GOVERNMENT
IN THIS PAGE:
The program in government offers an approach to a liberal arts education
that emphasizes the literature and methods of ancient, modern, and contemporary
students of politics and government. The object is to place students in the
midst of controversy over the great issues of politics and the differing understandings
of those issues, and to equip them to deal rationally and prudently with these
issues.
The major is selected by students preparing for careers in law; local, state
and national government; foreign service; business; government relations; and
other areas of the private and public sectors in which a broad knowledge of
the problems of modern society is appropriate. Advice on specific careers is
available through the department chair.
Major Requirements
The major in government requires nine courses distributed as follows:
- Government 20. Introduction to American Politics
- Four Core Courses: all majors must take a core course, normally at the
intermediate level (numbers 40 through 99), in four different subfields,
selected from the following six:
- American Government and Public Policy
- Business and Public Management
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Political Philosophy and Theory
- Public LawEach student must include a course in Political Philosophy
and Theory, as well as a course in either Comparative Politics or International
Relations (and may include both).
- Elective Courses:at least four elective courses in government. Normally
at least two electives should be advanced courses (numbers 100 and above).
Notes:
- Government 20. Introduction to American Politics is a prerequisite for
all other CMC government courses.
- Normally not more than two courses taken at other colleges may be counted
toward the major.
- Courses offered by members of other departments and cross-listed as government
courses may be counted as elective courses but not as core requirements.
Special Options for Majors
Suggestions for Concentrations
Students should consult with one or more department members to choose their
electives coherently and with a view to their goals after graduation. The following
concentrations illustrate several coherent options for students majoring in
government.
- Government/Business and Public Management: core courses plus two courses
in business and public management; two more electives. This program is useful
for future administrators in business and government.
- American Government: core courses plus two courses in American government;
two more electives. This option is useful for students of politics and public
policy.
- Government/Foreign Affairs: core courses plus two courses in comparative
politics or international relations; two more electives (often taken in area
studies). This combination serves the needs of students interested in business
or administration in the international field and also those focusing on conflicts
and problems of international scope.
- Government/Public Law: core courses plus two courses in constitutional
law or legal studies; two more electives. This concentration is attractive
to students preparing for legal or paralegal careers.
- Government/Political Philosophy: core courses plus two courses in political
philosophy; two more electives. This option is useful for students especially
interested in the great issues and traditions of politics.
- Government/Public Affairs: core courses plus two courses in American government
and public policy; two more electives during a semester on the internship
program. This focus is designed for students interested in government work
and practical field experience.
Dual Majors
A dual major including government requires a minimum of seven government
courses distributed as follows:
- Government 20. Introduction to American Politics
- One core course in political philosophy and theory(see above)
- One core course in comparative politics or international relations(see
above)
- Elective Courses: at least four other government elective courses
Please note the restrictions on honors in the major for students with a dual
major under "Honors in Government" below. For further information
on dual majors and the requirements for the other field study of the dual major,
please check the appropriate sections of this catalog.
Honors in Government
Each year the department conducts an honors program for seniors distinguished
by the high quality of their work in government. To be eligible for honors
in government, a student must:
- Complete a two-semester thesis in government with a grade of "B+" (10.00)
or better;
- Satisfactorily participate in the mandatory two-semester, non-credit Honors
Seminar conducted by the department of Government; and
- Attain a grade point average of 10.50 or better in the major at time of
graduation.
Students with a dual major in government who wish to be considered for honors
in government will only receive honors if they:
- have completed all requirements for a full major in government and are
granted honors, or
- qualify and receive honors in both fields of their dual major. See "Honors
in the Major" for details. For additional information on the honors
program, see Professor Appel or Professor Blitz.
General Education Requirement in Government
The general education requirement in government is met by Government 20.
Introduction to American Politics.
Internships and Independent Studies
The Government department offers students several unique internship opportunities
in California and in Washington, D.C. For details on credits and requirements,
see "Internships" below. No more than a total of two internship program
courses (Government 125, 126, 127, or 35) and independent study courses may
be counted toward major requirements.
Study Abroad
All CMC students have the opportunity to apply for study abroad during the
junior year. Students planning to study government abroad should consult with
the chair of the Government department to determine which off-campus courses
will be accepted by the department. Please consult the chair of the Government
department for further information.
The Faculty
Professors: Ascher, Bessette, Blitz (Chair), Camp (on leave, first semester),
Elliott (on leave, first semester), Haley (on leave, second semester), Heslop
(on leave, first semester), Kesler (on leave, first semester), Lee, Lofgren
(on leave, second semester), Martin (on leave, second semester), Moss, Nichols,
Pitney, and Rossum; Associate Professors: Lynch, and Merkle; Visiting Associate
Professor: McHenry; Assistant Professors: Appel, Balitzer, Kapur, Miller, and
Spalding; Visiting Assistant Professor: Haskell
Courses
Introductory
20. Introduction to American Politics.
Introduces the student to the scholarly study of government and politics
with special reference to the political principles and constitutional structure
of the American system, interpreted in the light of political philosophy, the
dynamics of public opinion, interest groups, political parties, and public
policy. First and second semester. Staff
American Government and Public Policy
101. The United States Congress.
Examines congress in terms of participant roles, committee systems,
party influence and leadership, legislative functions and representative democracy,
legislative-executive relations, and current efforts at reform. Second semester.
Pitney
102. The American Presidency.
Investigates the domestic and international sources of power which
have led to the dominant position of the presidency, and the current reassessment
of that position. First semester. Pitney
103. The Presidency and the Constitution.
This course examines the relationship of the presidency to the American
constitutional order. Specific topics include: the framers' plan for a strong
president (and the Anti-Federalists' critique); presidential selection and
its impact on the character of the office; and specific constitutional controversies
such as the constitutional basis of the modern presidency, with particular
attention to popular leadership and presidential rhetoric. (Not offered in
2003-2004.)
