Arendt, Foucault and Agamben.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL326. Politics and Theater. 3 Credits.

Considers the nature of the relationship between politics and theater through readings of prominent plays and commentaries on theater and the arts by major political thinkers.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL327. Liberalism and its Critics. 3 Credits.

Examines philosophical underpinnings of contemporary liberal theory as well as significant responses to it including communitarian, conservative and liberatarian thought. Readings include selections from John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Alasdair MacIntyre, Charles Taylor, Michael Oakeshott, Michael Sandel and others.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL329. Political Obligation and Punishment. 3 Credits.

Provides a general acquaintance with two topics in modern political thought: theories of political obligation and the state's power to punish. Additionally, the class will investigate what the potential consequences are for failing to find a justification for political obligation or punishment.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL331. American Political Thought. 3 Credits.

Origin, development, and nature of theories which have significantly influenced the development of American politics.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL332. The American Presidency. 3 Credits.

The role of the Federal executive in the American constitutional system, the sources of his power, and the organization of the executive office.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL334. Film and Politics. 3 Credits.

Examines the social and political implications of documentaries, Hollywood-style, independent, and foreign films.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL336. Middle Eastern Politics and Institutions. 3 Credits.

Experience of the Middle Eastern countries with Western-type governments and institutions. Interplay of historical, religious, economic, and social factors as they affect the process of westernization and the emergence of nationalism.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL339. Model United Nations. 3 Credits.

Preparation for participation in Model United Nations simulations around the country. Individual research on the United Nations and cooperative efforts to represent an assigned nation and its foreign policy; to serve on UN committees, such as political affairs, international economics, legal issues, human rights and disarmament.

Attributes:

  • Field Study
  • Civic Engagement
  • Research
  • Int Domest Travel Exchange
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

POL341. Revolution and Counterrevolution. 3 Credits.

Study of the types, causes, and consequences of revolution and counterrevolution in the twentieth century. Particular emphasis on the Russian, Chinese, and Third World revolutions as well as contemporary counterrevolution.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL342. Politics of Developing Areas. 3 Credits.

Comparative study of the processes, institutions, and issues of political systems in the developing societies of Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Overview course to prepare students for more intensive studies dealing with specific areas.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL344. Politics of International Economic Organizations. 3 Credits.

The origins, objectives, membership, organizational structure, rules, accomplishments, politics, relations with UN agencies, recent trends and problems, and future prospects of international financial, trade and energy organizations (such as IMF, World Bank, GATT, UNCTAD, OPEC).

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL345. War and International Politics. 3 Credits.

Study of forms, causes and consequences of armed conflict in the international system. Topics to be considered include: military power as a tool of foreign policy, inter-state warfare -- causes and resolution, just war doctrines, civil wars, and international politics, terrorism.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL346. International Political Economy. 3 Credits.

The course analyzes the political dimensions of international economic relations. Special attention is given to the historical evolution of international political economy, the contending theoretical perspectives, as well as the relationship between governments and business corporations.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL347. Politics of Environment and Development. 3 Credits.

Focus on domestic and international environmental ramifications of efforts to encourage development in less developed countries. The course evaluates current theories and practices aimed at addressing the tensions between economic development and environmental protection.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL350. Introduction to Law. 3 Credits.

The legal system and the role of law, systematic examination of the various branches of the law and their historical development; the effects of the law on human activity and the interrelationships of persons.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL351. Constitutional Law: National Government. 3 Credits.

Analysis of constitutional aspects of the powers of the President, Congress, and the Courts; foreign relations and the war power; federal-state relations; regulation of the national commerce; nationality; elections.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL352. Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties. 3 Credits.

Analysis of constitutional protections of personal rights and liberties, such as: desegregation, protection against sex discrimination, freedom of expression, privacy, fair trial.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL353. International Relations of the Americas. 3 Credits.

International political, military, diplomatic and economic relations of the Western hemisphere in the 20th century; US-Latin American relations, especially post-World War II; regional trends of economic restructuring and integration (NAFTA, Andean Pact, MERCOSUR) in the 1980's and 1990's.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL354. European Politics and Government. 3 Credits.

