An analysis of individual voting behavior and candidate strategies during presidential and congressional elections. The effect of the mass media, political action committees, and political advertising on the vote decision is examined. Attention is also devoted to candidates' campaign organizations and communication strategies.
The ways the modern mass media affect the dynamics of politics in the United States are examined in this course. Specific topics include the impact of television on political discourse; the structure and ownership of mass media; how news is made and how it influences our political attitudes and behaviors; the role of media in campaigns, elections and policy making.
A course in the American presidency, empha- sizing institutional developments and the impact of recent presidents on the office, on other govern- mental institutions, on domestic and foreign policies, and including an examination of the broader context of the executive branch of government.
A study of the political and the philosophical origins of the U.S. Constitution and of the competing and overlapping philosphies about how it should be interpreted in modern times.
A thorough survey of literature in judicial process, focusing largely on judicial recruitment and decision-making, litigants' strategies, the implementation and impact of judicial policies and relations between the courts and other power centers. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.
An intensive treatment of theoretical and experimental literature, both classical and contemporary, in developmental psychology.
A sociological study of the causes and consequences of the distribution of power in society. Topics may include the means by which social movements challenge power; the political institutions in which power is exercised; and the relationship of the political arena to other social institutions and policies.
Examination of social, cultural and economic conditions in lesser developed countries. Discussion of the various socioeconomic and cultural theories of change and developments, and of alternative policies for the world of the future. Considers the possible roles for social scientists in policy formulation and application.
An in-depth examination of the interrelations between science, agriculture, and development. Both domestic and international issues are explored.
This course examines how states, capital, and other relevant social groups interact to produce new or stabilize old frameworks for work or other aspects of society. Its topics may include many different areas including: employee representation; health and safety issues; race and gender discrimination; corporate relocation and the international division of labor. No matter what topic chosen for the course, the basic aspects of political sociology including pluralist, elite, neo-corporatist, and citizenship theories will be covered.