103e. Crises in Presidential Leadership.
Political, biographical, autobiographical, historical, psychological,
and cultural examinations of the crises faced by United States presidents,
contrasting successful with unsuccessful presidential leadership strategies
that profoundly affected United States history at critical moments. Seven U.S.
presidents will be chosen by the instructor and students from the following
list that also includes vice-presidents and presidential candidates: George
Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, John C. Calhoun, Andrew Jackson,
Martin van Buren, Samuel Tilden, Theodore Roosevelt, Eugene B. Debs, Woodrow
Wilson, Norman Thomas, Strom Thurmond, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Ross
Perot. First semester. Martin
104. The Electoral Process.
An introduction to election politics in the United States, focusing
on the organization, strategies, techniques, and financing of political campaigns.
The course, which employs simulations, also involves consideration of party
organization, election law, and problems of reform. Second semester. Pitney
105. Organization of Health Care and Public Policy.
This course will examine the evolution of health care occupations
and organizations in the United States with comparative references to other
industrialized nations. There will be a focus on the increasing bureaucratization
of health care, the increased involvement of government, private reorganization
around HMO's and managed care, and the continued push for various forms of "universal
health care." Politics and policies regarding sources and allocations
of costs and benefits, access and treatment of increasingly diverse populations,
advent of health care teams, "wellness" movements and alternative
health and medical treatments, and increasingly complex technology, and - related
to this - ethical issues regarding birth, life, and death will be addressed.
First semester. Lynch
106. Politics of Interest Groups.
The course examines the role of interest groups in American politics,
particularly how they influence the formulation and implementation of public
policy. Specifically, the course focuses on strategies and tactics and other
integrated requisites to building a viable interest group. In addition, numerous
case studies are examined. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
107. Local Government in America, with Practicum.
Focuses on the functions, process, politics and management of sub-national
government, with emphasis on dominant public policy issues affecting city government
and communities. Topics include theories of local government, regional governance,
fiscal issues, social welfare issues, public infrastructure funding and economic
development. The practicum will analyze the existing tax allocation inequities
affecting cities in California, and make recommendations for legislative, legal,
and/or administrative action to correct such inequities. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
108. The Politics of Recent America, 1945 to the Present.
After exploring pre-1945 roots of liberal interventionist government
in America, the course examines its subsequent impact in areas such as politics,
military and foreign policy, race relations, individual freedom, and governmental
responsibility. Also listed as History 121. First semester. Lofgren
109. Juvenile Delinquency and Public Policy.
This course examines the social and political changes that gave rise
to the concept of "childhood," the subsequent rise of the juvenile
justice system, and further modifications of that system's strategies for prevention
and treatment. Course topics include the causes of juvenile delinquency, changes
in the nature and distribution of juvenile crime and deviance, and the history
and changing forms of gang activity in the U.S. Guest speakers and documentaries
supplement lectures, discussion, and readings. First semester. Lynch
110. The Life Cycle, Generational Politics and Public Policy.
This course will examine how life cycle progression and generational
tensions structure politics and public policies. The course will examine general
life cycle theory and apply it to important past and present generational debates
over the distribution of wealth, power, and benefits regarding social security,
Medicare, funding for public schools and universities, retirement pensions,
and occupational competition. The role of class, ethnicity, gender, marital
status, and other factors which shape or cross-cut generational politics and
policies will be considered. The course will also examine how rapid technological
changes may sharpen differences in generational world-views or, on the other
hand, contribute to solutions in strengthening the generational social contract.
(Not offered in 2003-2004.)
111. Politics and Population.
Explores the social and political implications of the population explosion.
Touches on problems of social forecasting and problems of individual and institutional
response to short-run and long-run needs. Considers the question of optimum
population from social, economic, biological, and political points of view.
Assesses current efforts and prospects for establishing and implementing population
policies. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
112. Public Philosophies and Public Policy.
This course traces the development of American conservative thought
and analyzes its impact on several domestic policy areas: economic management,
social welfare, civil rights and crime. Compares different strains of conservatism
and considers liberal critiques. Includes works by a number of conservative
writers, such as Milton Friedman, Charles Murray and Thomas Sowell. (Not offered
in 2003-2004.)
113. Inequality, Politics, and Public Policy: Class, Race, and Gender.
This course examines the basic dimensions of inequality and the history
of changes in the distribution of wealth, power, and patterns of ethnic and
gender relations, primarily in the United States but with particular reference
to how emerging global markets may be changing inequality patterns in the U.S.
Rates of social mobility (who moves up, down, sideways?) are examined. The
course deals with current and emerging political and policy issues arising
from such developments as: Proposition 187, the changing occupational structure
and shifting career opportunities, changing policies on discrimination, affirmative
action and work force diversity, generational divides, changes in crime and
criminal justice, political and perceptual "gender gaps," welfare
issues and the "tax wars" (who pays, who receives?). Introductory
level economics, psychology and/or sociology course recommended. Second semester.
Lynch
114. Immigration: Processes, Politics, and Policies.
This course will examine immigration as a social as well as an economic
process, with particular emphasis on its political and policy dimensions. Special
attention will be paid to the interaction between immigrants and contemporary
American social and political institutions, and to how the contemporary situation
differs from earlier periods in our history. The various dimensions (social,
cultural, economic, and political) of the assimilation process will be examined.
