Fall 2008 Special Topics Course descriptions

 

POLS 339.001 ST: Chinese Politics
Taught by Professor Liu

This course examines contemporary Chinese politics with emphasis on the era of reform and opening since 1978. China’s politics has been focusing on achieving modernity. In addition to having the most rapidly growing economy, China is experiencing profound sociopolitical changes. We shall examine whether the Chinese can build a dynamic market economy in an increasingly globalized world economy, create social harmony in a society with growing tensions, and maintain political stability while avoiding stagnation and decay.

POLS 339.002 ST: Modern Jewish Politics
Taught by Professor Shanes in Religious Studies

Beginning in the 19th century, Jews faced an unprecedented crisis in identity. The Jewish self-governing “autonomous community,” which had defined the Jews’ role in European society for centuries, was under siege by forces that could no longer tolerate this “state within a state.” Above all, the question of Jewish nationhood grew to dominate “post-emancipation” Jewish politics. Were the Jews a nation or a religious community? What sort of politics should they pursue? Where should they seek to win equal rights and in what language? This course will explore the variety of Jewish political ideologies (liberalism, Zionism, Diaspora nationalism, socialism, political Orthodoxy) that have influenced modern Jewish politics in Europe, the United States, and Israel.

POLS 339.003 ST: The Idea of Africa
Taught by Professor Kea Gorden

This seminar—the title of which is taken from Valentin Mudimbe—examines the position of Africa in political science and the simultaneous processes of over- and under-representation of the continent that mark studies of the global and the local. The course is divided into three parts, focused on defining Diaspora, the West as philosophy, and Africa in the global economy. We will attend to the assumptions that structure critical gestures that include and occlude Africa, including studies that presume Africa as an origin but displace that origin as a site for contemporary politics. Attention will be paid to the historical and philosophical bases of the treatment of Africa and figurations of race as representation in African studies. The course is designed for students who already have interests in Africa and the Diaspora, but also for students of globalization, critical area studies, race and postcolonial theory for whom studies of the place of Africa in history, culture, and contemporary politics might prove valuable.

POLS 359.090 Legal Conflict and Mediation
Taught by Professor Carr

This course includes an overview of conflict evaluation, conflict management and resolution approaches with an emphasis on mediation and negotiation. Among other issues the course will cover non-litigation methods of dispute settlement, the ethics of mediation and negotiation, demonstration and roll playing of the mediation process, participation in the Community Juvenile Arbitration Program, and other experiential learning opportunities.

POLS 379.080 International Human Rights Law
Taught by Professor Delfeld

This course is an introduction to both human rights law and its underlying theory. Human rights law is distinguished from more traditional international law by its interconnected idealism and lack of specificity and enforceability. First we will establish what exactly is covered by human rights law, and then we will move on to the participation of different countries and organizations. We will further examine the theoretical implications of human rights law, including explorations of inherent contradictions in the law and methods of enforcement and resistance.

POLS 379.001 ST: Feminist Theories of International Development
Taught by Professor Kea Gorden

This course serves as an introduction to thinking about the complexity of international development within the framework of feminist theories. The course is appropriate for those intending to work in international development, as well as for those desiring an advanced introduction to the growing literature on gender and international development. Through the study of a range of theoretical texts, primary data sources and policy statements, we will rigorously examine the politics and policies of international development from a feminist perspective. The course will historicize and link issues of feminism to globalization, development institutions and multiple contexts of transnational movements. Central to our understanding of these matters will be a continued discussion of the concept of gender and its critical connections to the socio-historical, cultural, and geopolitical conditions of international development.

POLS 399.001 State Legislatures and Legislative Policymaking
Taught by Professor Archie-Hudson

This course is designed to introduce students interested in public policy to the methods and processes by which state legislatures achieve public policy objectives. The focus is on how policy is enacted at the state level and the issues, strategies, politics and influences that shape these public decisions.

 

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 Jonathan Marcantel at jmarcantel@charlestonlaw.edu