THE SPRING PLAT FORM M A R I S T C O L L E G E P O L I T I C A L S C I E N C E C O U R S E S 100- L e v e l C o u r s e s S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 POSC 110 American National Government Gaeke, MR 9:30-10:45 Charter, TF 12:30-1:45 TBA, MR 2:00-3:15 Eckert (two sections), MW 5:00-6:15pm or Online This course is designed to introduce you to the American political system. We will learn about the major institutions, actors, and interests that guide and constrain national politics. We will: explore how ideas such as democracy, liberty, and equality shaped the constitutional framework of American government; examine forms of and influences on political participation in the U.S.; analyze the key actors and institutions that constitute American government; and, finally, ask important questions about the future of American politics. As we learn about these aspects of the American political system, we will encounter a variety of viewpoints and perspectives, which you will be asked to critically analyze. Most importantly, you will develop and articulate your own opinions. You will be encouraged to go beyond the concepts introduced in class to reflect on how they relate to your life and your role as a participant in the U.S. political system. To do this, we will focus on improving your critical thinking, writing, and oral presentation skills. POSC 111 Introduction to Comparative Politics Kaknes (two sections), TF 9:30-10:45 or TR 5:00-6:15pm Comparative politics is the study of countries domestic politics. It is comparative because we often identify key questions, variables, and reasons for similarities and differences by comparing countries to one another. In this class we will learn some basic tools of political science and lay the foundation for exploring diverse issues of politics. Some specific questions we will explore include: What different political ideologies exist? Why are some countries democratic and others not? What are the effects of different democratic institutions? Why are some countries rich and some poor? Why do some of these characteristics change, or why don t they? The information presented should help students better understand current world events. Second, students should gain awareness of ongoing debates within political science and of the tools of social science. Finally, the course should further the development of students abilities to evaluate arguments and qualitative and quantitative evidence, and their capacities to express their own sound arguments effectively. Marist Political Science-Related Student Organizations & Contacts Students Promoting International Engagement (SPIE): Andrew Montalti Pi Sigma Alpha (Honors Society): Katy Zielinski College Democrats: Henry Pratt or Megan Nickel College Republicans: Megan Peters or Joseph Kopp
100- L e v e l C o u r s e s POSC 112 Introduction to Political Theory Myers (two sections), TR 11-12:15pm or TR 3:30-4:45pm This course seeks to introduce students to the political ideas that have shaped western political systems. More specifically, the course is organized around the centrality of civil society to democracy. The classic thinkers presented are explored with the goal of understanding not only key concepts about the individual, community and the state, but also about the significant relationship between civil society and a flourishing polity. The course is divided into four parts: Civil Society in the Classical and Religious Traditions; Early Modern Approaches to Civil Society; Late and Contemporary Approaches to Civil Society; and Critiques of Civil Society. POSC 113 International Relations Pupcenoks, M 11-12:15 and W 9:30-10:45 This course provides a general introduction to the study of international relations. The first part of this course will focus on the history and nature of the international system, international relations theories, conceptual frameworks and major events of the Cold War and the post-cold War era. The second part will explore some of the major issues in international relations including: nationalism, arms control, nuclear nonproliferation, transnational crime, terrorism, ethnic conflict, international political economy, development (political, social and economic), population and migration, resource issues, international law and organization, human rights and global ethics a true survey. Although the focus of this course is on concepts and frameworks of analysis, an important component of each lecture will be application of these concepts to current world events. Questions about the Paralegal Certificate, including POSC 102 Introduction to Law? Contact Prof. Annamaria Maciocia regarding the Paralegal program. Annamaria.Maciocia@Marist.edu Fontaine 318 Questions about the Global Studies minor? Contact Dr. Claire Keith regarding the Global Studies program. Claire.Keith@Marist.edu Fontaine 229 Questions about internships? Need to set up internship credits? Dr. Gaeke is the Department s Internship Coordinator. Melissa.Gaeke@Marist.edu Fontaine 201
1 0 0 & 2 0 0 - L e v e l C o u r s e s POSC 120 The Role of the Interviewer (one credit) Miringoff, W 6:30-9pm The Role of the Interviewer focuses on a central component of survey research: data collection. The course emphasizes the interview process, including the role of the interviewer, interviewing techniques, and interviewer bias. An introduction to research methodology, key concepts, and the various applications of survey research will also be included. Different modes of data collection will also be discussed and assessed. This course is in the American subfield. POSC 211 American State and Local Politics Applebee, TF 9:30-10:45 This course offers an overview of state and local government and politics. It includes attention to New York State, the urban politics of New York City and attention to representative county and town governments in the mid-hudson area. The social, economic, and political context within which state and local politics and policy making occurs will be covered. The course will examine linkage mechanisms between citizens and government, including elections, interests groups, and other forms of participation. Actors and institutions involved in policymaking at these levels and at the national level will be studied. Prerequisite: POSC 110. This course is in the American subfield. General Advising Advice & Best Practices International Relations (113) is usually offered only in fall semesters. Intro to Comparative Politics (111), Intro to Political Theory (112), and Scope & Methods (235) are usually offered only in spring semesters. Plan on taking Scope & Methods as a sophomore. You should take it before Capping. Its prerequisites are sophomore standing or above, POSC 101 or 111, and POSC 110. We recommend taking Statistics (MATH 130); take it before Scope & Methods. Since our political theorists teach Capping, take at least one political theory course before Capping, so you understand how they approach the discipline. You should keep your notes and work (with our feedback) from all your classes. You will find yourself wanting to refer to them and even to reference them in subsequent courses, and having your work helps us with recommendation letters. We also strongly recommend you keep the books in your major, especially from introductory courses, again for future reference. At the very least, photocopy the glossaries from your intro textbooks. Special Topics (ST) courses are simply courses that are not listed in the College s Course Catalog, usually because they are courses that have not been taught at Marist in the past.
