Course Information

POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT


Course: FP130
Title: U. S. GOVERNMENT AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Basic concepts of American democracy, the Constitution, political process, structure and functions of national government and factors influencing its operation; emphasis on legal and ethical demands placed on government officials, both civilian and military, as defined by the Constitution and statute.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Summer 2013-2014, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: None.
Course: FP130X
Title: U. S. GOVERNMENT AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: The basic concepts of American democracy and the Constitution placed in a comparative context for midshipmen from foreign countries.
Offered: Fall
Requisites: Prereq: This version of FP130 is for foreign nationals.
Course: FP210
Title: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Approaches to analysis of international relations; nature and evolution of international political systems; foreign policy decision making; roles of non-state actors; diplomacy and war; Third World economic development; and international institutions.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP220
Title: POLITICAL SCIENCE METHODS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: A discussion of the philosophy of science for the political scientist; instruction in research methods with emphasis on scientific method and quantitative techniques.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP230
Title: INTRO TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Introduces midshipmen to the study of politics in other societies. A course in comparative politics offers students a basic framework for analyzing other political systems. Key theoretical concepts, analytical tools and seminal works in the field are introduced to lay the foundation for advanced area studies coursework.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP310
Title: INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL STRATEGIC STUDIES
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Examination of the global international system from the strategic perspective to enhance our understanding of the processes and dynamics of global changes and their impact on professional careers in the naval service.
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP311
Title: ETHICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: At the outset, the focus is on a study of the dominant theories of international relations, particularly Bismarkian realism and Wilsonian idealism. Then, using historical and fictional cases, passages from literature, and guest speakers, this course explores case studies that illustrate the ethical dilemmas that arise in the relations between states. By contrast with courses that treat ethical issues for an individual, this course deals with the acts of states and of other groups such as insurgency movements, non-governmental organizations, and international affiliations.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP313
Title: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Effects of information technology on both the national and international political systems; emphasis on changed weaponry, the vulnerability of cyberspace and other aspects of the information revolution on the relations among nations.
Offered:
Requisites: Prereq: FP210.
Course: FP314
Title: FORMULATION OF U. S. FOREIGN POLICY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Case study-based review of the content, formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policies since World War II, including decision-making processes, administration of policy and development of current policies.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP320
Title: ADV POLITICAL SCI METHODS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Advanced methods for the analysis of quantitative data in political science. Topics include models for binary, count, and ordinal outcomes. Methods are illustrated with published examples from all fields of political science, including studies of conflict, voter behavior, and public opinion. Prepares students to use appropriate methods for empirical research in Honors and Capstone classes.
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: FP220 or approval of department chair.
Course: FP322
Title: COMPARATIVE EUROPEAN POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Study of foreign and domestic policy issues and processes of major European political systems as well as NATO, the European Union, and the U.S.-European relationship.
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP323
Title: COMPARATIVE LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Social, economic and political environments; regimes and government institutions and interest groups, political parties, students, church and armed forces; theories of Latin American political behavior with country case studies.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP324
Title: LATIN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Latin American international subsystem; foreign policy making of Latin American states, United States, Europe, Japan and others; roles of non-state actors; international institutions; diplomacy and violence; and application of international theory.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP325
Title: AMERICAN POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: The theories and practices of Jefferson, Madison, Lincoln, Calhoun, Martin Luther King and other seminal American political thinkers; special emphasis on societal progress and public policy ambiguity under the banner of Liberty and Equality.
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP326
Title: AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: An examination of the presidential selection process and of the nature of presidential power in both the domestic and international spheres, with a focus on the ways in which they are both enhanced and constrained by other actors in the political system, including Congress, the judicial branch, the bureaucracy, the media, and the public.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP328
Title: LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Decision making in the U.S. Congress; constituencies and elections, role of party and committees, and interaction with executive and judicial branches, bureaucracy, interest groups and other actors.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP335
Title: NON-DEMOCRATIC POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Examination of modern totalitarian and authoritarian regimes as distinct forms of political organization.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP340
Title: MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT AND IDEOLOGY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Introduces students to the components of contemporary political ideas and principles. Course distinguishes among philosophical arguments and social movements and emphasizes how distinction blurred during 20th century. Key concerns include social justice, equality, liberty and rights. Readings range from extremes of anarchism to debates about feminism and environmentalism.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP341
Title: POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Introduction to psychological concepts and approaches used to analyze politics. Topics covered include acquisition of personal political attitudes and beliefs; the dynamics of public opinion; theories underlying PsyOp (Psychological Operations), riots, revolutions and wars; and psychological sources of effective and defective decisions in small group settings such as juries, military commands and policy settings.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP345
Title: ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND SECURITY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Examines major environmental problems currently influencing U.S. domestic and security policies. Explores major theories and public policy controversies related to global warming, pollution, land, air, water degradation and scarcity, and biodiversity. Discusses enduring and novel ethical issues. Special emphasis placed on DoD environmental programs.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP350
Title: POLITICAL ECONOMY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: This course provides an understanding of the collective action taken by the state and the economy where individuals engage in self interested behavior. It deals with how the state uses power to make decisions about who gets what, when, and how; and how scarce resources are allocated and distributed through the market process. Topics include: the structure of political economy, state-market tensions, economic nationalism, Democracy and Capitalism, and International Trade and Finance.