Comparative study of government and politics under the constitutional systems of Western Europe.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL355. Criminal Law. 3 Credits.

Statutory basis, constitutional context, and court decisions affecting criminal law, with special focus on New York. Particular attention to legal limits to arrest, search, and interrogation procedures; pre-trial hearings; discovery procedures; and role of defense counsel.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL356. Sex Discrimination and the Law. 3 Credits.

Study of the legal under-pinnings of sex discrimination in the United States through case law and statutes. Coverage of such topics as employment, credit, rape, the ERA and discrimination on the basis of sexual preference.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL357. International Law. 3 Credits.

Role of law in international relations. Development, interpretation, and application of legal rules, and legal aspects of major contemporary problems.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL362. Politics of China and India. 3 Credits.

Comparative study of socio-economic and political development in China and India.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL363. Chinese Foreign Pol and US. 3 Credits.

Focus on Chinese foreign policy institutions, processes and actors, and their role in foreign policy making. Secondary focus on key foreign policy issues, specifically those influencing US-China relations.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL364. Nationalism in World Politics. 3 Credits.

The primary objective of this course is to examine the nature of nationalism in world politics: its political basis, ideological composition, security implications, and future.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL365. International Politics of the Asia-Pacific. 3 Credits.

Twentieth-century foreign policies of and international relations among the U.S., China, Soviet Union, Japan, and Korea, with special emphasis on foreign policy leadership and institutional processes of these countries.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL366. American Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

Examination of historical and institutional foundations and applications of American foreign policy.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL368. Defense Issues in American Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

Major issues facing the United States in formulating and implementing military policy in the nuclear age. Half the course will focus on nuclear weapons in U.S. foreign policy. The remainder will be on the role of conventional military power in U.S. foreign policy.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL369. Governments and Politics of China and Japan. 3 Credits.

A study of the contemporary political institutions (governments, parties, interest groups), policymaking processes and public policies of two of the most important world powers, and a brief comparison with the U.S.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL370. United Nations Semester. 6 Credits.

An intensive examination of the United Nations that involves regular lectures on campus and weekly briefings at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. A total of ten trips to the United Nations are scheduled during the course of the semester.

Attributes:

  • Field Study
  • Civic Engagement
  • Research
  • Int Domest Travel Exchange
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL371. Latin American Politics. 3 Credits.

Political dynamics, structures and processes in Latin America. The course examines history and political economy of regions, social structures, coups and military states, revolutionary and nationalist movements, impact of international factors, and transitions to democracy.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL372. International Relations of the Middle East. 3 Credits.

Foundations of international relations in the Middle East in terms of concepts and realities of international politics. Interstate relations in the region as well as their external relations with the superpowers.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL373. Russian Politics: Past and Present. 3 Credits.

This course serves as an introduction to politics of the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation. It has two main objectives: provide students with the background necessary to understand this region and place current changes in a comparative framework.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL374. Politics of the European Union. 3 Credits.

The course details the essential structures, actors, and processes of the European Union. Special attention is given to its historical background and institutional structure, as well as its foreign, economic, and social policies.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL379. Women in Politics. 3 Credits.

Why are there so few women in political office, in the U.S., and other parts of the world? Would more women in politics make a difference to public policymaking, or to international relations? This course comparatively considers barriers and opportunities for women in politics globally.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL384. State Politics Semester. 5 Credits.

Full-time internship in Albany with state legislator, administrative agency, or political party leader to carry out tasks of internship supervisor. Academic requirements include seminar participation, weekly papers, daily journal, and related book reviews.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL390. Junior Seminar in Political Science. 4 Credits.

An examination of a major theme in a subfield of Political Science, a preparation for the senior seminar. Students will practice good research habits, learn appropriate seminar etiquette, and develop a research project.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior

Prerequisites:

May be repeated for credit

POL393. Pol Sci Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

POL399. Modular Course. 0 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL401. Seminar in American Government and Politics. 4 Credits.