The course will culminate in an examination of various policy responses to
the present controversy over immigration. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
115. Politics of Journalism.
Analyzes the relationship between the political decision makers and
the news media. Topics include: the structure and organization of print and
electronic media; forms of political journalism, such as investigative reporting
and commentary; ways by which political figures try to influence the news;
the impact of news stories on public opinion. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
116. Public Policy Process.
This course analyzes the six phases of the public policy process:
the origin of policy ideas; estimation of costs and benefits; choice of alternatives
by political leaders; implementation by bureaucracies; appraisal of outcomes;
and termination of policies. The course pays special attention to policies
that affect business and the economy. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
118. Practicum in Government and the Environment.
This course examines how environmental policy is created through the
political process and how government implements it. The course is designed
to help students learn by involving them in the process of developing environmental
policy, including developing solutions to specific problems. Although the course
includes a reading list and class discussion, it emphasizes field work, field
trips, and guest speakers representing government and the environment. The
course focuses on two or three key environmental issues against which students
will learn about the legislative process, direct legislation, regulation and
regulatory bodies, intergovernmental relations, public opinion formation and
interest group lobbying. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
119. Introduction to Environmental Law and Regulation.
This weekly seminar will focus on the intellectual and philosophical
bases for modern environmental policy, law, and regulation, including a historical
review of the major elements of the American conservation movement, and an
analysis of the regulatory responses to these elements leading to the development
of modern environmental statutory and regulatory law. Second semester. McHenry
120. Environmental Law.
This course is intended to introduce students to environmental law
through an examination and discussion of a number of currently debated issues.
The emphasis of the course will be on the role of law in protecting environmental
quality and mediating environmental disputes. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
123. American Political Parties.
This course examines American political parties as electoral organizations,
as voting blocs in the general public, and as groups of government officials.
It explores linkages of these three dimensions in national, state, and local
politics. Topics include: political realignments, minor parties, national conventions,
and quasi-parties such as United We Stand. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
124. Cases in American Political Leadership.
This course will consist of an intensive case study of a single American
political leader. The case study, which will change from year to year, will
test generalizations about American political ideas, interests, and institutions.
The cases may include presidents, lawmakers, and leaders of social movements.
Second semester. Pitney
144. Political and Social Movements.
This course will focus on the major political and social/cultural
movements in 20th-century America, with preliminary attention to elements and
precursors of movements such as crowds, fads, and crazes. The social sources
and conflicts that give rise to political/social movements will be analyzed,
as will movement leadership, tactics, resource mobilization, recruitment issues,
and the role of media. Crosscultural examples will also be covered. Guest lecturers
and videos will supplement class and reading materials. WebCT postings and
discussions will enhance course materials. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
178. Politics of Redistricting.
Considers the theory and practice of representation in American government.
Covers the law, history, politics, and technology of redistricting; and examines
issues such as "affirmative action gerrymandering" and "at-large-versus-single-member
districts." Alternative line-drawing techniques and strategies are examined
along with their effects on district elections and legislative politics. (Not
offered in 2003-2004.)
180e. Law and Literature.
The public perception and understanding of law, legal issues, legal
actions, legal ethics, and legal language is derived largely from the representation
of law in literature, including popular literature, cartoons, television, and
movies. Most law schools, therefore, now offer courses on law and literature.
This course examines novels, poems, plays, documentary literature, movies,
and television in order to understand how law has been perceived. Authors or
readings to be examined will include Greek and Roman myth; Judeo-Christian,
Islamic, and Hindu scripture; Thomas More; Franz Kafka; Richard Wright; Nikolai
Gogol; Emile Zola; Arthur Koestler; Arthur Miller; Robert Penn Warren; Albert
Camus; John Grisham; and Clint Eastwood. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
183e. Freedom, Democracy, and Public Policy.
To what extent should modern liberal democracies promote political,
economic, and personal freedom? What conflicts arise among these freedoms and
what constraints, if any, should government place on freedom? This course will
explore these issues through classic readings and case studies on such controversies
as hate speech, flag burning, importation of goods produced through child labor,
legalizing drugs, pornography and censorship, and gun control. After examining
the relationship of freedom to law and constitutionalism, the course will conclude
by asking whether and how freedom promotes human happiness. Also listed as
Economics 183e. Prerequisites: Government 20 and Economics 50. (Not offered
in 2003-2004.)
186. Conflict and Violence in American Society: Forms, Dynamics,
Control.
This course has as its objectives to increase knowledge about and
understanding of historical and contemporary patterns of violence in America,
and to access the causes, consequences, and possibilities for reduction/control
of violence and intergroup conflict. Among the forms of violence covered are:
domestic violence, homicide, rape, robbery, juvenile gangs, violence by social
control agencies (police and prison violence), racial-ethnic conflict, labor-management
conflict and corporate crime/violence. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
190. Women and the Political Process.
This course provides an overview and framework for understanding the
many ways that women interact with the political system. During the last quarter
of a century, women's political identities, interests, and activities have
undergone a transformation. This course examines the causes and limits of that
change. It explores the reasons for using gender as an analytic category; examines
women's participation in the political process; and studies the ways that governmental
policies affect the lives of women. It focuses primarily on equal right policies,
the welfare system, reproductive rights, and the criminal justice system. (Not
offered in 2003-2004.)
191. Contemporary United States Social Policy.
A comparative analysis of several social policy areas. Many policies
will be considered, but particular focus will be placed on school choice, welfare
policy, and drug policy. These will be used to trace important and recurrent
issues and themes in contemporary political as well as policy debates: the
importance of cultural values versus economic incentives in shaping individual
behavior; the social and political context of market institutions; the limits
of individual liberty versus social and governmental authority; civil society
and the role of mediating institutions; self-help versus professional help.
(Not offered in 2003-2004.)
193. Racial and Ethnic Politics in the United States.
An assessment of racial and ethnic politics in contemporary America.
