2018-19 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Political Science Department
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Robert Spitzer, chair
Old Main, Room 207
607-753-4105
Fax: 607-753-5760
Email: poldept@cortland.edu
cortland.edu/polsci
School of Arts and Sciences
Faculty
Seth Asumah, Timothy Delaune, Mary McGuire, Jerome O'Callaghan, Tom Pasquarello, Robert Spitzer, Brian Williams, Jeremy Wolf, Yujeong Yang
Adjunct Faculty
For a listing of adjunct faculty see the Faculty and Administration section.
Degrees and Minors
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Politial Science with a Concentration in Law and Justice
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science 4+1 Master in Public Administration (M.P.A.) Program with Binghamton University
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Adolescence Education: Social Studies and Political Science (7-12)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Administration and Public Policy
- Minor in Political Science
- Minor in Public Administration and Public Policy
- Minor in Comparative Politics and International Relations
- Minor in Law and Justice
Description
The Political Science Department offers a wide range of programs for students interested in understanding the political world, pursuing careers, and seeking graduate education in politics, law, policy or public administration. Students can choose between B.A. and B.S. degree options. A political science background leads to careers in law, business, government, politics, law enforcement, teaching and journalism. Majors participate in special and individualized programs, including a semester in Albany or Washington, D.C. Prelaw and public administration internships are offered in cooperation with nonprofit organizations, and various state and local government offices. Majors also pursue careers in elementary or adolescence education.
Students seeking to earn the B.A. in political science at SUNY Cortland plus a master's degree in public administration at Binghamton University are required to earn their 120 credit-hour B.A. in seven semesters. In the seventh semester, accepted students will take undergraduate courses at SUNY Cortland and graduate courses at Binghamton University. The first six credits earned at Binghamton will, when combined with a minimum of 114 undergraduate credit hours at Cortland, serve to complete the undergradaute degree. All degree requirements in the student's Cortland catalog apply to the B.A. This program allows motivated students to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees within one five-year time span.
Special Features
- B.A. and B.S. degree options
- Pre-law Advising — advice on LSAT, law school selection, academic preparation and alumni speakers from the legal profession
- Internships – local and distant, e.g., Cortland, Washington, Albany, London, Belize
- International opportunities — Europe with the Model European Union, or study of politics/government/policy abroad, e.g., the British Parliament, the Irish Parliament, Belize
- Advance to an M.P.A. at Binghamton University – by special arrangement with BU's Public Administration Department
- Campus Practicum Experience such as participation in the Student Conduct Board or Student Government Association
- Adolescence Education: Social Studies — a degree in political science can be the beginning of a career in high school teaching
- Distinguished, award-winning faculty
Requirements
- Degree requirements listed in this catalog apply to the majors offered by this department.
- Liberal Arts Requirements: 90 credit hours
Major
Dual Major
Minor
POL 100 - Introduction to American Government and Politics Basic structures and functions of the American political system, including the Constitution, presidency, Congress, courts, bureaucracy, political parties, public opinion, elections, interest groups, media and public policy. Also examines who has power. Fulfills: GE 3 and GE 4; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 101 - Introduction to World Politics Study of political systems of world by comparing and contrasting them with the U.S. and other countries. Focus includes ideologies, developed and developing nations, and contemporary problems affecting interactions of these systems. Fulfills: GE 3 and GE 6; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 102 - Foundations of Democracy Theory and practice of democratic government from ancient Greece to the present. Topics include democratic institutions, rights and liberties, and the scope and limits of democratic governance in modern nation-states. Fulfills: GE 5, GE 7; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 110 - Politics and Multiculturalism Introduces students to how and why general democratic theory, key political institutions, patterns of political interaction and sociopolitical attitudes in the American polity and throughout the world generate or attempt to eliminate injustice, prejudice and discrimination. Problems of racism, sexism, classism, ageism, ableism, religio-ethnic conflicts and prospects for a “just” society will be examined through the lens of post-modernist political theory. Also listed as AAS 120. Fulfills: GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 111 - Politics and Film Introduces students to the connection between art and politics. Course examines overtly political films and will reveal how films which appear nonpolitical often have significant political messages. Course will use documentaries, feature films, propaganda films and explore cinematic approaches and political themes. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 112 - Introduction to Political Research Introduction to basic methods of political research including literature reviews, generating and testing political hypotheses and report writing. Material on time management, research skills and computer applications included. Fulfills GE 1. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