Study of major issues in American government and politics. Students will present a major research paper to the seminar by the end of the course.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Political Science (533)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL403. Seminar in Comparative Politics. 4 Credits.

Study of the major issues in Comparative Politics. Students will present a major research paper to the seminar by the end of the course.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • International Relations (534)
    • Political Science (533)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL404. Seminar in International Relations. 4 Credits.

Study of the major contributions of classical and contemporary thinkers in the field of International Relations. Students will present a major research paper to the seminar by the end of the course.

Attributes:

  • Civic Engagement
  • Research
  • Int Domest Travel Exchange
  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • International Relations (534)
    • Political Science (533)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL405. Seminar in Political Theory. 4 Credits.

An examination of significant issues, figures, and concepts in political theory. Students will develop and present a major research paper by the end of the course.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Political Science (533)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL406. Seminar in Law. 4 Credits.

Advanced seminar in law. The purpose is to strengthen and expand the student's knowledge of law, the legal system and the judicial process in order to investigate critically and timely issues at the intersection of law and politics. A major research paper is required.

Attributes:

  • Critical Thinking Advanced
  • Information Mgmt Advanced
  • Liberal Arts
  • Writing Intensive

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Political Science (533)

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL480. Government Internship. 9-15 Credits.

Provides students with an integrated academic work experience in a government or administrative agency for a semester. Possible positions include state legislature, United States Congress, police agencies, planning units, newspapers, and radio stations. Students work a minimum of 40 hours per week in close cooperation with political leaders and officials and participate in a weekly academic seminar. Interns are required to do a large amount of assigned reading, maintain a comprehensive journal, and submit weekly reaction papers. Instructors hold frequent individual conversations with interns as well as the agency supervisors. Students are allowed to register for no more than 15 academic credits while participating in the program.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL481. Government Fieldwork I. 3 Credits.

Taken in conjunction with POL480.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL482. Government Fieldwork 2. 3 Credits.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

POL484. State Politics Semester. 15 Credits.

Full-time internship in Albany with state legislator, administrative agency, or political party leader to carry out tasks of internship supervisor. Academic requirements include seminar participation, weekly papers, daily journal, and related book reviews.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following classes: Senior, Junior

Prerequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL485. Legislative Gazette. 6 Credits.

Full-time internship in Albany producing the Legislative Gazette.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman

Corequisites:

May not be repeated for credit

POL491. Honors Research. 3 Credits.

Research in primary sources under the direction of a faculty member. Recommendation of faculty member and approval of departmental honors committee for honors in political science.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

POL493. Polit Sci Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

POL494. Fieldwork In Political Science. 1-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

POL495. Indep Study Political Science. 1-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

Faculty

Dowley, Kathleen
Associate Professor and Chair
Ph.D., Michigan State University
Office: SCB 133
Phone: (845) 257-3558
E-mail: dowleyk@newpaltz.edu

Kassop, Nancy
Professor
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Office: FOB W8
Phone: (845) 257-3544
E-mail: kassopn@newpaltz.edu

Lefkowitz, Joel
Associate Professor
Ph.D., CUNY Graduate Center
Office: FOB W6
Phone: (845) 257-3792
E-mail: lefkowij@newpaltz.edu

Lipson, Daniel
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Office: SCB 135
Phone: (845) 257-3543
E-mail: lipsond@newpaltz.edu

Miller, Jeff
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Virginia
Office: JFT 920
Phone: (845) 257-3934
E-mail: millerj@newpaltz.edu

Minkoff, Scott
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder
Office: JFT 1016
Phone: (845) 257-3541
E-mail: minkoffs@newpaltz.edu

Ozler, Ilgu
Professor
Ph.D., University of California-Los Angeles
Office: SCB 134
Phone: (845) 257-2635
E-mail: ozleri@newpaltz.edu

Pampinella, Stephen
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University at Albany
Office: JFT 522
Phone: (845) 257-3549
E-mail: pampines@newpaltz.edu

Schwartz, Jonathan
Professor
Ph.D., University of Toronto
Office: JFT 816
Phone: (845) 257-2627
E-mail: schwartj@newpaltz.edu