The course will begin with an analysis of race and ethnicity as biological,
social, cultural, and political categories. The group basis of ethnic and racial
competition and conflict will then be examined: are racial or ethnic groups
products of nature or of convention? How are racial or ethnic groups different
from or similar to other group actors in American politics - for example, minority
groups, identity groups, interest groups? Addressing such questions will necessarily
involve an examination of the history of ethnic and race relations in the United
States, with particular attention to changes in our political institutions.
An important aspect of these institutional changes to be examined includes
programs such as the Voting Rights Act and affirmative action. (Not offered
in 2003-2004.)
Business and Public Management
50. Introduction to Public Administration.
An introduction to the structure, operations, and responsibilities
of administration in the public sector. The organization of federal administration,
methods of public personnel management, budget analysis, decision-making, and
program evaluation. Additional topics in administrative law, administrative
ethics, public policy and regulation, and the relation of administration to
politics. First and second semester. Merkle
121. Organization and Management.
Basic concepts of organization theory and organizational behavior.
Systems of organizational design and task management and their relation to
issues of productivity improvement, motivation and morale, and organizational
adaptation and change. Management methods in government and business; ethical
problems of management. First semester. Merkle
122. Leadership in Management.
Power and authority in organizations; the role of leadership, effective
leadership styles, leadership and organizational values. Group dynamics, decision-making,
motivation, and conflict management techniques. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
128. Ethics and American Democracy.
Explores whether, to what extent, and how democracy ought to promote
the ethical character of its citizens. Readings and class discussions are structured
around a variety of specific issues such as: censorship and the arts, legalization
of drug use, the role of religion in promoting morality, and the benefits and
limits of moral leadership by public officials. Analysis of these contemporary
issues is supplemented by examination of the philosophic debate over the relationship
of ethics to democracy, particularly in the American political tradition. (Not
offered in 2003-2004.)
129. Ethics and American Political Leadership.
Identifies and examines the ethical issues that have surfaced in public
scandals of recent decades - such as Watergate, Abscam, Iran/Contra, the "Keating
Five," Whitewater, and the Lewinsky affair - and explores the nature and
adequacy of the remedies, legislative and otherwise, that have been embraced
or proposed for combating unethical behavior by public officials. Special attention
is paid to the controversial device of Independent Counsels, first established
by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, to police wrongdoing in the executive
branch. A key issue throughout the course is whether personal morality is necessary
for effective political leadership. Second semester. Bessette
131. Heroes, Villains, and Clowns.
This course examines the meaning of heroism, villainy, and clownishness
as they occur in western politics, literature, plays, and film. Drawing on
materials in all media, including biography, history, fiction, poetry, plays,
and cinema, the course studies specific individuals and works of art, ancient
and modern. Among the individuals and works studied are: Churchill, Nero, Nixon,
Faust, the movies Shane, and From Here to Eternity, the novel Anna Karenina,
and the play Medea. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
136. Propaganda and Politics.
This course will examine the origins and evolution, techniques and
uses of modern propaganda. We will look at the propaganda battles of the World
Wars and the Cold War, and the relationship between commercial and political
propaganda. We will examine the various categories of propaganda: white propaganda,
black propaganda, integrational propaganda, agitprop and "spin," as
well as the role of the various media in the development of propaganda technology.
We will look at the evolution of the various media, and hypnosis and subliminal
suggestion, including mass hypnosis and various forms of induction. There will
be illustrations from everyday commercial and political propaganda. The misuse
of scientific evidence and statistics will be discussed. Group reinforcement
by false fronts, phone grass roots organizations, purchases polls, and similar
techniques will be included. Second semester. Merkle
Comparative Politics
60. Introduction to Comparative Government.
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of comparative
government that are used to analyze political institutions and processes. We
will explore fundamental political phenomena such as power, authority, legitimacy,
political culture, and the nation-state in order to understand better major
world events and larger political trends. Special attention is given to democratization
and socioeconomic change in either the developing world (Camp), or Europe and
the industrialized world (Appel). First semester. Staff. Second semester. Appel,
Camp
132e. Politics and Economics of Natural Resource Policy in Developing
Countries.
This seminar course addresses the question of how countries dependent
on natural resources ought to husband these resources and invest the proceeds
productively. It employs the policy sciences framework to explore the political
and economic-policy challenges of minimizing the abuse of resource endowments
due to mis-pricing, corruption, intra-governmental conflicts, and perverse
governance arrangements. It examines why governments seem to abuse natural
resources willfully, what forms of privatization hold promise for better resource
use, what fiscal and governance arrangements are optimal for the relationship
between government and state natural-resource agencies, and whether resource
abundance is actually a "curse" rather than an advantage for a country's
economic and political development. The cases will be drawn predominantly from
Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Also listed as Economics 142. Prerequisites:
Economics 101 and Government 20. Second semester. Ascher
133. Latin American Politics.
A broad survey of the most important political and social issues and
the primary political actors influencing politics in the region. First semester.
Camp
133e. Politics and Military in Latin America.
This course will explore the changing dynamics of Latin American countries
in the process of change from authoritarian to democratic political systems,
and how that is influencing the role of the military in their societies and
civil-military relations. Second semester. Camp
134. Mexican Government and Politics.
An introduction to major themes, historical patterns, political institutions,
and developmental issues facing Mexico. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
134e. Democratization and Politics in Mexico.
This course explores the institutions and processes which are impacting
the democratic political transition in Mexico, and assesses the importance
of changes which reinforce or deter this transition. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
135. Ideologies of Revolution and Violence.
An exploration of seminal writings in anarchism, Marxism-Leninism,
and fascism, comparing the various theories of the state and the uses of violence
as a political tool for change. (Not offered in 20032004.)
135e. Ideology and Comparative Politics.
Investigates the role of ideology in comparative politics, and in
particular, in economic and social policy making. Explores where people get
their ideas about the nature of politics, the economy, and the nation-state.
