May 11, 2024  
2014-2015 Catalogue 
    
2014-2015 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses of Instruction


The College reserves the right to change procedures, programs, curricula, courses, fees and charges, instructors and degree requirements without prior notice. It further reserves the right to sever the connection of any student with the College for an appropriate reason.

NOTE: The course sequence outlines appearing under each department are illustrative only, and do not supersede either general or departmental requirements. Extra-departmental courses ancillary to the major, and specified by name or course number in the sequence outlines, are considered to be an integral part of the major program.

New Course Numbering System

Beginning in the Fall 2006 semester, Saint Anselm College adopted a three number course designation system. Henceforth, the following course numbering system is in effect.

100 – 199 Introductory
200 – 299 Intermediate
300 – 399 Intermediate/Advanced
400 – 499 Directed readings, research, internships and further advanced study 

Please note, when searching courses by “Code or Number”, an asterisk (*) can be used to return mass results. For instance, a “Code or Number” search of ” 2* ” can be entered, returning all 200-level courses.

 

Peace and Justice

  
  • PJ 400 - Senior Seminar


    The senior seminar course will focus on readings and discussion on topics in peace and justice studies. Each student in consultation with the instructor and other seminar participants will select a topic based on previous work in the major. Appropriate reading and discussion questions will be assigned for each of the topics. Students will prepare and present a seminar paper and lead discussion on their individual topic.

    Four credits.


Philosophy

  
  • PH 104 - Philosophical Inquiry


    An elective course for freshmen who wish to explore the field of philosophy, introducing them to the method and topics of philosophical study.

    Four credits.

  
  • PH 105 - Human Nature Seminar


    An introduction to the traditional topics of speculative philosophy, pertaining to nature, the human person, and God.

    Four credits.

  
  • PH 107 - Ethics


    A presentation of the rational principles of moral conduct, with application to specific cases; includes discussion of major ethical theories.

    Four credits.

  
  • PH 108-109 - The Philosophical Life Seminar I-II


    A two-course sequence that considers theoretical questions and moral questions in connection with one another, investigating how these two types of questions influenced one another during each of the four historical areas of western philosophical discourse, as well as possibly in eastern thought. PH 108 covers the history of philosophy from antiquity to the Middle Ages and Renaissance; PH 109 covers modern to contemporary philosophy. PH 108 serves as a prerequisite for PH 109. Students who complete PH 108 must complete their second core course in philosophy by taking PH 109

    4 credits

  
  • PH 211 - Ancient Philosophy: Know Thyself


    A survey of Western philosophy from its pre-philosophical beginnings to the closing of the Academy in 529 A.D., including the Presocratics, Plato, Aristotle, and the Hellenistic philosophers.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 212 - Medieval Philosophy: Faith and Reason


    A survey of the major medieval thinkers, including Augustine, Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, and John Duns Scotus.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 213 - Modern Philosophy: Knowledge and the New Science


    The history of philosophy from Descartes to Kant, with emphasis on epistemological and metaphysical issues.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 214 - Contemporary Philosophy: Meaning, Language and Existence


    A survey of Western philosophy from Hegel to 1970. Emphasis may vary among the following topics: British idealism; Anglo-American philosophy; Continental philosophy; phenomenology; existentialism.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 240 - Nineteenth Century Philosophy


    A survey of philosophy in the 19th century, including treatment of Hegel, Marx, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 308 - Ethics Tutorial


    A textual study and discussion of several major works in ethical theory: Nicomachean Ethics (Aristotle); Treatise on Law (Thomas Aquinas); Inquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (Hume), and Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals (Kant).

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 320 - Critical Thinking


    A study of logical methods of analysis involved in the critical evaluation of arguments, technical prose, and in problem solving. Covers basic formal methods in classical and propositional logic, fallacies, and argument forms of ordinary language, scientific and causal reasoning, and systematic methods of problem solving.

    Four credits.

  
  • PH 321 - Formal Logic


    A critical study of deductive reasoning, including classical syllogistic logic, statement logic, and predicate logic, as well as formal and informal fallacies.

    Four credits.

