790:101 Introduction to Politics
General introduction to major concepts, issues, and theoretical approaches to the study of politics. For students beginning a political science major and for students with other majors interested in a course in politics.
790:102 The Study of Politics
Introduces students to the practice of political science. Whereas Introduction to Politics (PS 101) focuses on substantive concepts central to the study of politics and government (what is democracy? what is a state?), this course exposes students to major research approaches, tools, and skills needed for designing and executing student-driven research projects. Upon completing this course, students should be able to digest and analyze political science research, as well as organizing a basic research design of your own.
American Politics and Public Policy
790:103 Basic Urban Issues
The identification of, study of, and governmental response to selected urban problems. Liberal, conservative, and radical views.
790:205 American State and Local Government
Examination of the crucial role of state governments and their subdivisions in the American federal system. Conditions for responsive, effective government.
790:215 Introduction to American Politics
A comprehensive survey of American national government; its institutions, functions, and processes, including constitutionalism, federalism, elections, pressure politics, social and economic policies, and national security.
790:220 The Socially Responsible University
The concept of socially responsibility as applied to a university in a distressed city. Focusing on Rutgers University–Camden’s relationship to its host community, this course provides an opportunity for students to work with a range of organizations that partner with Rutgers University in revitalizing Camden, and to explore the nature of this partnership including its relationship with government policymakers.
790:296 Practical Politics
Students expected to undertake an internship in a political office or organization, or in a nonpartisan political organization.
790:307 Public Policy Analysis
Explores the perspectives utilized in the analysis and evaluation of public policymaking and policy results. Topics include the public interest, cost-benefit analysis, normative constraints, policy evaluation methods, and the political implications of systematic policy analysis.
790:308 New Jersey Politics
Structures and processes both of state and local governments, how they relate to each other and the federal system, and how citizens and public officials can ensure their proper operations. Educational reform, zoning and land-use disputes, the role of the courts as a key part of the New Jersey political system, the growth of professionalization in public administration, and the representation of interests in Trenton.
790:323 The Legislative Process
Analysis of Congress, its internal organization and structure, and relation to other political institutions in the system, such as the president, political parties, courts, bureaucracy, and interest groups.
790:331 Urban Policy and Economic Development
The analysis of the forms, functions, and problems of the municipality. The interrelations among economic development, business interests, and public policy in urban areas.
790:332 Urban Political Systems
Modern urban government, social and political problems of the city, types of government organizations, and the relations of the city with other units of local government.
790:333 U.S. Intelligence Community
Role of the Central Intelligence Agency in the formulation and implementation of American foreign policy and of the CIA’s interaction with other intelligence agencies, the National Security Council, and Congress. Intelligence collection, intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, and covert action.
790:342 Principles of Public Administration
The structure and organization of administrative machinery in the United States. The theory and politics of contemporary bureaucracy with emphasis on administrative forces, decision making, enforcement, administrative courts, responsiveness, and innovations.
790:343 Administrative Law and Public Policy
An examination of the major concepts and techniques of administrative law–delegated legislation, adjudicatory procedures, judicial review–and an exploration of the application of these concepts and techniques to the process of formulating and evaluating public policy.
790:346 Urban Legal Problems
Analyzes contemporary urban problems from a legal perspective, while recognizing that law is a product of political processes; explores legal problems including municipal powers, intergovernmental relations, zoning, urban renewal, legal aspects of tax reform, and law used as a vehicle of urban social change.
790:349 Money and Politics
The changing and increasing role of money in U.S. elections. The various court decisions that have shaped our campaign finance system, survey of current scholarship on the effects of money in politics, and comparisons with other countries’ campaign and election funding systems.
790:351 Political Parties in the United States
History, structure, and organization of major and minor parties. The functions of parties in modern society. Strengths and weaknesses of contemporary party alignments. The nature of the electoral process and the electorate.
790:352 Voting and Opinion
Voting behavior, political attitudes, and opinions of electorates. Also focuses on the relationships between political attitudes and voting and between voting and public policies.
790:353 Interest Groups and Social Movements
Examines the formation of interest groups and their behavior in the American political system. The relationship between social movements and interest groups in representative democracy, policy formation, and the electoral process.
790:354 Public Opinion
Theory and research on public opinion in the United States, including uses and abuses of polls and survey research, recent trends in political and social opinions, and relationship between public opinion and public policy. Examines the formation of public opinion and its influence in campaigns and elections.