Examines why certain ideologies – such as liberalism, communism, developmentalism,
nationalism – are empowered in some contexts and not others. In doing
so, this course examines the structures of the marketplace of ideas, that is,
who controls information and the media, and which institutions facilitate the
implementation and consolidation of new political and economic paradigms. (Not
offered in 2003-2004.)
138. Religion and Politics in Latin America.
An exploration of the impact of religion, the Catholic Church, and
new religious movements on politics in the region, including possible consequences
for democratic transition. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
140. Korean Politics and Economy.
Compares the political systems and economic policies of South Korea
and North Korea. Special attention will be given to an in-depth study of competing
ideologies, political leadership, political participation, policy-making processes,
military organizations, and economic performance. (Not offered in 20032004.)
141. Comparative Political Economy of Asia and Europe: Models of
Development and Capitalist Integration.
The goal of this course is to teach students to think broadly and
critically about the challenges of economic development on a cross regional
basis. Students will engage in a systematic comparison of models of capitalist
development in Asia and Post-communist Europe. The course will begin with an
analysis of East Asia's path to economic growth, and gauge the role of the
state in capitalist development. Japan and South Korea are examined in detail
in order to understand both the engines of growth and sources of decline in
the region. Next we turn to China, a case of persistent economic growth and
development in Asia. Here we study the introduction of capitalist elements
(such as market allocation of resources and private property rights) into a
Communist planned economy. We also pay close attention to China's successful
integration into the world economy and reliance on export driven industrialization.
(Not offered in 2003-2004.)
141e. Comparative Elites.
This course analyzes the literature which explores many facets of
the examination of elites, political and non-political, and makes use of studies
from many societies, both First and Third world. The importance of elites,
and elite approaches in relation to political processes and decision-making
will be analyzed. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
142. Governments and Politics of East Asia.
Study of the governmental structures and political processes of China,
Japan, and Korea with emphasis on political culture, constitutional frameworks,
political leadership, party systems, electoral behavior, student movements,
public policies, and economic modernization. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
142e. China Under Reform, 1978 to the Present.
China's efforts to define its position in the world in the post-Cold
Ear era, reform Communism, and find an appropriate path to modernization. Special
attention given to China's emergence as a rising economic/political power and
its implications for the international order and to the process of economic
and political structural reform. The Chinese experience is evaluated in light
of alternative approaches to the transition from communism, China's historic
traditions, and globalization. Other topics include human rights, population
control and environmental issues, the search for national identity and issues
of gender. Also listed as History 164e. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
143c. International Political Economy of Money and Finance.
This course seeks to provide students with an overview of several
key international monetary and financial policy issues. We will begin with
an historical overview of the international monetary system, from the gold
standard to the contemporary monetary system. We will then examine how financial
globalization affects the national policy autonomy of advanced industrialized
countries. Subsequently, we turn to the international monetary experience of
developing countries in the global economy, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa
and Latin America, post-Communist states and Asia, paying particular attention
to the causes and consequences of the major financial crises. (Not offered
in 2003-2004.)
144c. Democratization in Eastern Europe and Russia.
With the collapse of the Russian economy and the recent money-laundering
scandal, Russia is in crisis. Has the adoption of a capitalist economy in Russia
and in Eastern Europe improved the standard of living and the quality of life
of most of the citizens? What improvements can we expect for the future? Will
the countries of Eastern Europe become stable democracies? Most importantly,
how do we judge the success of the political and economic transformations almost
one decade after the end of the Cold War? This course will provide students
with the tools to develop answers to these and other fundamental questions
of post-communist transformation. By examining the political and economic transitions
in several East European countries, including among others Russia, Poland,
Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania, students will gain a better
understanding of the radical changes that have taken place in post-Communist
Europe after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The course will be divided into
four sections: historical background, democratization and political transition,
the political economy of market reform, and issues of national identity. The
last section will examine the process of European integration as well as the
rise of nationalism in the Balkans. Second semester. Staff
145. International Security in South Asia.
This course introduces students to the security environment in South
Asia. Specific topics covered include: Indian and Pakistani history since independence;
fundamental characteristics of the Indian and Pakistani militaries; India's
war with China; the sources of the Kashmir dispute; the Indo-Pakistani wars
and ongoing security competition; and the impact of nuclear proliferation on
the subcontinent. First and second semester. Kapur
148i. Governments, Business, and Civil Society in an Age of Globalization:
A Comparison between the United States and Europe.
The course will focus on institutional and cultural factors and the
theories they inform, drawing on current events and policies. It will discuss
the practical aspects of theoretical debates, contrasting for example those
who believe the expanding scope of markets and the private sector is depriving
nation states of their identity, resources, influence, and legitimacy, with
those who see evidence of governments as multilateral organizations still shaping
key aspects of the business and social environment. Cases will be chosen in
areas such as tax policy, trade and investment policies, environmental and
information technology policies. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
159i. Modern Korea: The Development of a Divided Nation.
A comparative study of political, economic, and social development
of South Korea and North Korea with particular emphasis on the collapse of
traditional Korea, Japanese colonial rule, the independence movements, the
national division, the Korean War, the dynamics of inter-Korean rivalry, and
the recent efforts for national reconciliation. First semester. Lee
International Relations
70. Introduction to International Politics.
Introducing the problems of relations among the nations of the world,
this course examines the basic factors which influence international relations,
analyzes the principal ideologies, and studies the channels of settlement of
international problems. First semester. Haley, Lee. Second semester. Kapur
145e. Security Studies.
