Political Science

Why Study Politics? Life is already political. Politics, then, is not just something that we study and read about: it is something that we live. In ways large and small, abstract and particular, global and local, theoretical and practical, our everyday lives are shaped by powers, ideologies, and customs. Politics happens to us whether we see it or not. But by studying political science, we can become conscious of, understand, engage, and work against the forces that give meaning and shape to our condition.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
To complete the major in Political Science students must pass twelve (12) courses. Students must complete the six (6) required Core courses and six (6) additional courses. Students may not transfer more than four (4) courses from another institution. Winter intersession courses do not count toward the major. The Department requires that students complete one upper-level course in at least two (2) different subfields for breadth.

The Department of Political Science allows students to pursue two tracks through the major. Each track offers students significant flexibility over their major course selections. Students should select a track and their course options through thoughtful deliberation.

HONORS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 
Students who satisfy the College’s requirements for Honors in the Major Field (see "Curriculum and Curricular Requirements," Rollins College Catalogue) may graduate with Honors in Political Science through one of the following methods. First, a student pursuing Honors in the Major Field in Political Science must successfully complete and defend an Honors in Political Science Research project under the supervision of a faculty member in the department. Alternatively, students may complete a second senior-year seminar as a thirteenth (13^th) course in Political Science and defend their research project before a panel of three (3) faculty members, per the curricular requirements of the College. Students in the College Honors Degree Program may use their senior-year research project for Honors in Political Science, with Departmental approval.

CORE COURSES
All students are required to take introductory course selections in Comparative Politics (POL 100), Political Theory (POL 120), International Relations (POL 130), and American Politics (POL 160). Students are also required to complete Public Policy Analysis (POL 240A) OR Research Methods in Political Science (POL 240B), and a seminar class at the 400-level that includes the completion of a major research project.

Students must complete all four (4) introductory level courses:

POL 100 Introduction to Comparative Politics
POL 120 Problems in Political Thought
POL 130 Introduction to International Politics
POL 160 Introduction to American Politics

Students must complete one (1) course in research methods:

POL 240A Pubic Policy Analysis
OR
POL 240B Research Methods in Political Science
(Should be completed by the end of the sophomore year).

Students must complete one (1) 400-level seminar: 

POL 400-level Seminar in Political Science 
(Normally completed during senior year)

  Additional Requirements:

• All political science majors are required to complete one (1) upper-level seminar at Rollins. Students should normally have at least junior status, and have completed the introductory and upper-level courses in the respective substantive area as well as a research methods course to ensure adequate preparation for the seminar.

• A comprehensive examination and portfolio also are required of all graduating seniors.

Core courses serve as prerequisites to corresponding upper-division courses. For example, POL 160 must precede all upper-division courses in American politics.

Students may choose one of the following two options to complete their major requirements.

TRACK I - TRADITIONAL MAJOR
After completing the four (4) introductory-level courses students may select ANY six (6) upper-level courses they prefer. Students are required to complete one course from at least two (2) different subfields at the upper-level.

TRACK II - SUBSTANTIVE CONCENTRATIONS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
After completing introductory-level courses, students may use upper-level courses to concentrate in a substantive topic.  Students are required to complete one course from at least two (2) different subfields at the upper-level. The Department of Political Science lists below five (5) possible options for substantive concentrations. A concentration is a topic that typically cuts across subfields and allows students to study an important substantive theme in greater depth. A concentration will be composed of six (6) courses. At least five (5) of these courses must be at the 300- or 400-level. A final research project is required for all students completing a concentration and normally will be completed in the senior seminar. Students may also satisfy this research requirement by either pursuing Honors in Political Science or through the Senior Honors Research Project in the Honors Program.

It is possible for students to design a concentration which is different from those suggested below. ALL students who wish to pursue a concentration MUST receive Departmental approval. Normally, students should declare their concentration when they declare Political Science as their major, but NO LATER THAN registration for classes for their first semester of their junior year. The declaration should include a curriculum plan of study that outlines their concentration. The plan of study should state what is motivating the student to pursue a substantive concentration, the courses they have selected, and what separates those courses from the rest of the major.