Offered: Fall
Requisites: Prereq: FP130, FP210.
Course: FP355
Title: CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: An examination of the interplay between civilians and the military in a liberal democratic society. The course blends of theory, practice, policy, sociology, history and political philosophy to examine the relationship of the professional military to the society which it serves. Employs a comparative approach with emphasis on case studies.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP356
Title: CONFLICT AND PEACEMAKING
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: This seminar focuses on examining, discussing, and learning how to think critically about the nature of conflicts and the art of peacemaking in the post-Cold War world. It includes lectures, problem-centered learning approaches and discussion sessions. Interactions with experts and a visit to a foreign embassy assist midshipmen in gaining a perspective on conflict management and peacemaking.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP357
Title: POLITICS OF CHINA AND JAPAN
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: An examination of the Chinese/Japanese political system with emphasis on the dynamic interaction of traditional and Marxist ideological forces.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP358
Title: POLITICS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: This course presents a survey of Southeast Asian politics, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Democratization, political economy, the role of Islam, maritime piracy, and security issues will be examined.
Offered: Fall, Spring
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP360
Title: MIDDLE EAST INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: FP360 addresses central issues pertinent to the Middle East such as the sources of conflict in the region, political and economic factors that promote peace and stability, the role of international organizations, and the role of non-state actors. The course also reviews the region's colonial past along with domestic circumstances that affect the influence of the Middle East on global affairs. A careful look at the Bush Doctrine and the rise of terrorism are included. The course counts as an FPSI elective.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130 and FP210 (or permission of department chair).
Course: FP365
Title: AFRICAN COMPARATIVE POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Analysis of political trends and constitutional development of African political systems; their relations with one another and outside world; attention directed to U.S. security interests in Africa.
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP366
Title: AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: This course presents a survey of key actors and relationships in African International Relations and emerging security issues.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: None.
Course: FP367
Title: POLITICS OF RUSSIA AND THE CIS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: The development and disintegration of the contemporary Russian political system.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130 (FP210 highly recommended).
Course: FP368
Title: COMPARATIVE ASIAN POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Systematic comparative approach to the study of political systems in East and Southeast Asia (with country cases selected from the Koreas, Taiwan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam); theoretical emphasis on ethnic conflict, economic development and democratization.
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP369
Title: MIDDLE EASTERN POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Comparative analysis of domestic politics, political economy, the role of religion, foreign policies, and elements of international relations of Middle Eastern political systems; theoretical emphasis on ethnic conflict, conflict resolution and democratic development.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP370
Title: FOREIGN POLICY OF RUSSIA AND CIS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Discussion of geopolitical, ideological, institutional, cultural and economic factors affecting foreign policy decision making in Russian and other members of Commonwealth of Independent States; regional and global issues of security, democracy and free market economics.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130 (FP210 highly recommended).
Course: FP371
Title: ASIAN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Analysis of interstate relations of selected East and Southeast Asian states; concentration on regional organizations, security alliances and bilateral arrangements.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP372
Title: POLITICAL PARTIES, CAMPAIGNS AND INTEREST GROUPS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Study of dynamics of group politics in the U.S. political system; emphasizes roles played by parties, interest groups, public opinion and elections in the U.S. political process.
Offered: Fall
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP375
Title: POLITICS AND THE MEDIA
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: A comprehensive analysis of how print, electronic and computer-based mass media choose, cover, and disseminate information about American politics and government. Analysis of contemporary media from the perspective of subjects, disseminators and consumers of the news.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP384
Title: POLITICS OF IRREGULAR WARFARE
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Theoretical, historical and policy examination of low-level political-military confrontation; viewed from several perspectives, such as revolutionary, policy-making, military and nation-state; focus on U.S. response to LIC.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Summer 2013-2014, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130, 2/C.
Course: FP397
Title: CRIMINAL LAW AND JUSTICE
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: An examination of both (1) the criminal justice system and the requirements of due process as mandated by the Constitution (double jeopardy, coerced confessions, plea bargaining, etc.) and (2) the criminal law -- the nature of criminal intent, the criminal act, the defenses (self-defense, insanity, etc.) as illustrated in such common law felonies as murder, rape, robbery, and battery.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130, 2/C.