790:356 Women and American Politics
The role of gender in American politics; women’s political attitudes, priorities, and behavior as voters, activists, and officeholders. The history of women’s political activism; trends in and impact of women’s participation as citizens, party activists, candidates, and elected officials; and reasons for women’s political under representation. The intersection of gender with other identities (e.g., race/ethnicity) in American political institutions.
790:359 Politics and Media
How the media covers American politics, and how different forms of media (newspapers, blogs, TV news) cover politics differently. How politicians, parties, and interests use the media, especially through advertising (both positive and attack ads).
790:360 Urban Public Policy
Approaches to the analysis of urban policy issues. Attention to such topics as poverty, unemployment, education, housing, health, crime, transportation, and environment. Emphasis on policy as an instrument for social change.
790:363 American Federalism
Constitutional, political, and institutional relationships among U.S. federal, state, and local governments, including grants-in-aid, revenue sharing, interstate compacts, and intergovernmental cooperation.
790:364 Politics of Minority Groups
An analysis of the tactics, goals, and impact of organized minorities in the American political arena; groups studied include women, blacks, Chicanos, various ethnic groups, and selected third-party movements.
790:365 Gender, Race & Public Policy
Examines public policy issues through the lenses of race and gender, including (but not limited to) reproductive policies, health and nutrition, welfare, affirmative action, social security, community policing, domestic violence, the environment, and economic development. Begins with basic introductions to both race and gender theory, as an approach to thinking about pubic policy and the role of government for these specific policies.
790:366 U.S. Environmental Politics
The politics and processes of U.S. domestic environmental policy, with a primary emphasis on developments since the late 1960s. Passage of major environmental legislation (the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, Superfund, etc.) and the ongoing policy impact of significant partisan divisions over environmental policy that emerged in the late 1970s. Ongoing policy debates over increasingly complex 21st-century environmental problems, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and persistent organic pollutants.
790:381 Judicial Process
The functioning of federal and state courts in the American political system. Topics include plea bargaining, judicial decision making, and the role of courts in policy development.
790:388 U.S. National Security Policy
An examination of the legal, organizational, and political components of the numerous agencies dealing with security issues in the United States since 9/11. Includes intelligence gathering, sharing, and evaluation; the organization of the homeland security department; and counterterrorism strategies. Also focuses on cooperation and conflict in relations among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government in matters of national security.
790:395 Formulation of American Foreign Policy
Examines the processes by which U.S. foreign policy is made. Analyzes the relative influence exercised on U.S. foreign policy by the executive and legislative branches of government and the changing roles of the presidency, departments of state and defense (as well as other agencies of government, such as the Central Intelligence Agency), and Congress. Reference also made to the external constraints on the American foreign policy decision-making process.
790:401 American Constitutional Development
Judicial review and constitutional interpretation. Focuses on the separation of powers; federal-state relations; and national powers relating to war, regulation of commerce, and civil rights. Prerequisite: 50:790:215 or junior status.
790:403 The Constitution and Criminal Law
Examines those parts of the U.S. Constitution that establish the rights of citizens when they become subjects of criminal investigation and prosecution. Among other things, this course will look at the limits the Constitution places on the government’s power to search, survey, and interrogate individuals; the right to counsel; and the right of individuals to protection against double jeopardy and cruel and unusual punishment. Prerequisite: 50:790:381 or junior status.
790:407 The American Presidency
The constitutional basis and development of the American presidency. The potentialities of presidential government, patterns of presidential politics, and the power, strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of presidential authority.
790:408 Bureaucracy and Democracy
Examines the inherent tension between bureaucracy and democracy in contemporary political systems, including questions of representation, participation in the policy process, and accountability (to the public and to elected leaders). Explores the theories of bureaucratic formation and behavior, conflicts between administrative control and freedom, and challenges to separation of powers in democratic societies.
790:409 Law and American Civilization
An introduction to the history and philosophy of law and American legal institutions.
790:414 The Supreme Court as a Political Institution
The place, role, and function of the court in American politics. Examines the court’s role in the separation of powers, the extent to which the court is a democratic institution, the character of the justices’ decision making, and the impact of court decisions.
790:426 Civil Liberties in Times of Emergencies
This course examines the effect of war and other national emergencies on the protection of individual rights and the balance that should be struck between national security and individual liberties. Although the course focuses primarily on national emergencies throughout American history, it will also examine how other countries have sought to strike the balance between national security and liberty.
790:434 Government, Business, and American Politics
Examines the relationship between democracy and capitalism; contending views about capitalism’s future in the United States; and current government-business relations, with particular emphasis on regulatory policy and politics.
