Course List

POS 101J American Government This course focuses on the political institutions, processes, behavior, and problems of government in the United States. The national government is emphasized. Key topics include: the Constitution, Supreme Court, Congress, Presidency, political parties, public opinion, and interest groups. Cr. 3.

POS 102J People and Politics This course introduces the student to modern political analysis. It centers on basic questions in the study of political behavior: how people learn about politics, what kind of political system they adopt and support, who does and who does not participate in politics, how political conflict is expressed and resolved in various societies. The course aims at familiarizing the student with major approaches or methods that political scientists have found helpful for understanding real political behavior. Note: POS 101J is not a prerequisite for POS 102J. Cr. 3

POS 103 Introduction to Political Science Research (See POS 203 below) 

POS 104J Introduction to International Relations Examination of the relationships of nations in their efforts to deal with each other from differing political, economic, and cultural bases. Cr. 3.

POS 105 Introduction to Comparative Politics  (see POS 205 below)

POS 120 Government and Politics of Maine This course concerns Maine State Government, including legislative, executive and judicial programs and powers as exercised within the system of Maine values, political parties, and interest groups. Open to political science majors and as an elective to the student who has an interest in the programs and politics of the state of Maine. Cr. 3.

POS 190 Lying and Politics (see POS 290 below)

POS 202 Legal Process and Environment (see POS 363 below)

POS 203 Introduction to Research Methods An introduction to the way political scientists conceive and carry out research projects. Students will learn the scientific method: how to formulate theories, gather data, and test hypotheses. They will be taught how to find political science sources in the library, how to document sources in footnotes and bibliography, and how to conduct legal research in a law library. Students will eventually complete a major research project. This course is required for all political science majors, who are strongly urged to take it during their first or second semester after declaring the Department. Cr. 3.  [NOTE: This course was renumbered as POS 203 in Fall 2003.  A student who has received credit for POS 103 cannot receive additional credit for completing POS 203.  A student taking POS 203 who has already taken POS 103 will be considered to be retaking POS 103].

POS 205 Introduction to Comparative Politics  An introduction to the field of comparative politics with a focus on political systems and political participation.  The course will examine political institutions, electoral laws, comparative methodologies, political culture, and the problem of establishing and maintaining democratic government.  Case studies will be used to highlight major themes. Cr. 3.

POS 233 Urban Politics An introduction to the political structure and issues of the American city.  Investigates the question of whether U.S. cities are democratic, with emphasis on issues of economic and racial pluralism. Cr. 3.

POS 234 Race and Ethnicity in U.S. Politics Are American political institutions representative?  This course provides students with the opportunity to examine this question by confronting the relationship between race, ethnicity, and representation in elections, court cases, urban politics, and political theory.  Cr. 3.

POS 245 French Politics and Government  This course centers on the political, economic, and social structure of France over the last five decades. Students will learn the essential components of the French governmental system, the most typical economic policies, France's position in the EU, and the ongoing struggle about the defense of the French culture. Cr. 3.

POS 256 Media and Politics The media play an increasingly powerful role in modern political systems. This course examines that power and explains how it came about, while noting those forces that restrict or restrain the media's influence. The symbiotic relationship between politicians and journalists is given special attention. Cr. 3.

POS 261 The American Congress The role of the national legislature in American politics is considered. The course undertakes a study of the men and women who reach Congress, the internal norms and procedures on national decision making. Among topics covered are the committee system, leadership patterns in the Senate and the House, the public's influence on Congress, Congress and the Presidency, and Congressional policy making in selected areas. Cr. 3.

POS 262 The American Presidency This course examines the development of the modern presidency; the scope and exercise of presidential decision making in domestic and foreign policy; and standards for assessing presidential performance. Cr. 3.

POS 280  Issues Before the United Nations  An orientation to the activities of the United Nations.  This course includes exposure to current events, exploration of pressing international issues, understanding the basics of international law, and mastery of the protocol and procedures of international diplomacy.

POS 290  Introduction to Political Theory   A survey of political theory from ancient times to the present.  Themes include the nature of democracy, freedom, equality, power, legitimacy, justice, and the use of lying in political life.

POS 310 Internet and Politics  This course explores the politics of the Internet.  Topics include Internet development, communication techniques, access policy, citizenship, advocacy, government, journalism, and law. Cr. 3.

POS 315 Media Law   This course explores the legal context of communication through the mass media. Major issues include censorship, ownership regulation, remedies for people in the news, the right to receive and send communication in the media, and news media privilege. Cr. 3.

POS 333 Theories of Democratization   As a general overview of democratization studies, the course goes beyond theoretical discussions about what elements are needed to create a democracy. Students study specific examples of political institutions, economic systems, political cultures and values, as key variables across multiple geographic areas to assess the establishment of democracy. Cr. 3.

POS 335 Politics in Western Europe This course examines political processes and governmental structures in the nations of Western Europe. It focuses especially on Great Britain, France, and Germany. Among the topics covered are: political parties, elections, voting systems, interest groups, legislative-executive relations, constitutional principles, political elites, leadership behavior, and bureaucracies. Cr. 3.