  
  • PH 322 - Epistemology


    A study of the different views of the nature and value of the modes of knowledge, with an attempt to formulate an adequate critical theory.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 323 - Philosophy of Education


    An examination of classical and modern theories of education, focusing on the nature and purpose of learning and teaching, with application to current policies in the United States.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 324 - Philosophy of Mind


    A philosophical study of the human person, including issues regarding the soul, consciousness, cognitive functions, and freedom.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 325 - Metaphysics


    A discussion of the basic metaphysical conceptions of Western philosophy through a historical and systematic analysis. Attention is given to Plato, Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, as well as contemporary thinkers.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 326 - Philosophy of God


    A study of the fundamental philosophical questions regarding the existence and nature of God, our knowledge of God, and the character of religious belief.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 331 - Philosophy of Science


    An inquiry into the nature, method, and significance of scientific knowledge.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 332 - Political Philosophy


    A study of the nature of political order, with particular emphasis on the connections between ethics and politics.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 333 - Business Ethics


    An examination of ethical issues in business, including management/employee relations, social justice, advertising, the environment, and the moral responsibilities of multinational corporations.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105  and PH 107 .
  
  • PH 334 - Philosophical Issues in Management


    An examination of the philosophy of leadership, authority, work, motivation, wealth, freedom, and other issues related to a free-market economy.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 335 - Philosophy of Law


    A study of theories of law, including the nature of law, legal systems, law and morality, theories of punishment, and jurisprudence.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 336 - Aesthetics


    A study of the major philosophical theories of art.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 338 - Contemporary Images of Human Life


    A study of some of the influential 20th century visions of individuals and society as found in fiction and in philosophical treatises.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 341 - American Philosophy


    A study of the most influential American thinkers from the colonial intellectual to the philosophers of the American Golden Age and the current period.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 342 - Existentialism


    A survey of the existentialist philosophers, focusing on such issues as the meaning of existence, anxiety, individuality, authenticity, and the confrontation with death.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 343 - Marxism


    A study of the philosophical writings of Hegel, Marx, Engels, and Lenin, followed by an examination of Marxism-Lenism and other related trends.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 344 - Scientific World Views


    An investigation of the contrasting world views of 19th and 20th century science with a focus on their philosophic implications.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 345 - Modern Christian Philosophers


    A discussion of the works of prominent 19th and 20th century Christian philosophers, including S. Kierkegaard, J. H. Newman, J. Maritain, C. S. Lewis, E. Gilson, J. Pieper and others.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 346 - Confucian Thinkers


    Through central texts of the Confucian tradition, the course introduces students to patterns of thought, vocabulary, and argumentation that characterized the thought of Confucius and his followers. The views of Confucius, Mencius, Xunzi and others will be the basis for coming to understand the way of thinking embodied in one of the world’s most important and widespread traditions.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 400 - Independent Study


    Four credits.

  
  • PH 450-452 - Philosophy Seminar


    A seminar required of all philosophy majors. It may also be taken by nonmajors. Students prepare and deliver research papers on a topic chosen annually by department members.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 455-457 - Integrated Studies Seminars


    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PH 480 - Philosophy Internship


    Student-originated internships, supervised by the Philosophy Department, with some connection to philosophical issues.  For Philosophy majors only; not credited to Philosophy major requirements.

    Four credits.


Politics

  
  • PO 102 - American Government


    An introduction to the constitutional framework, institutions, and political processes of American government. Required of Politics majors.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 104 - Comparative Politics


    A comparative study of politics and political structures in selected countries. Emphasis is on patterns of political organization and behavior, with particular attention to government institutions, political parties, elections, political participation and social movements. Required of Politics majors and of International Relations majors.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 106 - International Relations


    An investigation of the substance, scope and methods of  international politics. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of the distinctive characteristics of the international arena and the recurrent patterns of interstate action.  Required of Politics majors and of International Relations majors.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 108 - Environmental Politics


    This course imparts awareness of the complexity of environmental issues from political and economic perspectives as well as knowledge of the policy tools and options available for dealing with negative environmental conditions. Presents conceptual and empirical approaches at various levels of decision making and teaches the analytical, diplomatic, and communication skills necessary for problem solving and policy making. (Formerly PO 215)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 201 - Elements of Political Theory: Classical


