The Political Science Major

For those interested in government, leadership, and politics, St. Mary’s offers a rigorous political science major. We offer courses in American, comparative, and international politics as well as in political theory. Political science majors will complete individualized research under the close direction of supportive faculty. You can even earn your degree while studying abroad!

Topics / Experimental Courses»

Cross Disciplinary Studies Courses»

R= Required, G=General, A=American politics, C=Comparative politics, I=International politics, T=Political Theory

Political Science

POSC 100. Introduction to Politics (4E) - R

Political science is concerned with how power is assembled, how and why political decisions are made, and the conditions of politics and government in different types of regimes. This course introduces students to major theories and themes and concepts in political science. The purpose of the course is to provide students with an introductory overview of important perspectives on political power and its sources, political systems and governance, democratic principles and institutions, as well as the sources of conflict and cooperation in domestic and international affairs. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Social Sciences.

POSC 199. Independent Study (1-4E) - G

This course consists of an independent creative or research project designed by the student and supervised by a political science faculty member. The nature of the project, the schedule for accomplishment, and the means of evaluation must be formalized in a learning contract prior to registration.

POSC 200. Scope and Methods of Political Science (4E) - R

This course introduces students to principles and techniques used commonly in political science research. Students are expected to learn principles about research designs in social science, to learn principles guiding scientific inquiry, as well as master introductory concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze and assess judgments or conclusions derived from diverse approaches to political science methods.

POSC 201. American Politics (4E) - A

The study of politics in the United States, addressing such topics as interbranch rivalries, public participation in the political process, and intergovernmental relations. The course will emphasize modes of explanation and analysis of contemporary political phenomena. It is recommended that this course be taken before other work in the American politics subfield. Not open to students who have received credit for POSC 101. Prerequisite: POSC 100 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 252. Comparative Politics (4E) - C

An introductory survey of major political systems around the world, and of the theory and methods of the field of comparative politics. The ultimate objective is to develop a theoretical background to understand and explain variations in political culture, political behavior, political institutions, and other aspects of national politics. Topics include democratization, ethnic conflict, and globalization. This course focuses on different political systems and cultures, rather than specific countries or regions. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement in Cultural Perspectives. Formerly POSC 267. Not open to students who have received credit for POSC 267. Prerequisite: POSC 100 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 262. Democratic Political Thought (4F) - T

This course will serve as both an introduction to political theory, in general, and a survey of theories of democracy, in particular. The class will analyze the historical and theoretical underpinnings of democratic forms of political organization, and it will probe many of the key issues faced by any democracy—such as legitimacy, authority, order, and dissent. Students will study a number of the early modern social contract theorists such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. The course will also investigate the work of democratic theorists and critics such as Marx, before turning to contemporary debates and alternative approaches to understanding democracy. Prerequisite: POSC 100 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 266. Women and the Law (2F) - A

This course will introduce students to the legal system and to the Constitution as they have traditionally affected women in American political history. There will be a close study of current legal issues pertaining to women: divorce, custody, abortion, rape, employment discrimination, discrimination within the educational system, and the proposed Equal Rights Amendment.

POSC 269. International Politics (4F) - I

Examination of cross-national conflicts and cooperation. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement in Cultural Perspectives. Prerequisite: POSC 100 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 299. Independent Study (1-4E) - G

POSC 300. Political Analysis (4F) - G

This course presents the basic elements of formal logic in political science. The core section concentrates on descriptive and inferential statistics with applications in political science. Additional topics may include research design and research ethics.

POSC 301. Individual Rationality and Group Politics (4S) - T

This course introduces students to rational actor theories of politics. These theories consider how people make choices in different political environments and the effect of these choices on interest groups and political parties. Would you expect people to be less selfish or more selfish in politics? Do people join interest groups because of their commitment to social ideals or because of what they get from the group? Why do groups fail to achieve goals even when the achievements of these goals are likely to benefit everyone in the group? The material in this course is useful for students interested in mass politics or grassroots organizing, since we discuss the main variables influencing successful collective actions.

POSC 303. Law, Courts, and Judges (4AF) - A

This course is designed to familiarize the student with central concepts in legal theory; with the structure and operation of trial and appellate courts in the United States, especially in terms of the role of the courts in the larger political process; and with basic legal terminology and research methods.