SUGGESTED CONCENTRATIONS: (select six [6] courses from a concentration area, at least five [5] courses must be at the 300- or 400-level)

  1.  Poverty, Inequality, and Development 

POL 223 Power and Diplomacy: The United Nations 
POL 240A Public Policy Analysis
POL 252 Topic: American Civil Rights Policy
POL 270 Ethics and Public Policy
POL 301 Revolution in the Modern World
POL 302 Politics in the Third World
POL 312 Problems of Latin America
POL 317 Latin American and US in World Politics
POL 321 The Politics of Latin America
POL 325 Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia
POL 327 Urban Policy Analysis
POL 330 Peace and Conflict Studies
POL 331 International Political Economy
POL 332 International Human Rights
POL 333 Case Studies in Sustainable Development
POL 336 Post-Communist Systems
POL 346 Voting and Elections
POL 354 International Organization
POL 370 Comparative Modern Ideologies
POL 376 Capitalism and its Consequences 
POL 377 Gender and Political Theory 
POL 384 East Asian Politics
POL 395 Topic: Israeli-Palestinian Politics 

2.  Democracy and Democratization

POL 240A Public Policy Analysis
POL 252 Topic: American Civil Rights Policy
POL 301 Revolution in the Modern World
POL 302 Politics in the Third World
POL 312 Problems of Latin America
POL 317 Latin America and US in World Politics
POL 321 The Politics of Latin America
POL 327 Urban Policy Analysis
POL 330 Peace and Conflict Studies
POL 333 Case Studies in Sustainable Development
POL 336 Post-Communist Systems
POL 343 The American Presidency
POL 346 Voting and Elections
POL 354 International Organization
POL 358 European Government and Politics
POL 375 American Political Thought
POL 376 Capitalism and its Consequences 
POL 381 Congress and the Legislative Process
POL 382 Constitutional Law
POL 384 East Asian Politics
POL 391 Modern Political Theory 

3.  Law, Society, and Ideology

POL 223 Power and Diplomacy: The United Nations
POL 252 Topic: American Civil Rights Policy
POL 270 Ethics and Public Policy
POL 323 Global Environmental Affairs
POL 332 International Human Rights
POL 333 Case Studies in Sustainable Development
POL 351 International Security
POL 353 Foreign Policy of the U.S.
POL 354 International Organization
POL 370 Comparative Modern Ideologies
POL 375 American Political Thought
POL 376 Capitalism and its Consequences
POL 382 Constitutional Law
POL 391 Modern Political Theory
POL 392 Development of American Political Culture 

4.  Political Institutions and Policy

POL 323 Global Environmental Affairs
POL 327 Urban Policy Analysis
POL 333 Case Studies in Sustainable Development
POL 336 Post-Communist Systems
POL 343 The American Presidency
POL 351 International Security
POL 353 Foreign Policy of the U. S.
POL 354 International Organization
POL 358 European Government and Politics
POL 361 Urban Politics
POL 363 American Public Policy
POL 368 Comparative Public Policy
POL 381 Congress and the Legislative Process
POL 384 East Asian Politics 

5.  Globalization

POL 223 Power and Diplomacy: The United Nations
POL 302 Politics in the Third World
POL 312 Problems of Latin America
POL 317 Latin American and the US in World Politics
POL 323 Global Environmental Affairs
POL 325 Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia
POL 330 Peace and Conflict Studies
POL 331 International Political Economy
POL 332 International Human Rights
POL 333 Case Studies in Sustainable Development
POL 334 Political Economy of Japan
POL 351 International Security
POL 353 Foreign Policy of the U.S.
POL 354 International Organization
POL 358 European Governments and Politics
POL 370 Comparative Modern Ideologies
POL 384 East Asian Politics
POL 391 Modern Political Theory
POL 395 Topic: Israeli-Palestinian Politics

EXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Faculty in the Department of Political Science believe and encourage majors to pursue at least one non-traditional classroom learning experience, which can be accomplished through participating in a semester abroad program, the Washington Semester program, internships, or taking a course with a travel component. The Department’s goal is to offer one course that includes an international trip each year.