POS 336 Government and Politics of Russia An introduction to Russia in the Soviet and post Soviet periods. The course proceeds from a description of the classic Leninist model to the emergence of the new political institutions that began to develop in the Gorbachev era, with an analysis of the economic changes, the ethnic revolution, and the social impacts of the post-Leninist era. Cr. 3.

POS 339 Russian Foreign Policy A survey of Russian foreign policy in the Soviet and post Soviet Periods  Elimination has been approved by CAS. 

POS 340 The Politics of Developing Nations An examination of the thrust towards modernization in the Third World. Economic development, relationships with the world community, the role of the military, and various theories about the nature of the relationship between the Third World and the Communist and non-Communist industrial worlds are considered. Cr. 3.

POS 342 Government and Politics of the Middle East This course is designed to examine the political dynamics of the Arab countries of the Middle East and Israel. It will examine the social, ecological historical cultural, and political-ideological forces influencing political institutions and behavior in Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon. Cr. 3.

POS 345 British Politics A survey of the contemporary Constitution of Great Britain, the workings of Parliament, the government, and the parties. Principal stress is on the main issues current in British politics. Cr. 3.

POS 347 The Politics of China An introduction to the government of the People's Republic of China, 1949-present. Principal topics include: historical and cultural antecedents, Maoism, party and state institutions, socialization and communications, political participation, policy formation and implementation, and change over time. Cr. 3.

POS 349 The Middle East in International Politics The crucial issues of international politics, war, revolution, superpower intervention, economic development and terrorism converge in the Middle East on a regional basis. This course will examine the nature of Mideast regional politics and the foreign policies of the major constituents of the area. The purpose will be to secure an understanding of the conflict between Arab and Israeli worlds, the foundations of tension among the Arab states themselves, and the role played by the superpowers in stabilizing or disrupting the uneasy relationships of the region. Cr. 3.

POS 350 Comparative Political Behavior (See POS 205 above)

POS 360  Terrorism and the American Public  An exploration of the phenomenon of modern terrorism.  The course defines terrorism, considers the motivations of terrorists, reviews the dangers associated with terrorist access to weapons of mass destruction, considers policy proposals that might be taken to reduce the likelihood of terrorism, and investigates the trade-off between liberty and security.

POS 361 Public Administration An examination of national, state, and local bureaucracies, including their processes of decision making, communications, leadership, internal and external political relationships. A continuing question will be, ``How can those institutions be made responsive to the public?'' Cr. 3.

POS 362 Budgets and Politics A comparative examination of the budgetary processes of municipalities, states, and nations. The budget is the critical point at which goals intersect with resources. Students who complete the course will have a working understanding of various budgeting techniques (such as PPBS, zero-based budgeting, and incremental budgeting) as well as an appreciation of their effectiveness, their impact on expenditures, and their political consequences. Cr. 3.

POS 363 Legal Process and the Environment An introduction to current legal techniques and institutions for environmental protection, with emphasis on statutory interpretation, rule making, licensing procedure, and the roles of expert testimony and citizen participation in administrative, legislative, and judicial processes.  Cr. 3.

POS 365 Environmental Politics and Policy  An analysis of the political issue of environmental quality. The role of public opinion, Congress, the courts, interest groups, the presidency and bureaucracy in environmental policy formulation and implementation will be examined in historical perspective. Specific issue areas in environmental policy at national, state, and local levels of government will be surveyed with discussion of intergovernmental relations and jurisdictional questions. Alternative approaches for dealing with ecological problems will be discussed. Cr. 3.

POS 374 United States Foreign Policy A detailed evaluation of U.S. foreign policy focusing on such topics as: identification of U.S. policy; governmental agencies and personalities in the formulation and implementation of policy; the role of non-governmental influences. The course is designed to evaluate current policy goals and practices within the context of long-range goals. Cr. 3.

POS 375 International Environmental Politics and Policy  This course addresses factors that can be obstacles or incentives in the process of negotiating effective agreements.  Such factors include the role of the United Nations, nationalism, sovereignty, the North-South conflict, and the role of non-governmental organizations. Cr. 3.

POS 380 Topics  Specially developed occasional courses exploring a variety of theoretical and substantive areas of political science.  May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Cr. 3.

POS 385 Conflict and Security in Contemporary World Politics An analysis of the requirements for a reduction of global tensions in relation to national security needs. The politics of war and conflict, as well as peace and stability, will be considered. How might we maximize the means of international stability and minimize the risks to national protection? The course will discuss methods of achieving order in a nuclear era and develop relevant tools of analysis for assessing national security policies. Cr. 3.

POS 390 Ancient and Medieval Political Theory  An intensive study of ancient and medieval political theory. Emphasis is on textual criticism of a variety of different works including those from philosophy, literature and theology. Cr. 3.

POS 391 Modern Political Theory  A study of modern political theory from the sixteenth century (Machiavelli) to the nineteenth (Nietzsche). Cr. 3.

POS 392 American Political Thought I  An examination of central concepts and debates in American political history from the Puritan Era to the Dred Scott decision, with particular attention to debates on authority, liberty, revolution, slavery, an demerging ideas of American individualism.  Prerequisites: POS 290 or PHI 109 or HTY 121 or HTY 122 or permission of the instructor.  Cr. 3.