790:435 Counter Terrorism Strategies
An examination into the complex nature of counterterrorist measures that are aimed to prevent terrorist acts and neutralize terrorist groups. Focuses on the techniques, tactics, and strategies that the U.S. government agencies (FBI, CIA, Dept. of Homeland Security) and the international community pursue to defeat terrorism domestically and at the international level.
790:442 Human Freedoms and the Constitution
The Constitution and basic civil liberties issues. Analysis of Supreme Court decisions dealing with freedom of speech and press, rights of defendants, freedom of religion, discrimination and equality, and the right to privacy.
790:447 Critical Issues in American Government
In-depth examination of the major problems confronting American society: race, poverty, housing, transportation, science policy, education, crime, taxation, and environmental policy. Focuses on the development and effectiveness of various policies in these areas.
790:456 Public Sector Personnel Policy
Principles and techniques of government personnel systems; their organization and development; recruitment, selection, training, promotion, classification, and transfer policies; morale and employee relations; and the impact of public personnel policies on agency services.
International Politics
790:210 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to major types of political systems in today’s world. Explores contemporary issues such as political stability and responsiveness, democratization, political and economic development, minority rights, and transnational integration.
790:211 Introduction to International Relations
A comprehensive survey of theories of international relations (such as national power, balances of power, deterrence, and war and peace); forces shaping international relations (such as nationalism and ideology, including democratic and nondemocratic regimes); national as well as global instruments or institutions through which international relations are conducted (such as foreign policy, international law, and international organization).
790:284 Geography and the World
Examines how political and social developments have transformed natural environments and how natural environments influence political and social phenomena.
790:305 Western European Politics
Government and politics of Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy; the Scandinavian democracies; and the Benelux and European community structures. Contemporary tensions and changes within and among the major governments of continental Europe.
790:306 Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
National, ethnic, and religious identities continue to be the basis for political conflict. Why are these identities so strong? How do they become politically relevant? In this course, we will examine different theories of nationalism: what it is, how it emerges, and what its consequences are. To do so, we will begin by studying the creation of the international system of nation-states, and how it led to the creation of minorities within states. We will look at how different societies have used notions of biology, culture, and geography to define citizenship and political membership. From there, we will examine different types of ethnic and religious conflicts as well as separatist movements.
790:311 Latin American Politics
A critical review of key events and concepts in modern Latin American politics. A focus on social science explanations for the region’s economic, political, and societal challenges. Assessment of the connections between democracy and development. Key issues for study may include urbanization, innovations in governance, migration, the environment, political parties, and contentious politics in the region.
790:316 East Asian Politics
Examines contemporary political and economic problems of China and Japan against background of their political histories, systems, and cultures. Current controversies and policies analyzed in the light of historical, governmental, and cultural factors.
790:318 Comparative Public Policy
How public policy is made and implemented around the world. Students review general theories and political dynamics of policymaking in addition to specific policy issue areas in industrialized and developing countries, including: immigration, spending, taxation, health care, social assistance, education, and the environment.
790:320 Contemporary American Foreign Policy -Analyzes (1) patterns of post-World War II American foreign policy in terms of national interests, goals, and instruments; and (2) external and internal factors shaping these interests, goals, and instruments, including changes in international political and economic conditions (external factors) and national values, public opinion, governmental structures, roles, processes, and leadership factors (internal factors). Seeks understanding of American responses to problems confronting U.S. foreign policy, such as ideological conflicts and conflicts over the distribution of power and economic resources as in East-West and North-South conflicts.
790:322 Problems in Contemporary International Politics
Study of the post-Cold War order and analysis of current theoretical issues as well as international problems such as the environment, gender issues, and rise of national and ethnic tensions.
790:324 International Political Economy
Examines the overlap between international relations, comparative politics, and economics with a focus on U.S. global influence. Roles of states, markets, and interest groups and their impact on the global economy. The theoretical bases for the study of international political economy: how international trade, geopolitics, and organizations impact policy and real-world outcomes.
790:328 Comparative Politics of Developing Nations
Comparative study of political, cultural, and socioeconomic forces in selected developing countries. Course themes include: the role of the state in economic development; revolutions and ethnic conflict; religion and polices; gender politics; urbanization and rural development; democratic vs. authoritarian regimes; and the structure of state institutions.
790:330 Comparative Politics of Eastern Europe
Analyzes political developments in the Czech Republic and Slovakia (formerly Czechoslovakia), Poland, and other major nations of Eastern Europe. Particular attention paid to the emergence of post-World War II political structures and the role of the former Soviet Union.
790:335 African Politics
An inquiry into the political processes and governmental institutions of countries of sub-Saharan Africa, with special emphasis on the dynamics of political development and social and economic changes.