This course will introduce students to the study of how states provide
for their security through the use of military force. The course will first
explore the origin and nature of threats to states' security. It will then
examine the key military implements and strategies that states employ in attempting
to deal with these threats. Finally the course will study several historical
cases of military conflict in light of its earlier theoretical and strategic
findings. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
146. Chinese Foreign Policy.
Examines China's contemporary foreign policy with emphasis on its
structure and processes and China's changing relations with the United States,
the former Soviet Union, Japan, and other Asian and Pacific countries. It focuses
on such issues as international perceptions, negotiating tactics, open-door
economic policy, and strategic orientations. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
147. Japanese Foreign Policy.
Examines Japan's contemporary international relations with special
emphasis on the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China. It analyzes
the way in which Japan conducts diplomatic activities, resolves international
disputes, manages defense issues, and pursues a growing economic and political
role in the world. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
148. Leadership in Politics and Diplomacy.
Through the study of biography, autobiography, political history,
and classical and contemporary theories of leadership, the course examines
the actions of leaders in the U.S., Western Europe, and Asia who were active
in important ways in domestic and international affairs. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
149. Foreign Relations of the United States.
Studied are premises and implementation of American foreign policy,
particularly in relation to the former Soviet Union, China, the Middle East,
and Southeast Asia. Topics include inter-allied relations, covert and overt
intervention, nuclear weapons, and the increasing demand for energy, raw materials,
and food. First semester. Kapur
150e. Talk, Talk…..Fight, Fight. Diplomacy and Military Power
in U.S. Foreign Policy.
The course examines instances in which the United States has sought
to combine diplomacy and military power to accomplish the ends of policy. They
include World Wars I and II, the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars, as well as
interventions in Lebanon, Somalia, Bosnia, Haiti, and Kosovo. The course is
based on readings in the classics of strategy and diplomacy, such as Clausewitz
and Thucydides, and of the works of more recent strategists and historians,
including George Kennan, Bernard Brodie, Colin Gray, Albert Wohlstetter, and
John Lewis Gaddis. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
151. The United States, Israel, and the Arabs.
Emphasizes U.S. responses to the Arab-Israeli dispute, Cold War competition
with the Soviet Union, the politics of oil, and the major wars in the region
since 1945. It includes the role of Britain and France in the disintegration
of the Ottoman Empire, and the independence of the states of the contemporary
Middle East. First semester. Haley
152. The Pacific Rim and the United States.
Introductory survey of the dynamic development of the Pacific Rim
region in economic, diplomatic, strategic, and cultural fields, and of the
important opportunities and challenges faced by the United States in the Pacific
Rim. Special attention is paid to the emerging issues of economic integration,
collective security, political realignment, and cultural diplomacy. Second
semester. Lee
153. Europe in United States Foreign Policy.
From Washington's Farewell Address to the decisions to support European
unification and expand NATO, Europe has figured prominently in American attempts
to attain security and prosperity. This course examines the images, attitudes,
policies, and institutions formed by leaders and citizens regarding (polling
information), memoirs, biographies, and other primary and secondary materials.
(Not offered in 2003-2004.)
155. The Future of World Politics.
This course examines the views of scholars and political leaders concerning
the future of the post-Cold War world. Topics include war (including alliances,
intervention, weapons of mass destruction, and arms control), nationalism,
religion, international organization, the politics of international economics,
and the environment. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
156. The Korean War.
A study of the origin, development, and consequences of the Korean
War with special emphasis on the U.S. decision-making processes, the role of
the United Nations, the Chinese participation in the war, the Truman-MacArthur
controversies, the cease-fire negotiations, and the effects on inter-Korean
relations. Archival materials and documentary films are used. (Not offered
in 2003-2004.)
156e. Asian Security.
This course examines the international security environment in Asia,
applying the understandings gleaned from international relations theory, strategic
studies, and regional histories to the analysis of present-day problems. Topics
covered include: China's role as a possible regional hegemony; the military
balance on the Korean peninsula; Japan's status as past aggressor, current
United States ally, and potential great power; and the India-Pakistan conflict
and arms race. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
159. Topics in United States Relations with Asia.
This course examines a number of important topics in contemporary
United States relations with East and Southeast Asia. Topics will range from
diplomatic negotiations and economic disputes to military relations and cultural
exchanges. Specific topics will change each semester. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
Political Philosophy and Theory
80. Introduction to Political Philosophy.
An introduction to several fundamentally different philosophical understandings
of political life, both ancient and modern. Authors studied include Plato,
Aristotle, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. First semester.
Blitz. Second semester. Nichols
160. Statesmanship and Leadership.
A study of the phenomenon of statesmanship, its relation to political
life, and its status vis-a-vis the philosophical life; and of the profound
change from statesmanship to the modern concept of leadership. The course has
two parts: readings in political philosophy, and readings in political history
and biography that examine the lives of actual statesmen and leaders. Second
semester. Blitz
161. The Natural Law.
An inquiry into the idea of natural law as expounded and criticized
by ancient, medieval and modern political philosophers. Readings from Aristotle,
Cicero, Aquinas, Hobbes, Kant, and others. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
162. Contemporary Political Philosophy.
The goal of this course is to increase our understanding of the central
purposes of human action - freedom, justice, happiness, and the common good
- by examining the political thought of several major twentieth-century thinkers.
We begin by discussing the current moral and political scene, and proceed to
analyze works by Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, John Dewey, John Rawls,
Leo Strauss, and Hannah Arendt. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
163. John Dewey and the Pragmatic Critique of American Political
Theory.
This course will begin with a reading of several of John Dewey's works
on political theory and political practice. Dewey's writings are particularly
rich in the theoretical and practical instrumental critique of American political
theory and politics. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
164. Political Rhetoric.
This course is devoted principally to examining the classical understanding
of political rhetoric and the problems and possibilities connected with it.
Readings are Plato's Gorgias and Aristotle's Rhetoric. In the final part of
the course, some famous speeches from the American political tradition are
examined. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
164e. The Political Novel.