POSC 311. Public Policy (4S) - A

The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the stages, participants, context, and some substantive issues and outcomes in the American public policy process. It will focus on past and present domestic public policy making at the (U.S.) national level. The course begins with an introduction to the stages, contexts, theories, institutions, and actors of the policy process. This is followed by an introduction to the concept of policy analysis and assessment. The second half of the course examines several substantive policy arenas. Formerly POSC 211 and SOCS 211. Not open to students who have received credit for POSC 211 or SOCS 211 for POSC 211 or SOCS 211.

POSC 312. State and Community Politics: Maryland (4AS) - A

The study of politics at the subnational levels in the United States. Various types of state and community political systems are examined, and the state of Maryland serves as a resource for specific lessons in budgeting, governing, policies, institutions, and politics. Research in the area of community power structures and the factors that explain such structures will be emphasized. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Experiencing the Liberal Arts in the World. Prerequisite: POSC 100 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 315. Policy Evaluation (4S) - A

An introduction to the issues and techniques used in policy evaluation and in analysis: the fit between policy statements and program strategies, evaluation designs and the use of evaluation results. Specific case studies such as health, welfare, and employment will be evaluated.

POSC 316. Religion and the U.S. Constitution (2S) - A

The course focuses on the “free exercise” and “establishment” clauses of the First Amendment. It will involve discussions of significant Supreme Court decisions and, to some degree, other cases moving through state and federal courts involving the religion clauses. Various approaches to Constitutional interpretation will be evaluated and discussed.

POSC 317. International Peace and Conflict (4A) - I

This course will examine the critical question in international relations: how to achieve and maintain peace. Major themes explored in the course include the primary causes of conflict, impediments to peace, and peace-building options. These issues will by studied from various perspectives, including human rights, civil conflict, and interstate disputes. Through a variety of case studies, students will gain theoretical and practical insights into these issues. Prerequisite: POSC 100 or consent of the instructor.

POSC 320. International Political Economy (4AS) - I

This course develops theoretical approaches to the study of the interrelationship between international political and economic factors. It then applies these approaches to analyze the historical development of the international political economy and specific issues and problems.

POSC 330. The United States Congress (4AF) - A

Two deeply polarized political parties engaged in a close-fought and bitter struggle for electoral victory and legislative control mark the contemporary Congress. In recent decades, Congress has become increasingly divided by party and unable to perform its duties with decorum and dispatch. Yet the great challenges of the present era often require congressional action. By acting, Congress frequently defines the scope and powers of the executive branch as well as the scope and jurisdiction of the judiciary. Thus, dysfunction within Congress reverberates throughout the entirety of the American political system. That is the focus of this course. Prerequisite: POSC 100 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 333. Asian Politics (4AF) - C

This course examines the major trends and developments in Asian politics. An important theme in this course is how Asian countries respond to competing policy needs in their pursuit of growth, political order, and national unity. The course casts a wide net, and examines politics in the three major sub-regions of Asia: East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The course pays special attention to issues of political economy and political culture in the region. The course also examines the Western and specifically the U.S.’s relationship with Asia.

POSC 341. The American Presidency (4AS) - A

A study of the structure, functions, and problems of the executive branch of government. Emphasis will be on the president’s formal powers, political roles, personality, and relationships with other institutions of government. Prerequisite: POSC 100 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 348. Parties and Elections (4AF) - A

This course examines political parties, interest groups, and elections (including campaigns and voting behavior) within the broader context of American politics. It represents a part of the traditional political science inquiry into the question: “Who governs? “Get Out the Vote” strategies and the politics and technologies of election administration are emphasized. Students in this class will take part in off-campus voter registration and serve as Election Judges in local precincts, both of which activities also necessitate attending training sessions conducted by local officials. This course satisfies the ELAW requirement of the Core Curriculum.

POSC 351. Constitutional Law I: Struggles over Power (4AF) - A

The case method approach to the study of the Constitutional powers of and limitations on government in the United States. Topics addressed include federalism, separation of powers, delegation of power, the commerce clause, and executive power.

POSC 352. Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties (4AS) - A

The case method approach to the study of the rights of individuals under the Constitution, including First Amendment rights, equal protection, the rights of the accused, and the nationalization of the Bill of Rights. This course was formerly taught under the title, “Civil Liberties.” Not open to students who have received credit for POSC 352, Civil Liberties.

POSC 362. Classical Political Thought (4AF) - T

This course will address a number of the most important and vexing questions of political philosophy: what is justice, what is the relationship between knowledge and politics, how is political power created and maintained, and what is the best regime? We will consider the relationship between philosophy and politics, asking what it means to think theoretically about politics. And finally, we will analyze crucial issues concerning class, gender, and subordination that remain inextricably connected to these primary questions. The class will survey the thought of a range of ancient political thinkers, such as Sophocles, Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Lucretius, Epictetus, and Sextus Empiricus. And we will study Christian political thought and the demise of classical idealism through writers such as Augustine, Aquinas, More, and Machiavelli.