WASHINGTON SEMESTER PROGRAM
Through a cooperative arrangement between Rollins and American University, a select number of students, usually juniors, may spend a semester in Washington, D.C., studying public affairs. (See Special Curricular Opportunities section of this Catalogue.)

Participants may select from separate programs in American politics, journalism, justice, foreign policy, peace and conflict resolution, economic policy, and art and architecture. Full-time faculty at American University direct the individual programs.

While enrolled in the Washington Semester Program, students live at American University and have full access to all library, cultural, and recreational facilities on campus. For further information, contact Professor Michael Gunter. 

RESEARCH IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Students also have the opportunity to conduct research in political science. This can be accomplished through a senior year research thesis for Honors in Political Science or as their final research project in their concentration. Students should have strong research and writing skills in order to complete a research project in Political Science.

MINOR REQUIREMENTS
Six (6) courses are required: three (3) introductory courses (POL 100, 120, 130, or 160) and three (3) upper-level courses.

Course of Study

CORE COURSES

POL 100 Introduction to Comparative Politics: Compares environment, structure, and process of politics in different nations. Suitable for nonmajors. 

POL 120 Problems in Political Thought: Explores authority, legitimacy, power, democracy, ideology, equality, and political obligation as understood by major political thinkers in Western history. Suitable for nonmajors. 

POL 130 Introduction to International Politics: Outlines decision making, conflict, deterrence, coercive diplomacy, interdependence, and international systems. Places issues in 20^th-century context, stressing Cold War and its aftermath, international political economy, and international organizations. Suitable for nonmajors. 

POL 160 Introduction to American Politics: Analyzes dynamics of American politics: underlying principles and institutions, relationship between democratic freedom and economic equality, poverty, sexism, racial injustice, participation, and problems of liberal, capitalist state. Suitable for nonmajors. 

POL 240A Public Policy Analysis: Introduces formal techniques -- some involving computer use -- for analyzing problems in public policy. Examines goals and difficulties in civil rights, discrimination, voting rights, and crime. Does not require background in public policy, politics, computer usage, or statistics. 

POL 240B Research Methods in Political Science: Introduces students to the essential elements of research method in political science. Among the topics covered are understanding hypotheses formulation, structuring testable statements, measurement, types of data, casual thinking, and reporting results.

POL 410 Seminar in International Politics: Presents the past, present, and future role of the sovereign state in the international system with a focus on issues such as economic globalization, non-traditional security threats, and the governance of transnational issues. Prerequisites: POL 130 and one (1) 300-level POL course.

POL 422 Seminar in Comparative Politics: Guides students in preparing, presenting, and writing research paper. Requires progress reports, outlines, bibliographies, and oral presentations. Prerequisite: completion of core and distribution courses in comparative politics and consent. 

POL 453 Seminar in International Politics: Analyzes contending theories and approaches in international politics with emphasis on realism, liberalism, and institutionalism. Prerequisites: completion of core and distribution requirements in international politics and consent. 

POL 481 Seminar in American Politics: Compares competing interpretations of politics and polity. Prerequisites: completion of core and distribution courses in American politics and consent. 

AMERICAN POLITICS

POL 327 Urban Policy Analysis: Focuses on dilemmas of fast-growing urban areas: transportation, education, land-use planning, urban finance, and growth management. 

POL 341 Political Leadership: Considers meaning of leadership, changing role of leaders, strategies and styles of effective leaders, and relationship between leadership and democracy. Stresses local government. Prerequisite: POL 160. 

POL 343 The American Presidency: Weighs logic and impact of constitutional design upon the office, including sources of power and constraint. Traces development of presidency through "imperial" to "postmodern" era, then turns to relationship between President and Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups. 

POL 346 Voting and Elections: Investigates electoral behavior in U.S.: rational, contextual, retrospective, and economic explanations for voting, as well as contemporary trends. Considers effects of media and money on election outcomes. 