POL 120 - Student Government Practicum Participation credit. Participation in work of student government. Focus on process, issues and policy, and role of student government in a university community. May be taken up to four credit hours. Permission of instructor is required. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 121 - Participation in Politics and Government Selected participation in activities related to governance and politics. Activities may be undertaken on or off campus. Permission of supervising faculty member and advisor are required. Open to all students, but majors should note restriction on number of credit hours that may be offered for the major. May be repeated. (1-3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 129 - Special Topics in Political Science Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 160 - Model European Union Participation in simulation of Model European Union Study. Focus on process, issues, development of the European Union. May be taken two times only (four credit hours) toward the major and another two credit hours for elective credit. May also be taken for elective credit up to three times by majors and non-majors (six credit hours). Permission of instructor is required. (1-2 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 161 - Introduction to the Model UN Introduction to structure and process of United Nations, simulation of general assembly activities, including development of resolution, treaty and position papers; enhancement of discussion and debate skills and public presentation. May be repeated for a maximum of four credit hours. Also listed as IST 161 (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
POL 162 - Soccer: Politics, Law and Culture This course examines the sociopolitical and cultural developments of soccer. The connection between the world's most popular sport — soccer — and international politics will be emphasized. Through critical political theory, the role and impact of the nation state, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), transnational corporations, race, gender and class will be discussed and analyzed from cross-cultural perspectives. Two field trips required for the course. Also listed as EXS 162. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 202 - Introduction to Law and the Judicial Process Students analyze and evaluate institutions and procedures affecting administration of justice under law in the U.S. Topics include civil and criminal procedure, case analysis and the mechanics of the U.S. judicial systems. The interaction of judicial decision-making and the administration of justice will be emphasized. Also listed as CRM 202. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
POL 229 - Special Topics in Political Science Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 240 - Introduction to Public Administration and Public Policy Examines the formulation, administration and evaluation of public policy and programs. Includes survey of policy-making models and the politics of bureaucracy, principles of public finance and budgeting, personnel management and organization theory. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
POL 242 - Environmental Policy An introduction to environmental policy in the United States. The course explores the relations between politics and the environment. Topics to be addressed include the origin and influence of grassroots public interest groups, the role of government in setting environmental agendas, and the effect of various actors on public policy. The course will include case studies of important issues such as global warming, overpopulation, ozone depletion, deforestation and water pollution. Prerequisite: POL 100 recommended. Fulfills: GE 3 and GE 12; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 250 - International Relations Basic factors underlying international relations, policy formulation, administration. Conduct of diplomacy, problems in world politics. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 260 - Comparative Politics: Europe Introduction to constitutional structure, central political institutions, dynamics of political process of selected European nations with emphasis on contemporary period. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 262 - Comparative Politics: Asia Comparative analysis of issues, problems of politics and institutions in Asian societies. Attention directed to political dynamics, processes in selected political systems with emphasis on contemporary period. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 264 - Comparative Politics: Latin America Comparative analysis of issues, problems of politics and institutions in Latin America. Attention directed to political dynamics, processes in selected political systems with emphasis on contemporary period. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 270 - Introduction to Political Theory Concepts of leading theorists from Plato to Nietzsche: development of political thought out of quarrel between the ancients and the moderns on nature of man and role of government. Fulfills: GE 5; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
POL 290 - Introduction to African Politics and Society Insight and background to traditional, contemporary African society; orientation into aspects of African colonial administration, post independence politics. Also listed as AAS 290. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 292 - Race and Politics in America Analysis toward understanding factors, impact of race on American politics. Focus on American racial minorities, their role as pressure group, functional approach to problem of racism in this country. Also listed as AAS 292. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 296 - The Politics of Disaster An exploration of the many factors that impact the victims of hurricanes, floods and other disasters, beginning with their location, government and the storms themselves. Topics include technology, politics, ideology, race and social structure. Special attention will given to hurricanes Katrina (2005) and Sandy (2012). Also listed as AAS 296. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at at least once every two years
POL 302 - Law and Politics Survey of law in the U.S., looking to different types of law, their sources and their influence on social practices. Examines a critique of law in practice, topics such as power of wealth under law, feminist views of law, legal education, legal reasoning and community participation in legal process. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 303 - The Criminal Justice System Introduction to structure, operation and politics of criminal justice system (CJS). Basic operational details of CJS, including roles played by police, prosecutors, defense attorney, judges and community. Political dimension to definition of crime, race and sex bias in CJS, and contemporary problems in application of capital punishment. Examination of white collar crime tas it relates to economics and criminal law. Also listed as CRM 303. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 306 - Narcotics Policy and Enforcement Methods and theories used by police and prosecutors to investigate narcotics cases, including legal theories of possession and sale, law of search and seizure, physical and electronic surveillance, use of informants and search warrants, confessions and plea bargaining. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 307 - The Internet and the Law Examination of legal issues and policy problems raised by the growth of the Internet in culture and commerce, including: issues of sovereignty, regulation of online speech, issues of privacy, security, commercial control and ownership, the imposition of civil and criminal liability for Internet activity and protection of intellectual property in digital form. Prerequisite: POL 100. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = At least once per year