790:336 Middle Eastern Politics
An introduction to the government and politics of the Arab countries, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and other regional actors including the Palestinian Authority. Consideration of contemporary crises and tensions. The role of religion, nationalism, the legacy of European imperialism, ideological competition, and power politics in the region.
790:337 South and Southeast Asian Politics – A study of the political history, politics, government, and contemporary political and economic problems and policies of South and Southeast Asian political systems, with an emphasis on the Indian subcontinent in South Asia and Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia in Southeast Asia.
790:338 Government and Business in the International System
Examines the relationships between government and business in advanced industrial democracies and the extent to which public-sector/private-sector ratios promote or retard economic growth. Assesses the factors that promote close relationships between government and business in some countries, like Japan, and disorganized and chaotic relationships in others, like the United States.
790:339 Chinese Politics
Key aspects of China’s political, economic, and historical developments. Students will be introduced to China’s political system beginning in the Mao era, moving through the early stages of economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping, finishing by examining the post-Deng era with an emphasis on contemporary political, economic, and security issues.
790:357 Global Development
The current state of development in countries around the world and a survey of social science explanations for wealth generation and inequality. The role of government, international donors, and nongovernmental organizations is also reviewed. Themes of the course include urban-rural conflict, health, education, gender, civil society, and globalization.
790:358 Democracy and Dictatorship
The logic and legitimacy of alternative models of political regimes. What do we mean by a democracy? A fascist state? A Communist state? Is totalitarianism the same as authoritarianism? What are the difference between liberal and social democracies and between representative and direct democracies? What is a hybrid regime? These questions are addressed by studying the genesis of different regimes and how they incorporate different ideological, political, and economic systems. In the process, we will examine contemporary debates about which kinds of political institutions are better at promoting economic growth and equity.
790:380 Women and Politics in Developing Societies
Focuses on the evolving role of women in non-Western societies. Women’s participation in politics, policymaking, and protest at the national as well as the international level. Specific issues studied include women’s access to education and employment, and responses to violence and legal discrimination against them.
790:387 International Law and International Organizations
An examination of the principles, foundations, and institutions of international law regulating diplomatic, financial, commercial, maritime, and cultural transactions among nations, as well as restraints on the use of force in international relations. The primary focus is on international law; international organization is examined as one of the concepts and institutions that has evolved within the international legal system.
790:410 Comparative Constitutional Law
Compares and contrasts constitutions of countries from different continents and from different legal traditions, including civil law, common law, and Islamic law. Examines how they deal with important issues including judicial review, constitutional entrenchment and amendment, religious pluralism, social welfare rights, power sharing, minority protection, and freedom of expression and association.
790:412 Civil Society and Political Development
The role of civil society organizations and social movements in bringing about political change at the local, national, and global levels. In-depth case studies from around the world provide evidence toward our assessment of various explanations for mobilization and the role of contentious politics in reform. Though the focus will be on current politics, past cases will also inform our study.
790:420 Seminar on War and Peace
War as an activity of people and nations. The theology, philosophy, politics, economics, and laws that are part of the emotion, rationale, and literature of war.
790:427 Energy Security Policy
Natural resources are closely linked to economic prosperity and international security. The need to procure and protect vital resources, particularly oil and water, has had a profound impact onU.S. national security and foreign policy. The purpose of this course is to study three major aspects linking natural resources and national security: 1) U.S. energy security and energy policy; 2) types of violence associated with conflict over scarce resources; and 3) strategies for conflict resolution. The course concludes with a discussion of the future trajectory of resource disputes and the policy implications for national security.
790:429 Global Views of American Power
An in-depth exploration of two competing global views of American power: Pro-Americanism and Anti-Americanism. Pro-Americanism focuses on positive views of the United States associated with American leadership on freedom, democracy, and human rights. Anti-Americanism means challenges to American power and global leadership and is defined as a set of negative predispositions toward the United States. This course will explore and examine three different (and even contradictory) forms of Anti-Americanism.
790:430 Contemporary Propaganda
In the 21st century, ideas–religious and secular–are competing for global dominance. Military force to impose one value system over another is increasingly stymied by asymmetric warfare and low-intensity conflict, as well as by the preference of the international community forpeaceful dialogue over force. Since propaganda has emerged as an increasingly potent weapon in the war of ideas, this course will define propaganda, examine and analyze how and why it is disseminated, and investigate whether democracies or dictatorships are better at conducting propaganda campaigns.
Political Theory and Methodology
790:203 Quantitative Methods in Political Science
Examination of the application of quantitative methods in the study of causal relations in political science.