POL 361 Urban Politics: Examines impact on urban politics of decline of community in American cities, inequality of power among groups, and local and regional economy. Highlights economic decline in Frostbelt cities and problems of controlling growth in Sunbelt cities like Orlando. Prerequisite: POL 160 or consent. 

POL 363 American Public Policy: Treats relationship of politics and markets, reasons for government intervention in economy, and conflict surrounding policy implementation. Discusses pros and cons of government planning. Stresses problem of deindustrialization and efforts to formulate industrial policy. Prerequisite: POL 160. 

POL 365 Power in America: Explores how political power is created and maintained. Considers political parties and coalitions, interest groups (including differences in political interests within American capitalism), economic change and international politics, political and economic elite, and state role in supporting and strengthening capitalism. Prerequisite: POL 160. 

POL 381 Congress and the Legislative Process: Deals with organization and operation of U.S. Congress: how representatives make voting decisions, importance of rules and procedures, political strategy, legislative oversight of executive branch, and relationship between Congress and President. 

POL 382 Constitutional Law: Analyzes major U.S. Supreme Court decisions in order to understand development of law regarding powers of national government. Addresses judicial review, federalism, separation of powers, national authority over commerce, and constitutional protection of property. Prerequisite: POL 160 or consent. Suitable for nonmajors. 

POL 387 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties: Focuses on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the first amendment freedoms of speech, press, and religion, and the rights of the accused, reflected in constitutional amendments four through eight. Prerequisite: POL 120 or POL 160 or consent. 

POLITICAL THEORY 

POL 270 Ethics and Public Policy: Examines the ethical and moral implications of a wide array of cases and current events, such as use of the atomic bomb, presidential activity, racial profiling, and affirmative action. Prerequisite: POL 120 or consent. 

POL 375 American Political Thought: Analyzes the ideals of America, as imagined, cultivated, and practiced. Explores the forces that shape identity, analyzes the contours and exclusions of democratic citizenship, and focuses on how natural geography has uniquely influenced American political thought. Prerequisite: POL 120.

POL 376 Capitalism and Its Consequences: Explores the dialectical critiques of the "Frankfurt School" theorists. Analyzes the ways that capitalism has affected 20^th-century life in ways that extend beyond the economic sphere, shaping our social relations and our experience of the world itself. Prerequisite: POL 120.

POL 377 Gender and Political Theory: Analyzes how idealized images of masculinity and femininity shape political theories, feminist theories, and influence public policy and law. Explores the gendered nature of the ideal liberal capitalist subject. Prerequisite: POL 120.

POL 390 Ancient Political Theory: Surveys premodern political theories with attention to their major theoretical innovations, historical contexts, and contemporary relevance. Major themes include the nature of political community and its relation to the cultivation of virtue, the origins of the ideas of law and freedom, the relation between knowledge and power and between politics and salvation. Readings include Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Niccolo Machiavelli, and others. Prerequisite: POL 120, one PHI course, or consent. 

POL 391 Modern Political Theory: Features such thinkers as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Tocqueville, and Marx. Addresses questions about freedom, equality, revolution, private property, and public justice, origins of state, and purposes of political life. Prerequisite: POL 120, one PHI course, or consent. 

POL 392 Development of American Political Culture: Explores relationship between republicanism and liberalism as core of American political thought and culture. Delves into human nature, individualism, civic virtue, public good, private property, equal opportunity, democratic capitalism, public freedom and private liberty, competition and marketplace, success, progress, and social Darwinism. Suitable for nonmajors. Prerequisite: POL 120 or consent. 

POL 394 Contemporary Political Theory: Examines 20^th-century political theory. Covers the moral and conceptual foundations of liberal democracy and critiques of liberalism from communitarian, feminist, critical theory, and postmodern perspectives. Prerequisite: POL120 or consent. 

POL 395 Topics in Political Theory: Advanced investigation of selected problems or areas in political theory. Topics may include feminist political theory, American political thought, and conservative political thought. Prerequisite: POL 120 or consent. 