POSC 364. U.S. Foreign Policy (4S) - I

The formulation and implementation of foreign policy. America’s emergence as a superpower. Prerequisite: One course in political science or permission of the instructor.

POSC 366. Law and Society (2F) - A

The American legal system, its dynamics and limits.

POSC 367. Public Administration (4A) - A

A study of the principles, problems, and theories of public administration, with major emphasis upon American federal practice. Special attention is given to the development of basic concepts of the field.

POSC 371. American Political Thought I (4A) - T

This course introduces students to the ruling ideas, theories and trends of American political thought, pre- Civil War. Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with the major thinkers and eras in American political thought, and how they compare and contrast with one another.

POSC 373. Politics and Film in the Third World (4AS) - C

This course examines the cinematic representation of politics in third world countries. The films that we will focus on are political films. Our aim will be to understand how politics and political events are represented in film, and what that means for political consciousness both in the West and in third world countries. Themes that are examined include colonialism, ethnic conflict, women’s lives, and others.

POSC 374. American Political Thought II (4A) - T

This course introduces students to the ruling ideas, theories and trends of American political thought, post- Civil War. Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with the major thinkers and eras in American political thought, and how they compare and contrast with one another.

POSC 376. Mexican Politics (4A) - C

This course is a survey of contemporary Mexican politics. Emphasis is on recent economic and social changes and their impact on Mexico’s political system. Topics include one-party rule, economic and political reforms, the emergence of opposition politics, and democratization. The primary objective of this course is to explore and understand the political, social, and economic changes that have transpired in Mexico in an effort to understand future changes in the country. More broadly, the study of contemporary Mexican politics is used as a tool to understand similar processes occurring around the world.

POSC 382. Latin American Politics (4A) - C

This course is a survey of contemporary Latin American politics. Emphasis is on recent economic and social changes and their impact on the political systems across Latin America. Topics include economic development, regime change, the armed forces, human rights, democratization, electoral integrity, political parties, crime and violence, and U.S.-Latin American relations. The primary objective of this course is to explore and understand the political, social, and economic changes that have transpired across Latin America in an effort to understand future changes in the region. More broadly, the study of contemporary Latin American

POSC 383. The Politics of Protest (4AF) - C

Protest deals with collective political behavior that is outside institutional politics, and includes activities such as demonstrations and strikes. These activities are outside regular channels of access to the government, even in democratic societies. However, even though they are often used by citizens to press for redress of grievances, they do not often get adequate attention in the discipline. This course provides students with a theoretical framework that can help them make sense of such political activities, and as such, the class helps to supplement their political science education by expanding the kinds of political phenomena that students can understand and explain.

POSC 385. Topics in Political Science or Public Policy (4E)

This course examines select topics in Political Science or in Public Policy. May be repeated for credit with the consent of the instructor.

POSC 387. Contemporary Political Thought (4E) - T

This course will introduce students to many of the approaches and ideas in the contemporary era of political philosophy. We will seek to assess how, and why, these thinkers’ notions of key concepts in political theory such as power, morality, justice, liberty, equality, democracy, revolution, inclusion, diversity, and others, have influenced, or not influenced, our current political language and culture? How does contemporary political theory as a whole reflect, and/or differ from, both modern and ancient political theories and approaches?

POSC 391. Feminist Political Thought (4A) - T

This course introduces students to contemporary feminist political theory, and its preceding history. By directing attention to the role of women and gender in some central areas of political theory, feminist political theorists have challenged, modified, and expanded our understandings of fundamental political concepts.

POSC 395. Maryland Student Legislature (1S) - A

Students must join in the Maryland Student Legislature program. Additionally, students must attend the Spring Interim Assembly as well as the Annual Session of the Maryland Student Legislature. Sponsor at least two pieces of legislation, one at the Maryland Student Legislature Spring Interim Assembly and one at the Maryland Student Legislature Annual Session.

POSC 396. Model United Nations (1S) - I

Enrollment open only to members of the St. Mary’s College of MD Model United Nations Club who plan to attend conference.

POSC 398. Off-Campus Internship (4-16E) - G

A variety of off-campus experiential learning opportunities can be arranged through the Career Development Center. The off-campus internship is an individually designed experience that allows the student to explore the relationship between learning in the classroom and the practical application of knowledge in everyday work situations. Prerequisites: Admission to the Internship Program and approval of department chair.