    An examination of the nature, functions, and goals of political society in the classical period, with special attention to the concepts of justice and power, the individual and the community, and the common good. Readings include Plato’s Republic, selections from Aristotle’s Politics, and works chosen from Xenophon and Cicero, among others. PO 201   or PO 202   is required of Politics majors.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 202 - Elements of Political Theory: Modern


    This course examines the nature, functions, and goals of political society in the modern period (roughly, since 1500) through careful readings from the works of Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, and Nietzsche, among others. Special attention is paid to the concepts of justice and power, the individual and society, and equality and rights. PO 201  or PO 202   is required of Politics majors. (Formerly PO 209)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 203 - Political Science Research Methods


    Designed to equip students with the basic skills of research design, measurement, data collection, and processing for the study of political phenomenon. It promotes the ability to think systematically and critically about social and political problems, and to analyze material in professional journals. Fulfills methods requirement for International Relations majors. Required of Politics majors.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 205 - Diplomacy


    Diplomacy embraces the art, skills and practice of the conduct of relations and negotiations between countries as well as between countries, international organizations, and institutions of civil society. It covers the activities, the culture and the behavior of the diplomatist whether they be national emissaries or international civil servants; the methods by which international relations and their practical problems are managed by diplomats in embassies, consular services, and other relevant institutions; and the regulation of international relations by multilateral negotiation.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 208 - Theories and Ideologies in Environmental Politics


    Given the extents of world attention and political controversy generated by different perceptions of environmental change and its potential impact on the human condition, it is important that students be exposed to the wide ranging political thinking and interests on the subject, which stem from the different theories, ideologies and values of the actors. This course will pilot students through controversies- the arguments and counter arguments- that separate the scientist’s observations of developments, the public perceptions of problems. It will be up to the students to dig further into the ideas that are presented-gathering other positions and bringing into the light the broad spectrum of theoretical thinking and ideological programs that underlie decisions for action or inaction on a particular issue. (Formerly PO 270)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 210 - Congressional Power


    An examination of the composition, organization, and procedures of legislative bodies, with special emphasis on Congress.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 211 - Presidential Power


    This course examines central themes in the development, organization, and functioning of the American presidency.  The course combines the study of executive behavior with an analysis of the evolving institutional framework within which that behavior occurs. It views the presidency as a complex institution, one that requires the president to play multiple political roles simultaneously in the executive, legislative, judicial, and public spheres, among others. The course separates these roles into their institutional and behavioral components, in order to understand their significance in an integrated theoretical and empirical conception of executive governance.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 212 - Constitutional Law


    A study of the American Constitution in light of judicial interpretation and political practice. Basic constitutional principles defining governmental powers in the federal system and the relationship between the three branches of the federal government, state governments, and the people are examined. Skills in case analysis, briefing, and argument are stressed.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 213 - Civil Liberties and Civil Rights


    A study of the American Bill of Rights. This course will examine civil liberties (individual rights to act and be protected in the criminal process) and civil rights (protections against discrimination) in terms of four broad areas: the relationship between Church and State, freedom of expression, equal protection of the laws, and criminal rights. Through careful study of Supreme Court opinions as well as commentaries on some of these controversial issues, this course explores how our understanding and interpretation of these liberties and rights have evolved over time. (Formerly PO 355)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 214 - International Law


    An examination of treaties, principles, and customary laws, recognized as binding for sovereign states, legal persons, and certain individuals. It covers the application of this body of law to issues of war and securing peace,, socio-political justice, the environment, and international economic relations. Develops skills in case  analysis and briefing, legal writing, and oral argument.  This course fulfills the international political institution requirement for International Relations majors.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 219 - State and Local Government


    An examination and study of American politics and government at the state and local levels. Topics covered include governors and state legislatures, county government, city government, and the New England town meeting.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 224 - International Organization and Global Governance