790:204 Political Methodology
Design and execution of research in politics, including the use of existing data and gathering data. Review of tools available for research, including: interviews, surveys, case studies, experiments, archival data, and re-analysis of data sets. Introduces the student to the use of computers and basic statistical tools as they relate to the discipline of political science. No prior research or statistics knowledge necessary.
790:218 Introduction to Digital Politics
This course explores the role that digital technology and social media play in both facilitating and disrupting politics. This course examines the growing body of academic research on digital technology and social media’s role in mobilizing voters, shaping public opinion, and diversifying avenues of participation at home and abroad, among other topics. Students will also receive practical training in the use of a variety of digital platforms used in the world of politics.
790:302 Dystopian Government in Futuristic Fiction
Using the lens of futuristic fiction like 1984, Brave New World, Brazil, Wall-E, Handmaid’s Tale, and Blade Runner, supplemented with democratic and political theory from Aristotle, Machiavelli, Arendt, Mansbridge, Rawls, and Foucault, this course examines what makes for “good” versus “bad” government. What are the proper limits of governmental surveillance and authority? Who should decide what government does, and how it does it? How intertwined, if at all, should government be with the economy? With religion?
790:304 Politics and Culture
As America makes the transition to a nation with no single ethnic group in a majority, Americans, like citizens of many other nations, are locked in a debate about what it means to be an “American.” This course begins by examining the differences and similarities between American political culture and the political cultures of other nations. Is American political culture unique? Can we identify a traditional set of common political values and attitudes that have bound our nation together to create E Pluribus Unum? Should these values, which underlie our political culture, change as our population becomes more diverse? Will our commitment to diversity undermine or enhance our cohesion as one nation? The course will also analyze and examine how America changed, why America changed, identify the forces changing America, and assess the various conceptions of the America of tomorrow.
790: 326 Government and Free Markets
Explores real-life questions about justice and injustice, equality and inequality, individual rights, and the common good. We will examine how political theorists have looked at the role of states and markets in different historical eras and from different perspectives to shed light on current debates about what the role of government should be and whether markets promote social and economic well-being.
790:350 Violence, Revolution and Terrorism
Examines leading social science theories of revolution and political violence. Focuses on revolutionary and counterrevolutionary movements in selected countries. Discusses policies and strategies for responding to terrorism.
790:355 Political Behavior
The formation and expression of political attitudes in individuals, groups, and organizations. Includes a consideration of theories on the sources of these attitudes based on political socialization (family, popular culture, mass media, etc.); political economy (preference formation and bargaining); and political psychology (motivation and perception).
790:371 Classical Political Theories
The leading figures of Western political theory from Plato to Machiavelli.
790:372 Modern Political Theory
The leading figures of Western political theory from Hobbes to the present.
790:375 American Political Thought
The heritage of ordered liberty in America. Analysis of the writings of such major figures in American thought as Jefferson and Madison, as well as broad theories of the operation of American political institutions.
790:390 Empirical Political Theory
Major empirical theories in political science, such as role theory, group theory, and public choice, including research methods. Studies the place of theory in political science research.
790:416 Seminar in Political Development
Analysis of the forces of modernization and political development, with special attention to comparative study of political development.
790:480 Radical Politics
Political protest movements and the methods of radical political change.
Honors and Independent Study Courses
790:347 Current Readings in Political Science (Honors Students only)
Open to anyone admitted to the honors program. In order to initiate this reading program, the student should approach the professor with whom he or she expects to work concerning a specific topic or area of inquiry.
790:394 Honors Research
Required of all honors students. Individual writing, research, and preparation of an original thesis paper or research portfolio.
790:460,461 – Topics in Political Science
Opportunity to work closely with an individual instructor to explore an issue or subject of common interest.
790:489, 490 Studies in Political Science
Studies in special topic intended to involve students in advanced study and research. Subjects usually change from year to year.
790:492 Readings in Political Science
Closely supervised exploration of political subjects through outstanding readings in the field. A tutorial relationship with the instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credits determined according to the outline of work adopted by student and instructor. Designed for students who are not participating in the departmental honors program.
790:495 Topical Honors Seminars:
Honors Seminar in American Government and Public Policy (3)
Honors Seminar in International Politics (3)
Honors Seminar in Political Theory and Methodology (3)
Prerequisite: Admission to the honors program and completion of 790:102 or special permission from instructor.
790:496 Honors Workshop:
Course will prepare Political Science Honors Students to complete their Honors Thesis
790:499 Independent Study and Research
Credits determined according to the level of work agreed upon by student and instructor.