This course has three interconnected concerns: (a) a reading of several
political novels, from different national literary traditions, in order to
make a comparative investigation of how various nations represent politics
differently; (b) an interdisciplinary assessment of how different political
systems are represented in literature - with the advantages and shortcomings
of the literary representation of politics; (c) a historical investigation
of how, over time, the representation of politics and political systems have
changed. Examples of novelists to be studied are Disraeli, Orwell, Silone,
Stendahl, Dos Passos, and Nathaniel West. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
165. Political Philosophy and History.
An examination of the turn from nature to history as the ground of
politics, philosophy, and being; and of the significance of this turn for the
conduct and understanding of modern politics. Readings in Kant, Hegel, Marx,
Nietzsche, Weber, and Heidegger. First semester. Nichols
165e. Philosophical Roots of European Fascism.
An examination of the philosophical roots of European fascism, with
emphasis on German and Italian thought. The fascist movement is considered
as part of the Romantic rebellion against Enlightenment ideologies. The writings
of Kant, Fichte, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Croce, Gentile, and Hitler are studied.
Also listed as Philosophy 119. First semester. Moss
166. Foundations of Political Economy.
An examination of the classical and contemporary philosophical foundations
of political economy - that is, the prescriptive and descriptive study of the
interaction between economics and politics. Prerequisites: Government 20 and
Economics 50. Also listed as Economics 104. Second semester. Nichols and Wright
167. The American Founding.
An inquiry into the character of the American regime as intended by
the Founders. The method of the course will be the close reading of the writings
and speeches of the Founders, supplemented occasionally by secondary accounts
and interpretations. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
168. Theories of American Democracy.
Analyzes theories of the nature of the American Republic. Materials
covered include the Federal Convention, The Federalist, Tocqueville, and a
number of modern works. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
169. American Political Thought I.
This course will examine the emergence in America of revolutionary
ideas about law and politics and their embodiment in wholly new forms of government.
The course will then consider the implications and contradictions in these
ideas and institutions, as revealed in the debates leading up to the Civil
war. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
170. American Political Thought II.
This course will examine the transformation of the American idea of
natural rights and natural law under the influence of Social Darwinism, Progressivism,
and Pragmatism, as well as the emergence of modern American liberalism and
conservatism in their distinctive modes. The effort throughout will be to understand
the significance of these developments for the philosophy, and conduct, of
republican government in America. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
172. Political Philosophy and Foreign Policy.
After a brief consideration of contemporary debates on moralism versus
realism in foreign policy, the fundamentally different positions of Aristotle
and Machiavelli on the relative status of foreign and of domestic policy are
examined. The course concludes with Thucydides, the relation of domestic institutions
to foreign policy, and the role of justice in foreign affairs. (Not offered
in 2003-2004.)
174. Topics in Political Philosophy.
A topic of enquiry will be chosen each semester to reflect current
challenges and concerns in the field of political philosophy. (Not offered
in 2003-2004.)
196. Seminar in Scope and Methods.
An examination of the dimensions of political science as an academic
discipline. Topics include the origins of the discipline; major subfields and
their focuses; controversies over normative versus empirical approaches, and
over philosophical, historical-institutional, and behavioral orientations;
the relationship of political science to other social sciences; and research
and analytical methods. Within the major, this course does not count toward
core or field elective requirements in Political Philosophy and Theory. (Not
offered in 2003-2004.)
Public Law
90. Introduction to Constitutional Law: National Powers.
An introduction to the Supreme Court's treatment of the constitutional
structure and powers of government in the United States, including such features
as judicial review, states rights and federalism, separation of powers, and
economic and environmental regulation. The course also considers the strengths
and weaknesses of the legal method in examining public policy issues. (Not
offered in 20032004.)
91. Introduction to Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties.
An introduction to the Supreme Court's treatment of constitutional
rights and privileges, including freedoms of speech, press, religion and association,
criminal procedure, voting rights, equal protection of the laws, and due process
guarantees. Like Government 90, this course considers the strengths and weaknesses
of the legal method in examining public policy issues. Although a natural sequel
to Government 90, it may be taken alone. First semester. Rossum
95. Legal Studies: An Interdisciplinary Introduction to Law.
This course is intended to illuminate law by studying it with ideas
and methods from several of the other disciplines in the social sciences and
humanities. It is also intended to help the students unify their grasp of these
disciplines by using them in the study of law considered as a central social
phenomenon. Faculty members from several disciplines participate in the course.
(Not offered in 2003-2004.)
176. American Constitutional History.
The development of American constitutional and legal institutions
and ideas from the colonial period to the present. Focuses include the constitutional
conflict with Britain; the framing and ratification of the Constitution; federalism
in the early republic; slavery and sectional conflict; the Fourteenth Amendment
and civil rights; total war and civil liberties; private law and public policy;
and the political role of the modern Supreme Court. Also listed as History
126. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
177. Representation and the Supreme Court.
Examines the Supreme Court's adjudication of political rights disputes,
e.g., voting rights, equal representation, and access to policy-making agencies.
Gives special attention to the influence of the Court's "clientele" of
the elected branches, appointing authorities, law reviews, etc., to techniques
of influencing the Court, and to aspects of the decision-making process. Evaluates
the impact of voting rights reforms on American democracy. Some constitutional
law desirable. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
179. Law and Social Change.
Examines case and social-science texts in criminal justice, corrections,
police practices, and equal educational opportunity to see how judges arrive
at their concepts of social justice, and what impact their decisions have had
on the lives of those they set out to affect. Some constitutional law desirable.
(Not offered in 2003-2004.)