    An examination of the historical and conceptual questions of international organization. Emphasis is on the structural characteristics of the United Nations system as well as its activities, including peace keeping, development, technical assistance, and social justice. Comparisons are made with other international and regional organizations, such as the European Union, and with non-governmental organizations. This course fulfills the international political institution requirement for International Relations majors. (Formerly International Organization: Global Governance and the United Nations System)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 227 - European Politics


    A comparative study of politics and political structures in selected European countries individually, with special focus on France, German and England. The gradual building of the European Union receive special attention.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 228 - East Asian Politics


    This survey course is designed to help students appreciate the forces of change and continuity in the political systems of East Asia embracing the regions of the Northeast (significantly China, Japan, Vietnam and the Koreas) and the Southeast (specifically Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Burma). Students will be taught the distinctiveness of the political ethos of East Asian countries. Several factors are considered including political culture, modernization, military conflicts, class politics, party and elite politics, civil society, power structure, external relations and globalization to shed light on politics and the dynamics of change in these political systems.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 229 - Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa


    This course provides an introduction to the politics of contemporary Sub- Saharan Africa, a region of the world viewed by many as “left behind.” It takes a cross-national and cross-temporal comparative approach to help students understand the current challenges and opportunities faced by Sub-Saharan African states. Students will be encouraged to see Sub Saharan Africa’s connections to the world and to use the Sub-Saharan African experience to interrogate traditional social science concepts such as that of the nation-state.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 230 - The Politics of Rich and Poor States


    This course examines the relationships among rich and poor states in the post-World War II international political economy. It explores alternative theoretical approaches to the problem of “development:” liberal internationalism, structuralism, neo-liberalism, Marxism, feminism and post-modernism. It examines historically the conflicts, institutions and policies related to development. It then applies these theoretical and historical insights to contemporary issues in North-South relations, such as globalization, environmental sustainability, war and reconstruction, and reform of international institutions.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 232 - International Political Economy


    A practical inquiry into the global framework for international economic relations and its regulation; considers the interactions of states, cultures, institutions and markets in transforming international relations. It offers theoretical analysis of the politics and principles governing global relations in trade, finance, monetary affairs, foreign investment, development, as well as the impacts of all these activities on the world food supplies and the environment. This course provides students with familiarity with the major ideological perspectives of the actors on the world political-economic state as well as skills in analyzing and resolving conflicts thereon. (Formerly PO 330)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 235 - American Foreign Policy


    An analysis of American foreign policy. Emphasis is on the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and post-1989 developments. Attention is also given to the present administration’s response to changes in the international environment.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 248 - Public Policy Process


    An examination of the creation of public policy at the federal and state levels. Attention will be given to the actors and politics of agenda-building, formulation, legitimization, and implementation. Emphasis is on the political and ethical context in which policy decisions are made.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 250 - Gender and Politics


    This course examines the role of gender in political life, with an emphasis on U.S. politics. The course addresses the history of women’s political development and social movements, and political theories of gender, including both masculine and feminine. Students will examine the role of gender in shaping patterns of political participation (both traditional and non-traditional) and public policy issues.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 254 - Media and Politics


    This course examines the role of  mass media in shaping American politics and government. The course pays particular attention to how the norms of reporting, the incentives and pressures on news corporations, and the rise of new media technology affect the way the media covers and shapes American government and politics and influences public opinion, elections, governance,  and  public policy. (Formerly PO 354)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 255 - Campaigns and Elections


    This course examines campaigns and elections in the American context, including voting, political parties, campaign trends  and tactics, election administration, campaign finance, and independent political action committees. These are examined at both the presidential and congressional levels.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 257 - Medieval Political Thought


    The medieval political philosophers - Christian, Jewish, and Muslim - confronted the inherent and inevitable tension between the demands of faith and the necessities of the nation most deeply. It is this issue above all that distinguishes the medieval political thinker from the ancient (whose polytheism means the problem does not surface) and the modern (whose doctrine of toleration buries the problem without fully addressing it). Why do philosophers like Augustine recognize such a distance between the city of God and the human city? What does that distance imply for political practice? What do our faith commitments require of us in our political lives, and what limits might the political world impose on those commitments? To address these questions and others, seminars will examine texts by Augustine, Aquinas, Maimonides, al-Farabi and others. (Formerly PO 357)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 258 - American Political Thought


