Spring 2010 Special Topic Course Descriptions

 

POLS 339.001 ST: Politics of India and Pakistan
(Dr. Malte Pehl, MWF 10:00 am)

South Asia is a world region of growing importance which offers the student of politics the opportunity to engage with the greatest promises and the gravest problems facing humanity today. This course traces major political developments in India and Pakistan, drawing on a range of analytical perspectives and focusing mainly on the post-independence period. It will cover colonial rule, nationalism and the formation of the two state-nations, democratic and authoritarian transitions in post-colonial politics, the dynamics of politics and social tensions, political mobilization along the lines of religion, ethnicity, and gender and its varying results. The foreign relations of India and Pakistan with each other and with other important actors influencing the region, including inter- and intra-state conflict, will be another focus in this course. We will also examine the determinants and the impact of socio-economic change and various policies.

POLS 359.001 ST: Global Political Theory
(Dr. Kea Gorden, MWF 9:00 am)

This course offers an exploration of the multiple perspectives of political thought that exist in the world outside of the Western Canon. We will explore perspectives from around the globe, including African and Buddhist political philosophy to post-colonial feminisms, to consider political theorizations of freedom, equality, justice, security and political organization. The course will encourage students to examine how a knowledge of global perspectives allows political analysts a richer and more complex understanding of politics.

POLS 399.001 ST: Third Parties in American Politics
(Dr. Dave Gillespie, TR 12:15 pm)

We will explore a little-known but fascinating domain beyond the major parties: the world of Know Nothings and Populists, Progressives and Dixiecrats, Libertarians and Greens, Prohibitionists and Communists and others. Understanding their mutual interest in maintaining duopoly, the Democrats and Republicans have united in stacking the deck against such outside challengers.

And yet, third parties were the first to nominate women, African Americans, and gays for the presidency. They were the first parties to push for transparency in government, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, national health insurance, social security, ending the cold war. Whatever one’s definition of “there” is, third parties have almost always arrived there years before the major parties.

The course will proceed seminar style. You will be expected to be a regular participant in our shared discussion of assigned readings, and to choose and complete an appropriate research project.

POLS 399.090 LGBT Politics
(Professor Tom Chorlton, MWF 1:00 pm)

This course will focus on the evolution of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender politics from the founding of the Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitis in the 1950s, the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969, the inclusion of Lesbian & Gay Rights in the 1980 Democratic Platform through present day developments in local, state, national and international politics. Special emphasis will be placed on the Military's "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" policy; the impact of AIDS on the LGBT community; Gay Marriage and Family issues; and LGBT Elected Officials from Capitol Hill to City Hall.

 

Model OAS and Model OAU

The POLS 366 International Diplomacy course provides students with a chance to prepare for and participate in the College delegation to the Organization of American State or the Organization of African Unity. Participants gain experience in international diplomacy, negotiation, and policy-making. During the first part of the semester, students prepare their roles and then participate in an international model in Washington, D.C. Spanish skills are useful, but not required for the Model OAS experience. Interviews are required and conducted in late October. Enrollment is through the instructor. Only students with a GPA of at least a 2.5 in overall coursework are eligible for consideration.

For more information about Model OAS visit the Model OAS website and contact Dr. Doug Friedman or 953-5701.

For more information about the Model AU visit the Model AU website and contact Dr. Jack Parson or 953-7662.

Mock Trial

Each year students interested in law have the opportunity to participate in one of the two Mock trial courses, POLS 353 Beginning Mock Trial and POLS 354 Advanced Mock Trial. These courses are taught by local attorneys and give students a chance to learn first hand about the work of trial attorneys, understand the judicial system, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their communication skills. Courses are open to all majors.

POLS 353 Beginning Mock Trial

• Offered in the Spring semester
• Intended for students with no previous mock trial experience
• Enrollment is open
• Involves public speaking in class on your feet and in mock trial scrimmages
• Offers a team learning environment
  

POLS 354 Advanced Mock Trial

• Offered in the Fall, but involvement will continue into the Spring
• Advanced Mock Trial is for students with previous mock trial or debate experience
• Interviews are required for consideration (conducted in the Spring prior to Fall enrollment)
• Only students with a GPA of at least a 2.5 in overall coursework are eligible for consideration.
• Travel is involved in both Fall and Spring semesters (2-4 competitions)
• Involves public speaking in class on your feet and in competition
• Offers a team learning environment

If you have any questions or are interested in participating in the Advanced Mock Trial course, please contact Meredith Coker at mcoker@altmancoker.com AND cewolfe@altmancoker.com