POL 470 Seminar in Political Theory: Provides context for students to examine in-depth topics of justice, freedom, welfare, and equality, and considers contemporary issues against the arguments of political theorists. Requires extensive oral participation, independent work, and contribution of a major paper. Prerequisite: POL 120.

POL 498-499 Independent Study 

COMPARATIVE POLITICS 

POL 202 The Americas: A Political History of Latin America: Outlines from conquest and colonization to contemporary times. Emphasizes aspects of Latin American civilization with enduring effects on political culture and international relations. 

POL 301 Revolution in the Modern World: Analyzes meaning, dynamics, and goals of revolution as part of politics of violence. Prerequisite: POL 100. 

POL 302 Politics in the Third World: Reveals patterns of political life in such developing areas as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Prerequisite: POL 100. 

POL 304 Middle East Politics. Explores the politics of the Middle East and various approaches for analyzing its regional and international issues such as U.S. foreign policy in the region.

POL 306 Muslims in Western Politics. Explores the characteristics of Muslim populations and their role in politics in the U.S. and three West European countries from a comparative perspective.

POL 307 Islam and Politics. Introduces Islam and covers Islamic theology, spirituality, jurisprudence, culture, and political ideology.

POL 308 Immigration and Multiculturalism in the U.S. Critically examines immigration and multiculturalism in the U.S. through extensive community engagement.

POL 312 Problems of Latin America: Alternates focus among different topics/regions depending on interest. Prerequisite: POL 100 or at least two LAC courses. 

POL 321 The Politics of Latin America: Discusses problems of underdevelopment, cultural traditions and socioeconomic conditions, and challenge of winning/maintaining political power and bringing about change in Latin American political systems. Prerequisite: POL 100 or consent. 

POL 333 Case Studies in Sustainable Development: Explores political concept of sustainable development, comparing how different states confront issues such as population growth, poverty, alternative energy, hazardous waste trade, deforestation, GMOs, ecotourism, sprawl, and invasive species. Prerequisite: POL 100 or POL 130. 

POL 336 Post-Communist Systems: Discovers causes and consequences of changes in former Soviet bloc, particularly character and behavior of elites, parties, groups, and masses. Assesses possibility of democratization and likelihood of economic development. Prerequisite: POL 100. 

POL 358 European Government and Politics: Details goals, policies, institutions, and efficacy of European democracies. Treats funding of welfare state, prospects for uniting Europe, and future of NATO alliance. Prerequisite: POL 100. 

POL 368 Comparative Public Policy: Determines why certain governments cope better with common problems. Touches upon roles of political parties, bureaucracies, interest groups, political institutions, and public opinion. Prerequisite: POL 100 or POL 160. 

POL 370 Comparative Modern Ideologies: Considers liberalism, conservatism, Christian democracy, socialist democracy, communism, fascism, and nationalism. Focuses on political programs of groups associated with these ideologies. Prerequisite: POL 100. 

POL 384 East Asian Politics: Compares political systems of China, Vietnam, Japan, and the Koreas. Looks into key regional issues and East Asia in post-Cold War global order. 

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS 

POL 223 Power and Diplomacy: The United Nations: Familiarizes students with the operations of the United Nations. Provides an introduction to international relations focusing on selected countries and issues, and teaches how to develop and present oral and written proposals in the U.N. vernacular. 

POL 232 World Issues of Our Times: Develops informed opinions on such issues as East-West and North-South relations, population, hunger, development, terrorism, and war. Encourages students to think of solutions to problems. Assigns Foreign Policy Association's annual Great Decisions as core text. Suitable for nonmajors. 

POL 310 Sustainable Development: Dominican Republic: Provides students with a better understanding of sustainable development through studying the Dominican Republic.  Examines area history of the DR and methodology of sustainable development.  Using a number of case studies, from tourism and sugar cane industries, to urban sprawl and forest protection, identifies historical connections to sustainable and unsustainable practices. 