POL 308 - Environmental Law Contemporary environmental law, beginning with common-law doctrine on property rights, continuing on to the policies adopted by Congress and the federal judiciary since the 1960s. Further topics include the political and social contexts of environmental reform and the limits of legal innovations designed to protect the environment. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 312 - Methods of Political Analysis Intermediate and advanced quantitative research methods, including exploratory data analysis, parametric tests, correlation, regression and statistical modeling. Not open to students with credit for PSY 201, COM 201, MAT 201, ECO 221. Prerequisite: POL 112 or permission of instructor. Fulfills GE 1; LASR; (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
POL 320 - The Legislative Process Structure, behavior, lawmaking process and representativeness of legislative bodies, focusing primarily on the U.S. Congress, examined. Impact of lobbying, money and other outside pressures on legislative process and policy making also examined. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 326 - State and Local Government Structure function of state, county, municipal, special government units. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 329 - Special Topics in Political Science Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 330 - Political Parties and Social Movements Relation between citizen and government via political parties and interest/pressure groups examined. Focus will be on electoral and group behavior, such as elections, parties, interest groups, Political Action Committees, single issue movements, etc. — to assess the realities of "popular control." Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 332 - Elections In America Focus on electoral process, campaigns, voting behavior, election outcomes, electoral system. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 338 - Media and Politics Focus on political interactions of electronic and print media with political system in America and elsewhere. How "Fourth Estate" shapes political images and how government manipulates the media examined. Analysis of contemporary news coverage included. Also listed as COM 338. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
POL 341 - Current Issues in Public Policy Analysis of current public policy issues in United States. Theories which purport to define or prescribe what public policy should be; political-administrative process by which policies are made; substantive content of policies; policy problems confronting the country. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 342 - Environmental Policy and Biodiversity Examines policies needed to protect biodiversity in the modern world, including legal protections such as the endangered species act, ex situ conservation methods such as zoos, botanical gardens and seed banks, and parks and preserves designed to protect natural ecosystems. Combines directed independent study with field studies conducted in residence at Huntington Memorial Camp. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code M = offered in summer
POL 347 - The Politics of Education Policy An introduction to U.S. Education Policy; analyzes interaction between policy makers and education activists; examines the influence that political goals have exercised over American education development, and explores the ideology, data and goals that guide current public discourse on education policy. Also listed as FSA 347. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 348 - Gun Control: Crime, Law, Policy Criminological, legal, historical, policy and political consequences of the gun issue in America. Historical and contemporary gun habits, the crime and self-defense debates, the role of the Second Amendment’s “right to bear arms,” the gun culture, public attitudes, interest groups, federal gun laws, contemporary political controversies and the effectiveness of gun control measures. Also listed as CRM 348. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 350 - American Foreign Policy Foreign policies of selected nations: analysis of national interest, international objectives of each — their successes, failures, impact on other members of international community. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 362 - Politics of Developing Nation States Politics of development and nation building; political structures and forces examined with special attention to developing political systems of Third World including Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East. Also listed as AAS 362. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 372 - American Political Thought American political, social thought from European antecedents to present. Emphasis on political statesmanship: Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 376 - Asian Political Thought Asian political, social thought from ancient to present. Analysis of selected philosophies, ideas on nature, man, society and state. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 400 - Seminar in U.S. Democracy Democratic practice and principles in the U.S. constitutional system. Fulfills political science capstone requirement. Prerequisite: POL 100. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
POL 403 - Constitutional Law I - Federalism and Interbranch Relations Provides a close analysis of the relations among the three main branches of the federal government (legislative, executive, and judicial) and their interrelationships, as well as the sharing of power between federal and state and local governments through Supreme Court cases analyzing constitutional principles. Also listed as CRM 403. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
POL 404 - Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Examines civil rights and liberties under the United States Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court. As such it emphasizes problems arising from struggles for the protection of persons, opinions, property from arbitrary governmental and private interference. Close examination of U.S. Supreme Court opinions is central to the course. Also listed as AAS 404 and CRM 404. Fulfills: GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