    Selections from a variety of authors, with special attention given to the Colonial documents, the Federalist Papers, and Alexis de Tocqueville. Additional reading will examine a survey of American Political from John Winthrop to Martin Luther King, Jr. We will explore number of enduring political issues from these readings including federal-state relations, the role of government in the private sector, the relationship between liberty and equality, the American science of politics, the place of commerce and industry in a free society, the character of a free people. (Formerly PO 358)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 259 - Contemporary Christian Political Thought


    This course is a survey of the variety of Christian understandings of politics that have developed in the wake of WWII. Readings will include various papal encyclicals, as well as primary texts by authors like Reinhold Niebuhr, John Howard Yoder, and Yves Simon that cover topics like the best kinds of government, economics, race, human rights and war. As a combination of lecture and group discussion, students are required to read the assignments carefully and to participate actively in class. (Formerly PO 359)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 275 - Human Rights


    Human rights is presented as an ideal, a movement, a subject of international law and world politics. The course covers the origins of human rights, their scope, evolution, conflict and confluence with national sovereignty. Examined is the question of the centrality of human rights in the building of a just and peaceful world community.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 320 - International Relations Theory


    An examination of the primary approaches in the field of International Relations (IR), including realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Topics covered include the causes and prevention of major wars, the relationship between human nature and international politics, popular culture and identity formation, globalization, and the return of normative and religious concerns to the study of IR. Readings will draw from a mixture of the traditional IR canon and innovative new ways of examining these subjects.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): Open to Politics and IR majors who have completed PO 104  and PO 106 .
  
  • PO 322 - Justice and War in International Relations


     

    This course studies two great theoretical themes, justice and power, as they are worked out in  times of  war.  We begin with selections from Thucydides, who defines and describes the problem of justice and power for us.  We conclude with Kant, who offers a hope that justice and power may be brought into accord (if not entirely reconciled). Several questions emerge: What causes wars, and what makes the cause right? Is patriotism a moral duty? Is war or peace the more natural condition for states? Is it possible to combine justice with power? Are some regimes better for this purpose than others? To engage these questions we read the works of leading thinkers from the perspectives of the Islamic and Christian just war tradition, political realism, and international law, including Thucydides, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Vitoria, and Grotius. (Formerly PO 347)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 326 - Latin American Politics


    This course examines the government and politics of Latin America, taking both a regional and country-specific approach. It examines region-wide patterns such as the colonial inheritance, relations with the United States, and experiences with democratization and economic development. It also examines a number of individual Latin American countries in-depth, focusing on their government structures, political cultures, records of regime change, and state-society relations. Additionally, the course considers contemporary policy challenges, such as regional integration, immigration, and illegal trafficking.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 327 - Middle East Politics


    The purpose of this survey course is to familiarize students with the culture, institutions, and peoples of the modern Middle East. The class examines patterns of modernization and development across several regional polities, with particular attention devoted to the effect of colonial legacies and strategies of resistance, pan-Arab nationalism, the re-emergence of political Islam, economic underdevelopment and the politics of oil.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 328 - Politics of South Asia


    This course examines politics and government in the two leading South Asian nations of India and Pakistan. It will also serve as an introduction to some of the major intellectual and theoretical concerns in the field of South Asian political studies, including the legacies of colonialism, political instability, the role of the military, the threat of nuclear war, ongoing problems of poverty, the situation in Kashmir and religious tensions. (Formerly PO 331)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 329 - Russian Area Politics


    Analysis of contemporary politics in Russia. The course emphasizes those historical, geographical, and economic features which have influenced Russian political development. Attention is also given to the uniqueness of Russian political thought and its cultures.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 330 - Political Violence


    This course will offer an in depth study of political violence involving non-state actors. Students will consider theories of identity and violence and study the emergence, duration and cessation of major forms of political violence including communal violence, terrorism and civil war.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 345 - Public Administration


    This course considers several analytic perspectives for understanding the dynamics of public administration, with a particular emphasis on the president’s role in that process. The course examines how the president interacts with the federal bureaucracy to formulate and implement policy, and negotiates with Congress to pass legislation enacting that policy. The course also considers the impact of these central relationships on the broader institutional and electoral contexts in which these political actors function.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 346 - The New Hampshire Primary and Presidential Nomination Politics