POL 313 Economic and Political Development in Eastern Europe.  Analyzes economic and political development within Eastern Europe.  Explores the Cold War legacy.  Includes field study of Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania.  Complements POL 358 and ECO 305D.  Prerequisites: ECO 202, ECO 203, and POL 130 or POL 100.

POL 317 Latin America and the United States in World Politics: Evaluates relationships of nations of Western Hemisphere. Treats U.S. foreign policy in general, then relations with Latin America. Prerequisite: POL 100, POL 130, or two LAC courses. 

POL 320 U.S.-Middle East Foreign Relations and Culture Since 1900: Examines the history of contact between the United States and the Middle East since 1900, from the combined geopolitical and cultural perspectives of political science and anthropology. Prerequisite: POL 100, or POL 130, or one ANT course.

POL 323 Global Environmental Affairs: Examines global environmental issues from climate change to biodiversity protection with international relations theories that explore the role of civil society, institutions, and markets, in both contributing problems and finding solutions. Prerequisite: POL 130.

POL 325 Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia: Southeast Asia provides a striking example of the central challenge facing much of the developing world, balancing rapid economic development and environmental protection. Much of the region’s tropical forests have been cleared to make way for agriculture, plantations, and industrial development. Yet despite these inroads, many nations, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, still support a spectacular diversity of natural habitats and species. This course examines the recent history of economic and environmental change in Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, focusing on the role of high technology industry, resource extraction, and environmental planning. Students will travel to Singapore to study urban environmental planning, visit semiconductor plants and sustainable development agencies in Malaysia, and explore development issues in Vietnam. Prerequisite: POL 130 or consent. 

POL 330 Peace and Conflict Studies: Introduces students to the theories of conflict and peacebuilding, trends in political conflict, and presents case studies of several ongoing conflicts. Prerequisite: POL 130.

POL 331 International Political Economy: Follows development of international monetary system, multinational coordination of economic policy, functions of international economic organizations, role of multinational corporations, energy and international politics, and problems of economic development, exploitation, and dependence in Third World. Prerequisite: POL 130. 

POL 332 International Human Rights: Introduces students to the theoretical, political, and legal dimensions of human rights in the modern global system. Students will further engage the concept of human rights through case studies and the study of critical issues in human rights, including gender, culture, refugees, and modern slaves.

POL 334 Political Economy of Japan: Chronicles origins, development, and contemporary arrangements of Japanese political economy from Meiji Restoration to present. Delves into 19^th-century commitment to economic modernization and national independence, military expansion, relationship with U.S., and complex link of Japanese state with economy. Prerequisite: POL 100 or POL 130. 

POL 351 International Security: Analyzes how international security is changing global interactions and how the world can adjust accordingly in the 21^st century. Examines both the causes of war and the conditions that promote peace, all within the context of notable contemporary crises, including economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions. Prerequisite: POL 130. 

POL 352 International Law: Uses case studies to survey nature, sources, and applications of international law, particularly to resolve conflict. Prerequisite: POL 130 or consent. 

POL 353 Foreign Policy of the U.S.: Assesses decision-making power of interest groups, Congress, President, and bureaucracy. Asks if U.S. foreign policy is reactive. Discusses nuclear security and arms control, trade relations, foreign aid, new world order, and North-South issues. Prerequisite: POL 130. 

POL 354 International Organization: Examines the interaction of state associations such as the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), World Trade Organization (WTO), and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as well as transnational corporations like DuPont and BP p.l.c., non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Conservation International and Medecins Sans Frontieres, and terrorist networks like Al Qaeda. Analyzes international regimes and treaties, offering a political critique of global governance in the 21^st century. Prerequisite: POL 130. 

POL 355 Political Psychology: Introduces students to the field of political psychology and engages students in an in-depth study of recent pioneering works in the field. Topics include leadership, decision-making, conflict, and terrorism.

POL 385 Politics and Society in Contemporary China: An overview of the development of Chinese political, social, and economic life in the 20^th century.

POL 393 Vietnam Experience On-Line: Uses information technology to expand the arc of expertise, interaction, and collaboration among students and faculty so as to understand better the Vietnam War. Prerequisite: POL 130 or consent.