181. Crime and Public Policy (Seminar).
Assesses the nature and adequacy of government's response to the crime
problem in the United States. Specific topics include the extent and nature
of the problem; the response of police, prosecutors and courts; the nature
and extent of punishment imposed for criminal behavior; the philosophic basis
for punishment; the role that public opinion does and ought to play in guiding
criminal justice policy; and the performance of representative institutions
in meeting the crime problem. Second semester. Bessette
182. Murder in the United States: Crime, Prosecution, and Punishment.
This course will examine in detail the crime of murder in the United
States, the arrest and trial of suspected murderers, and the punishment of
those convicted of this most serious of crimes. Topics will include: trends
in murder throughout American history; the extent and nature of murder in the
1990's, including mass murder and serial murder; the demographics of murderers
and their victims; issues in investigating and prosecuting suspected murderers;
the insanity defense; the capital punishment debate; and murder and recidivism.
Approximately four to six weeks of the course will be devoted to an examination
of the complete court record and a partial reenactment of a recent California
murder trial. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
185. The Supreme Court and Criminal Procedure.
Intensive analyses of major judicial opinions on the Fourth, Fifth,
and Sixth Amendments, focusing on search and seizure, self-incrimination, right
to counsel, and other procedural rights of accused persons. Seminar format.
First semester. Miller
187. Women and the Law.
The purpose of this course is twofold: first, to broadly explore whether
gender matters within the legal context, and second, to provide an introduction
to the structure of constitutional and statutory legal doctrine that apply
when claims of sex discrimination are made. The first part of the course will
provide an overview of the American court system and the ways that gender have
affected citizenship status. The second part will deal with the major constitutional
themes that are invoked in sex discrimination cases and their evolution across
time. We will also consider how alternative schools of legal thought address
these issues. The final part of the course will examine more closely specific
gender policy areas that have been brought before the judiciary. Particular
attention will be paid to employment law, reproductive rights, family law,
and criminal law. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
188. The Supreme Court and the Constitution in Modern America (Seminar).
The development of the American Constitution from the late 19th century
through the late 20th century, particularly as affected by the work of the
United States Supreme Court. Oriented toward research in primary sources and
writing, but also includes discussion of secondary literature and oral presentations.
Previous coursework in American history or constitutional law is desirable.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Also listed as History 128. (Not offered
in 2003-2004.)
189. Seminar in Legal Studies.
An interdisciplinary seminar focusing on selected contemporary problems
in the law. Examples include: (a) privacy, morals, and law in modern society;
(b) insanity, intentionality, and criminal punishment; (c) product liability,
corporate responsibility, and legal creativity. (The topics will vary from
year to year; see instructor for the current topics.) Each student writes and
defends a seminar paper. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Faculty from
several disciplines participate. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
Internships in Government
Claremont McKenna College offers a semester internship program in Washington,
D.C. Students accepted to the Washington Program take Government 30. Internship
in Government, Politics, and Public Policy, 125. Readings in American National
Politics, 126. Policy Analysis, and 127. Research on the Political Process.
For further information on participation in the Washington Program, see "Internship
Programs" and "Washington Program" in "Special Programs." Government
125 qualifies as a core course in American Government and Public Policy; Government
126 and 127 may be used as government electives. Government 30 may not be counted
toward the major, but does count as a college elective.
In addition to the full credit internship program in Washington, D.C., CMC
students may petition for an internship in Southern California. The Southern
California Internship Program in Government, Politics and Public Policy offers
students off-campus experience in a local or regional government, political,
or public policy setting while maintaining residence at CMC during the academic
year. Participants in the Southern California internship program take Government
30. Internship in Government, Politics, and Public Policy, and 35. Readings
and Research in Government, Politics, and Public Policy, in addition to other
courses in Claremont. Students who have completed the Washington, D.C. Program
are normally not eligible for this program. The California Internship option
is not available every year.
Overall, not more than a total of two internship program courses (125, 126,
127 or 35) and independent study courses (199) may be counted toward the major.
30. Internship in Government, Politics, and Public Policy.
Taken as part of one of the two off-campus government internship programs.
Students gain experience in a government, political, or public policy setting
through placement arranged with the program director (Professor Spalding for
the Washington Program and Professor Lynch for the Southern California Program);
or students may seek and propose a position in consultation with the appropriate
director. Co-requisite: Government 125 or 35. Prerequisites: Government 20,
Economics 50 and permission of instructor; open to second semester sophomores;
junior or senior status preferred; grade point average of 8.50 or better. First
semester and second semester. Spalding
35. Readings and Research in Government, Politics, and Public Policy.
Taken as part of the California Internship Program. Students initiate
and complete a major term paper on a topic relevant to their internship field
in consultation with the director. Co-requisite: Government 30. Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor. (Not offered in 2003-2004.)
125. Readings in American National Politics.
This course will focus on selected topics in American National Politics.
Class sessions include presentations by key participants in American politics
and by noted analysts of American contemporary issues. Taken as a part of the
Washington internship program. First and second semester. Staff
126. Policy Analysis.
This course will deal with the causes and consequences of public policies,
with special attention given to analysis of the roles of national political
institutions, of interest groups and of the political environment in shaping
public policies. Primary focus will be placed on policies of social import.
Taken as part of the Washington internship program. First and second semester.
Haskell
127. Research on the Political Process.
This course will focus on the development of skills and methods appropriate
to conducting research on politics. The primary goal of the course is the development,
in conjunction with the internship, of a research paper on a particular aspect
of American National Politics. Taken as part of the Washington internship program.
First and second semester. Staff
Independent Study
199. Independent Study in Government.
Students who have the necessary qualifications and who wish to investigate
an area of study not covered in regularly scheduled courses may arrange for
independent study under the direction of a faculty reader. (See "Academic
Policies and Procedures" for details.) First and second semester. Staff
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