    This course analyzes New Hampshire’s Presidential Primary as a political institution. Students will explore how New Hampshire primary became an institution in American politics, how the New Hampshire’s First in the Nation Primary influences presidential candidates and elections, and the roles of  parties, interest groups, and the media in  the Primary and campaigns in general.  We will consider whether the Primary should retain its place at the start of the nominating process. As part of the course students will complete a significant research project on a past primary campaign.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 349 - The Nature of Politics


    Aristotle tells us that “Man is by nature a political animal,” but what does this mean, and what is the nature of politics? The nature of politics involves the distribution of power in complex communities for the purpose of securing interests and honors. The distribution of power requires a justification of power or authority - in other words, a regime’s account of justice. Looked at in this way we can see that a number of themes emerge: the enduring problem of faction, and the distinction of public and private goods; the shaping of a “public” and the ordering of a regime; the empowerment - and disempowerment - of reason in public life; the relationship between justice and power; the interaction of nature and convention in politics. The texts include works by Aristotle, Xenophon, Montesquieu, Shakespeare and Machiavelli. (Formerly PO 207)

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 350 - Political Catholicism


    This course taught in a seminar format examines the political role of the Roman Catholic Church from a social science perspective. The focus is both on the church as an international actor and as a domestic political force in various countries. Topics considered will include issues of church and state, religious freedom, Catholicism and democracy, Catholicism and dictatorships, and the church as an actor on issues of peace and war. The course will also begin with a brief consideration of Saint Augustine’s political theology and end with a consideration of contemporary Catholic social teaching.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 352 - Theory and Practice: Problems of Economy


    This course aims to unite the study of political theory and contemporary politics by analyzing the problem of political economy as it currently exists in the United States in light of the understandings of this problem proposed by various political theorists. The course is a combination of lecture and discussion, involving the analysis of empirical literature on the problem of political economy, faction, and the extent of government power in America today as well as the careful reading of primary texts in political theory. Thinkers to be read include Aristotle, Locke, Smith, and others, and, from an American perspective, Madison, Hamilton, Herbert Croly, Friedrich Hayek, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Tocqueville.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 353 - Politics of Diversity


    This course focuses on the question: How can a pluralistic democracy, specifically America, deal justly with diversity? In order to address this question, we will divide our inquiry into two parts. First, we will look at issues concerning racial, religious,moral, intellectual, gender, and sexual diversity in America. Second, we will examine various democratic political options for dealing justly with diversity. Students will be asked to formulate their response to this question and defend their position both orally and in writing.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 356 - Liberalism, Pluralism and Community


    One of the most fundamental and enduring political problems is finding the right balance between the goods of individuals and the good of the community. Over the  last century this problem was explored by liberals (who emphasized the liberty of  individuals), pluralists (who describe political life not as an association of  individuals but rather a dynamic interaction of  identity groups), and by critics of  these two approaches who tend to give emphasis to the claims of community and the maintenance of public ethics. This course explores key texts in this contemporary debate. Each of the authors we consider (Rawls, Hayek, Sandel, MacIntyre, and others) is looking to explain how a contemporary political community can incorporate individual freedom with social cohesion - liberty with community.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): Open to Junior or Seniors.
  
  • PO 360 - Comparative Democratization


    This advanced seminar course explores a form of government - democracy – that is much celebrated by today’s politicians, pundits, and scholars, but whose nuances and complexities frequently are not well understood. What does it mean to be democratic?  How can a country foster democracy?  What factors affect its chances of success? The course explores these questions and more.  It approaches democracy as a process, one that is constantly changing and never “finished.” It examines democratization conceptually, historically, and regionally.  In addition, it considers contemporary issues in democracy promotion, such as religious fundamentalism, post-conflict situations, and the widespread use of technologies such as social media.  

