This course traces political and legal struggles over the right to vote and access to electoral power in the United States from the nation's early history to the present. In this class, you will explore questions such as: What does the U.S. Constitution say about the right to vote? How is the vote protected - and left unprotected - by the Constitution and its amendments? What does the Voting Rights Act do? How did it transform the politics of voting in the United States? Why do many people now believe the Voting Rights Act is in trouble?

This course traces political and legal struggles over the right to vote and access to electoral power in the United States from the nation's early history to the present. In this class, you will explore questions such as: What does the U.S. Constitution say about the right to vote? How is the vote protected - and left unprotected - by the Constitution and its amendments? What does the Voting Rights Act do? How did it transform the politics of voting in the United States? Why do many people now believe the Voting Rights Act is in trouble?

Principles of American foreign policy with an emphasis on the historical, political, and administrative sources of contemporary policies. Analysis of the foreign policy-making process with specific reference to illustrative case studies. (Gen.Ed. SB) Recommended: POLISCI 101 or 121 or equivalent course.

Focus on the English-speaking Caribbean, formerly the British West Indies: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Grenada. Analysis of the political institutions, processes and movements which give expression to the forces at work in these societies, expecially those of class, ethnicity, and relations of production. Regional economic integration and political federation examined: the utility or otherwise of CARICOM, failure of West Indies federation, etc. Recommended: POLISCI 111.

This course explores the relationships among reporters, publishers and politicians, and how each uses the media. Using historical biographies and other texts, the class will examine past strategies by politicians and media figures. Topics include campaign strategies, Washington politics, day-to-day effectiveness in office, making arguments through the media, and how those not elected use the media. Taught by Congressman Richard Neal of Massachusetts, the class offers an opportunity for students to hear how elected officials work with the press.

Origin and evolution of political ideas and ideals that have shaped the American constitutional system. Tensions within and between liberalism and democracy and the impact of changing social and economic conditions on political beliefs and values. (Gen.Ed. HS)

Movies are used to explore the development of American politics. The forces that shaped our politics early in the century (immigration, reform, religion), the rise of "big" government in the depression and World War II years (the new roles of the federal government, the enhanced presidency, internationalism, and anti-communism), and selected issues (race, gender, modern campaigns) prominent since the 1960s. The meaning of political democracy in America and how our understanding of it has adapted to changing times and conditions. (Gen.Ed. HS)

Not available at this time

Not available at this time

This course examines the state of U.S. democracy today. It takes an historical and comparative perspective in order to orient us to the present conditions in U.S. politics, understand patterns of change and continuity, and explore key areas of democratic challenges and resilience. Throughout, special attention will be given to the role of race and class in the development of U.S. democracy. (Gen. Ed. SB, DU)