POSC 399. Independent Study (1-4E) - G

POSC 405. Democratization (4AS) - C

The late 20th century has been a time when democratic government has spread dramatically around the world. From Latin America to Africa, in Europe and Asia, authoritarian regimes have yielded to democratic forces, making their governments more responsive to ordinary citizens and their societies more open. Many states have embarked upon a process of democratization for the first time. Others have moved to restore their democratic roots. However, many new democracies are not yet stable, and there is nothing about these transitions that is pre-destined or irreversible. This course introduces students to different types of transitions to democracy throughout the world and the consequences of these processes. This course will provide an overview of the major theoretical problems associated with the process of democratization as well as an understanding of specific policy issues associated with promoting democratic rule in transitioning countries. Students will gain empirical and theoretical understandings of the major factors associated with democratic transitions. Prerequisites: POSC 252 or POSC 262 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 408. Studies in Public Policy (4S) - A

This 400-level seminar represents a capstone experience for students majoring or taking courses in political science. Its focus may change depending upon the instructor or students’ interests. Topics may include federal, state, or local public policy, comparative public policy, international policy as well as specific areas such as the environment, monetary, food, agricultural, social welfare, or taxation policy. Students majoring in political science may fulfill the senior experience requirement with this course. This course is cross-listed as PPOL 408, “Studies in Public Policy,” and may be used to meet the senior experience requirement in public policy.

POSC 430. Welfare Politics (4A) - C

This course exposes students to the comparative study of welfare politics. It explores the various types of welfare benefits that exist and which types different states choose to primarily provide for their citizens. The course covers factors that explain the emergence of different welfare states, as well as the implications of public welfare for poverty, inequality, and immigration and for specific demographics such as youth, the elderly and women. It explores the politics of welfare in the United States, Western Europe, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa.

POSC 451. Supreme Court and Public Policy (4AS) - A

This seminar examines the role of the Supreme Court in shaping public policy in the United States. Individual students will direct their focus to some aspect of the Court’s policy- making by looking at, for example, the justices, the decision-making process at the Court, specific policy areas, or the impact of Court decisions. Prerequisite: POSC 201 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 461. Studies in American Politics (4S) - A

An intensive study of selected themes, structures, processes, or concepts in the fields of American government, politics, and political behavior. Seminars in the area of the Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and public policy will be offered as feasible. Other topics may be chosen as well. Formerly POSC 368. Not open to students who have received credit for POSC 368. May be repeated for credit with consent of the instructor.

POSC 462. Studies in Comparative Politics (4AS) - C

An intensive study of selected topics and/or areas in comparative politics. Specific topics will vary from semester to semester. Formerly POSC 369. Not open to students who have received credit for POSC 369. May be repeated for credit with consent of the instructor. Prerequisite: POSC 252 or permission of the instructor.

POSC 468. Studies in International Relations (4AF) - I

An analysis of selected relationships in the international arena. May be repeated for credit with consent of the instructor. Prerequisite: POSC 269 or consent of the instructor.

POSC 469. Political Theory (4AS) - T

A seminar in political theory. Various topics, authors, or traditions in empirical or normative theory are selected for systematic examination and critical analysis. The subject areas investigated by members of the seminar may vary with each offering. Cross-listed as PHIL 410. Students may receive credit for either course, but not both. The seminar may be repeated for credit with consent of the instructor. Prerequisites: POSC 100 and a course in political theory or philosophy.

POSC 493. St. Mary’s Project in Political Science (1-8E)

The project, which may take many forms, draws on and extends knowledge, skills of analysis, and creative achievement developed through previous academic work. The student initiates the project, identifies an area to be explored, and proposes a method of inquiry appropriate to the topic. The project should include a reflection on the social context, the body of literature, or the conceptual framework to which it is a contribution. It must be shared with the College community through posters, presentations, or other means. The project may be within this discipline, across disciplines, or in established cross-disciplinary studies option. The project is supervised by a faculty mentor. Prerequisite: Approval of faculty mentor and department chair of the student’s major(s). Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines.

POSC 494. St. Mary’s Project in Political Science (1-8E)

POSC 498. Off-Campus Internship (4-16E) - G

A variety of off-campus experiential learning opportunities can be arranged through the Career Development Center. The off-campus internship is an individually designed experience that allows the student to explore the relationship between learning in the classroom and the practical application of knowledge in everyday work situations. Prerequisites: Admission to the Internship Program and approval of department chair.