Course: FP403
Title: ADVANCED RESEARCH SEMINAR IN WASHINGTON
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Intensive hands-on introduction to unique research resources of Washington, D.C., such as Library of Congress computer system, Federal Elections Commission Data Base and others; research design, field trips to Washington for data base use and elite interviewing.
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: 1/C FPS major.
Course: FP407
Title: INTELLIGENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Examination of nature, significance and development of intelligence including collection, counterintelligence, clandestine and covert action and evaluation; includes current issues and case studies.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130, FP210, and 1/C or 2/C standing.
Course: FP408
Title: INTERNATIONAL LAW
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Survey of public law of nations including jurisdiction, citizenship, nationality, human rights, and treaty law. This course places special emphasis on the law of the sea, the law of war, and the legal issues involving the use of force by states.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP210.
Course: FP413
Title: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: FEDERAL SYSTEM
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: An analysis of key Supreme Court decisions interpreting the power of the judiciary, the executive and congress under the Constitution; nation-state relations; the commerce power; economic liberties.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP414
Title: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: CIVIL LIBERTIES
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: An analysis of leading Supreme Court decisions in the areas of speech, press, and religion; equal protection of minorities and women; privacy.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP420
Title: PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Analysis of U.S. public policy toward social and economic problems, including nature of social choice; survey of selected policy areas, such as health care, education, housing and economic and social welfare.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP421
Title: NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Examination of interaction of domestic and foreign political and military considerations in the formulation and execution of national security policy; use of case studies and review of current strategic policies.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130, FP210.
Course: FP430
Title: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Study of Western political philosophy, with emphasis on roots of democracy and the meaning of justice; explores relationship between individual and society, as well as the sources of a state's power and authority; examines works of major thinkers from Plato to the present.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP130, FP210.
Course: FP437
Title: INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: International organizations in world politics; attention given to control of conflict and violence, economic cooperation and management of global resources; major focus on the United Nations; discussion of selected regional issues and other organizations.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013, Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130 and FP210.
Course: FP440
Title: POLITICS OF CENTRAL EUROPE
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: Analysis of the politics of Eastern Europe from a comparative prospective; the struggle for national identity and economic development in the post-communist environment.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP130.
Course: FP450
Title: INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: This course examines the histrical and theoretical foundations of contemporary international political economy. It explores the evolving association between government and economics stressing the roles of mercantilism, liberalism and globalization. It explores the political and economic influence of US national agencies as well as international organizations during the latter half of the 20th century.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP210 or instructor permission.
Course: FP468
Title: PALESTINIAN - ISRAELI CONFLICT
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: The conflict between Arabs and Jews over Palestine is one of the most important factors shaping Middle East politics. The impact of this conflict affects local Arabs and Jews, regional actors and global partners. To date, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has produced a series of wars and recurring patterns of violence. This course identifies key actors and motivations in the conflict as well as the conflict's intractability. Peace processes are also a topic of discussion.
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: FP369 or approval of department chair.
Course: FP469
Title: ISLAM AND POLITICS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: This course provides an overview of the relationship between Islam and politics. It covers important political developments in Muslim history: starting with the Prophet Muhammad's time, the establishment of the early Muslim community, the development of the Caliphates, the role of the Shari'ah (Islamic Law), the decline of Islamic societies, and their revival in modern times. Additional attention is given to selected topics, such as contemporary Islamic movements, the status of minorities in Islamic societies, the role of women, and the question of violence.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FP360 or FP369 or approval of department chair.
Course: FP471
Title: CAPSTONE SEMINAR
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: The capstone seminar in Political Science provides a directed research experience designed to pull together key elements of the area of concentration. Midshipmen prepare a comprehensive research paper that demonstrates their mastery of substantive knowledge and competence in applying writing and research skills.
Offered: Fall, Spring
Requisites: Prereq: 1/C FPS majors only.
Course: FP480
Title: IT RESEARCH SEMINAR (FP)
Credits: 3-0-3
Description:
Offered:
Requisites:
Course: FP500
Title: HONORS ADVANCED RESEARCH DESIGN
Credits: 2-0-2
Description: Advanced research techniques: individual design guidance with special reference to advanced statistical techniques as well as methodological approaches. Literature review and presentation to the faculty.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: FPS 2/C honors students only. Honors Director permission required.
Course: FP505
Title: HONORS SENIOR SEMINAR
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: An advanced research seminar to carry out the research to culminate in a senior honors thesis.
Offered: Fall 2013-2014
Requisites: Prereq: FP500, 1/C FPSH major.
Course: FP510
Title: HONORS SENIOR THESIS
Credits: 3-2-4
Description: An advanced research seminar allowing students to complete the research that will culminate in their senior honors thesis.
Offered: Spring 2012-2013
Requisites: Prereq: 1/C FPSH major.