POS 393 American Political Thought II  An examination of American political thought from the Civil War to the War on Terror, with particular attention to debates on authority, anarchism, race, and power.  Cr. 3.

POS 395 Independent Study I A concentrated program of research or study on a particular subject of the student's selection. The topic will be chosen with the advice and under the direction of a faculty member. Admission by permission of the political science faculty. Cr. 3.  Please access the Political Science Independent Study Policy for details and the registration form.

POS 396 Independent Study II A concentrated program of research or study on a particular subject of the student's selection. The topic will be chosen with the advice and under the direction of a faculty member. Admission by permission of the political science faculty. Cr. 3. Please access the Political Science Independent Study Policy for details and the registration form.

POS 405 The European Union  An examination of a unique example of political, economic, and cultural integration.  The course will emphasize the evolution, enlargement, international positioning, and political organization of the European Union. Cr. 3.

POS 406 Research in the European Union  Advanced course on the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the European Union, offered exclusively for students who enroll in the summer abroad program, "The European Union in Brussels."  Participants will travel to Brussels and the Hague for presentations at the EU institutions, NATO, and the International Criminal Court. Cr. 3.

POS 445 MeMUNC Conference Planners  Students research international issues, produce a background guide for the Maine Model United Nations Conference (MeMUNC), organize the conference, and train in parliamentary procedure.  University students lead a program that serves the local, state, and regional community by exposing high school students to the complexities of international relations.  Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.  Cr 3.

POS 446 Global Educators   Students combine theory and practice, obtaining the skills to teach high/middle school students about global issues and peaceful conflict resolution through Model United Nations.  Global Educators are placed in a school to lead weekly student preparation for the Maine Model United Nations Conference (MeMUNC) taking place every May.  Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.  Cr 3.

POS 453 Politics of American Policy Making An introduction to political analysis of public policy formation and implementation. Policy processes will be examined to see what their study can tell us about American politics, institutions, and political behavior. Particular attention will be paid to ``who gets what, when and how'' from the United States political system, especially how they get it and why it works that way. Alternative methods of policy analysis will be applied to selected areas of current interest and critically evaluated. Cr. 3.

POS 463 The Supreme Court and the Constitution The role of the judiciary in American politics, with emphasis on the United States Supreme Court. A series of case studies will cover such topics as economic regulation, civil rights, reapportionment, and war powers. Attention will also be given to the impact of judicial philosophies on decision making. Cr. 3.

POS 464 American Civil Liberties An analysis of judicial interpretations of Bill of Rights guarantees and their effects on political processes in the United States. Topics include church and state, freedom of speech and press, the rights of the accused and the convicted. Cr. 3.

POS 470 Electoral Politics Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in political party organization, electoral or referendum campaign. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details. Students will meet for a series of internship seminars, for which readings and reports will be required. Prerequisite: open only to selected students. Cr. 6

POS 471 Internship in Private and Semi-Public Organizations Provision may be made to gain professional experience in administration and research. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details.  Students will meet for a series of internship seminars, for which readings and reports will be required. Cr. 6

POS 472 Not-for-Profit Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in a civic, public interest or other not-for-profit organization. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details. Students will meet for a series of internship seminars, for which readings and reports will be required. Prerequisite: open only to selected students. Cr. 6

POS 473 Municipal Administration Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in a local government. The course is only open to selected students; see Department chair for details. Students will meet for a series of internship seminars. Readings and research reports are required, focusing on the management, financial control and administration of modern American cities, with emphasis on administration of personnel and finance, the city plan and line functions; public safety, transportation, health, welfare and housing. Cr. 6

POS 474 Federal Executive Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in a department or agency of the federal government located outside of Washington, D.C. The course is open only to selected students. Participation in a seminar is required. Cr. 6.

POS 475 Congressional Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in the local offices of Maine's U.S. Representatives and Senators. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details. Students will meet for a series of seminars, for which readings and research reports are required. Cr. 6

POS 476 Internship in Washington D.C. Provision may be made to gain professional experience in a congressional office, an agency of the national government, or with a private or semi-public organization in Washington, D.C. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details. Readings and research reports are required. Cr. 9

POS 477 State Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in a department or agency of state government. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details. Students will meet for a series of internship seminars, for which readings and research reports are required. The state government internship is available under the Maine State Government Internship Program. Cr. 6

POS 478 State Judiciary Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in an administrative unit of the state court system. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details. Students will meet for a series of internship seminars, for which readings and reports will be required. Prerequisite: open only to selected students. Cr. 6

POS 479 State Legislative Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in an office of the state legislature. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details. Students will meet for a series of internship seminars, for which readings and reports will be required. Prerequisite; open only to selected students. Cr. 6

POS 480 International Affairs Internship Provision may be made to gain professional experience in an organization oriented toward international politics, trade or other trans-boundary affairs. The course is open only to selected students; see Department chair for details. Students will meet for a series of internship seminars, for which readings and reports will be required. Prerequisite: open only to selected students. Cr. 6