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 400 - Independent Study


    Students wishing to explore topics of their own choosing may design courses of independent study with the advice and consent of a member of the department.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 425 - Selected Topics in Political Thought


    Topics vary by semester, and may include theoretical approaches to works of literature, religion and politics, or advanced courses dedicated to the study of a particular political thinker or school of thought.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 442 - Selected Topics in World Politics


    This course will examine a contemporary topic confronting world politics. Its objective is to provide an opportunity for a critical examination and discussion of relevant issues in world affairs. Topics vary by semester, and may include the Mideast Peace Process, ideological approaches to global politics, Islamic fundamentalism, and social justice issues in the Third World.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 446 - Selected Topics in American Politics


    An examination of a current topic in American politics and society. Topics vary by semester, and include campaigns and elections, legislation and lobbying, media relations in politics, women in politics, and ethical issues in politics.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 456 - Integrated Studies Seminar


    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): PH 105 .
  
  • PO 478 - Senior Seminar


    This seminar is required of all Politics and International Relations majors during the senior year. Seniors are expected to write an independent guided research paper which constitutes the senior thesis.

    Four credits.

  
  • PO 480 - Government Internship (One Course)


    Students are placed in a federal or state government agency.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Chair.
  
  • PO 485 - Government Internship (Two courses)


    Students are placed in a federal or state agency.

    Eight credits.

  
  • PO 486 - Internship - Summer School


  
  • PO 487-488-489 - Washington Internship


    Students are placed in a federal agency in Washington, D.C.

    Four credits.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Chair.
  
  • PO 490 - Concord Experience Program (3 courses)


    Twelve credits.

  
  • PO 491 - New York Internship Program (Five courses)


  
  • PO 494 - Campaign Internship


    Students will work with a national, state or local campaign for a candidate for public office.

    Four credits.


Physics

  
  • PS 101 - Astronomy


    An introduction to the current understanding of the universe combined with an observational component which involves familiarization with the night sky and telescopic observation of the moon, planets, stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

    Four credits.

  
  • PS 102 - Geology


    An introduction to physical geology with emphasis on three topics: (1) the origin, classification, and identification of minerals, rocks, and related structures; (2) plate tectonics; and (3) processes that shape the earth’s surface. The course does not have a separate laboratory component but some class time is used for hands-on familiarization with rock and mineral samples as well as topological map reading exercises. The course also includes one or more field trips for the investigation of local geological features.

    Four credits.

  
  • PS 103 - Meteorology


    An introduction to the physical principles that are used to understand the mechanisms that control the Earth’s atmosphere. Topics covered will include: the Earth’s Heat Budget, the Hydrologic Cycle, Atmospheric Stability, Cloud Formation, Global Circulation Patterns, Wave Cyclone Theory, and climate Change Theories. The class will also provide insight into understanding the fundamental science behind issues such as global climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, and air pollution.

    Four credits.

  
  • PS 104 - Forensic Physics


    This is a one-semester course that looks at the application of physics to forensics. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, ballistics, blood spatter analysis, vehicular accidents, radiation monitoring and exposure, acoustic forensics, and combustion. This is an optional course for the Forensic Science Certificate.

    Four credits.

  
  • PS 111-112 - Fundamentals of Physics I - II


    A conceptual physics course offered to non-science majors. The mathematical knowledge necessary for the course is studied and reviewed as required. This course can be used to fulfill the general College requirement of a freshman science for non-science majors.

    Four credits.

  
  • PS 121-122 - General Physics I - II


    An introductory physics course on the phenomena and fundamentals of mechanics, waves, heat, electricity, magnetism, light, the atom, the nucleus, and special relativity. A strong background in algebra, plane geometry, and elementary trigonometry required. Calculus is not required. This course fulfills the physics requirement of students majoring in Biology and Natural Science.

    Four credits.

  
  • PS 131-132 - Classical Physics I - II


    An introductory physics course on the phenomena of mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism, and light in which calculus is used as a tool.  This course also addresses the nature of science and some life science topics to show how physics fits into the broader domain of science.   This course fulfills the physics requirement of students majoring in Physics, Chemistry, Applied Physics, and Engineering Physics (3-2 students)

    Four credits.

    Co-requisite(s): MA 170  - MA 180  or equivalent.
 

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9