POL 405 - Discrimination Law Current status of national and state law on discrimination, with particular emphasis on racial and gender inequalities. Topics include affirmative action, comparable worth and equal protection. Great Britain's public policies on discrimination are considered for purposes of comparison and contrast. Fulfills: GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 407 - Seminar: Constitutional Reform
Examination of existing proposals for changes to the U.S. Constitution; proposal, drafting and discussion of possible constitutional amendments; simulated constitutional convention. Prerequisite: POL 403 or POL 404, or permission of instructor. Fulfulls: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 420 - The American Presidency Course focuses on dilemmas of the modern presidency: its power vs. its responsibility, the person vs. the institution, the simultaneous drives toward activism and restraint. Also the president's interaction with the rest of the government, the media, the people. Current presidential politics and policymaking included. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 429 - Special Topics in Political Science Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 440 - Law and Politics in the Administrative Process Powers, procedures, roles, techniques utilized by public officials and bureaucracies. Includes delegation of powers, nature of administrative adjudication and rule-making, judicial control over administrative determination, all enforcement processes of independent regulatory agencies, analysis of general problem of adjusting administrative process to traditional constitutional principles. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 441 - Comparative Public Policy Course will compare and contrast the way public policy issues are handled in United States and other countries, such as United Kingdom, Sweden, Cuba. Problems such countries confront frequently are similar but approaches taken to dealing with them are often distinctive. Among areas considered are economic policy, human rights policy and social welfare policy. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 450 - International Law Examines the nature of international law (Is it law at all?) as well as such legal and quasilegal principles governing relations of states, including jurisdiction over territory and persons, the law of the sea, the nature and procedure of international adjudicatory bodies, the drafting and interpretation of treaties, and the law of war. Prerequisite: POL 101. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
POL 454 - International Politics in Asia Analysis of politics among Asian countries including war, revolutionary movements, patterns of diplomacy and relationships with non-Asian world. Prerequisite: POL 101. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 455 - International Politics in Latin America Analysis of Latin America's international role and behavior. The inter-American system and impact of revolutionary movements. Prerequisite: POL 101. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 456 - International Politics in the Middle East Analysis of Middle East as point of conflict between Arab and Israeli, east and west powers, oil producers and oil consumers. Prerequisite: POL 101. Also listed as AAS 456. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 461 - Europe Today: People and Politics Selected topics may include social and political change, parties and voting, decision-making, processes, political cleavages and institutions. May be repeated with change of topic. Prerequisite: POL 101. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
POL 470 - Justice and Society: Theory and Practice Tensions between theory and practice; analysis of nature of justice and its implementation in society. Prerequisite: POL 270. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 471 - Legal Theory Theoretical origins of legal justice and relation between law and politics with particular emphasis on natural law theory and positivist theory. Prerequisite: POL 270. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 480 - Washington Semester Program for selected students conducted in Washington, D.C., involving on-the-job work experience, independent study, seminars. Prerequisite: Consent of department. Fulfills: LASR. (16 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 482 - New York State Legislative Internship Spring semester program for selected students to live and work in Albany as interns with State Legislature (Assembly and Senate). Students receive stipend of approximately $3,000. Prerequisite: Consent of department. Fulfills: LASR. (15 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
POL 483 - Public Administration and Policy Internship Students intern in a variety of state and local government departments and agencies. Practical field experience combined with instructor-led seminars and workshops. May be repeated once with the consent of the department. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing; previous political science course work; consent of department. Grading: Letter grading. Fulfills: LASR; PRES. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 484 - Prelaw Internship Students intern in a law-related department or agency, including the Office of the District Attorney, Public Defender, County Attorney, Police or Sheriff's Department. Fieldwork experience combined with instructor-led seminars. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing; consent of the department. Grading: Letter grading. Fulfills: PRES. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 485 - Field Study in Political Science Field study program covering off-campus experience. Prerequisite: Consent of department. Grading: H, S, U grades assigned. (1-16 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 489 - Moot Court Provides an opportunity for two-person legal teams to compete in front of a panel of judges. Serves as general preparation for law school, appellate advocacy as well as the Regional Undergraduate Moot Court Competition. S and U grades assigned. May be repeated once for credit. Permission of Department. Fulfills: PRES. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
POL 491 - Readings in Political Science Individual readings in selected topics. May be repeated for credit with change in topic. Prerequisites: Nine hours of social science, consent of department. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
POL 492 - Seminar in Political Science Studies in depth on selected topics. May be repeated with change of subtitle. Prerequisite: Consent of department. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
POL 529 - Special Topics in Political Science Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
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