200- L e v e l C o u r s e s ( c o n t. ) POSC 236 Politics of Developing Areas Kaknes, W 2-3:15 and F 3:30-4:45 The developing world is a label applied to about 85 percent of the world s countries, including areas of rapid economic transformation or economic stagnation, brutal conflict or remarkable social transformations, innovative programs or policy intransigence. But what is developing in the developing world, and how and why is it developing if, in fact, it is? This course will examine the domestic politics of this diverse group, primarily found in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, along with discussion of international policies that impact them. Issues studied will include the role of state, private, and international forces in economic development; state-building and state failure; the legacies of colonialism; ethnic politics and conflict; corruption; women in politics; and public policies in education and health. Prerequisite: POSC 111, or POSC 113 or ECON 104. This course is in the Global subfield. POSC 280, Model United Nations Pupcenoks, M 6:30-9:00pm Students will learn about the United Nations committee system and processes, parliamentary procedures, and the art of compromise. As a part of this course, students will spend five days in New York City where they will participate in the National Model United Nations conference from March 25-29, 2018. All semester, students will pursue our assigned country s (Lithuania) national interest and work toward a more secure world. The task of the class will be to prepare for the simulation in NYC through rigorous study of the UN committees, the issues before the UN, and the assigned country s place in global affairs and the UN. Admission to this course is through an application only. Prerequisite: POSC 111 or POSC 113. Preference given to upper-class students. This course is offered every other spring semester. This course is in the Global subfield. Full-Time Political Science Faculty Dr. Jessica Boscarino Fontaine 222 Jessica.Boscarino@Marist.edu Dr. Lynn Eckert Fontaine 317 Lynn.Eckert@Marist.edu Dr. Melissa Gaeke Fontaine 200 Melissa.Gaeke@Marist.edu Dr. Elizabeth Kaknes Fontaine 224 Elizabeth.Kaknes@marist.edu Dr. Lee Miringoff MIPO, Hancock Lee.Miringoff@Marist.edu Dr. JoAnne Myers, Chair Fontaine 315 JA.Myers@Marist.edu Dr. Juris Pupcenoks Fontaine 312 Juris.Pupcenoks@Marist.edu Dr. Martin Shaffer, Dean, School of Liberal Arts Fontaine 200 Martin.Shaffer@Marist.edu
2 0 0 & 3 0 0 - L e v e l C o u r s e s POSC 292 1968 the Year that Rocked American Politics Miringoff, R 6:30-9:00 The turmoil, unrest, and violence that permeated American society in 1968, not only defined a generation, but it laid the groundwork for American politics today. This course journeys back to the roots of that period and examines pivotal moments in the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, and America s Political and Cultural Revolution. The course takes a deep dive into the lasting impact of those events on today s politics. 1968: The Year that Rocked American Politics will be highlighted by seminars with outside speakers who will share their recollections of that tumultuous time period. This course is in the American subfield. POSC 300 US Constitutional Law: Civil Rights & Liberties Eckert, M 11:00-12:15 and W 9:30-10:45 This course explores the nature and scope of civil rights and liberties guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. We will examine some of the most intractable issues that have come before the Supreme Court in an effort to consider how we as a polity should balance individual liberties and rights with other values such as community morality, public order, and equality. In an effort to explore these themes, we will address issues such as affirmative action, pornography regulation, the right to privacy, and the need to accommodate religious minorities. Students should come to class prepared to participate, to challenge the cases and readings, and to develop their own informed view of the place of judicially guaranteed rights and liberties in the American polity. Prerequisite: any 200-level political science class. This course is in the American subfield. POSC 321 Contemporary Political Thought Myers, T 6:00-9:00pm This class covers the key and radical 20 th and 21 st century political theories about how best to govern and live in community. Specifically, we will look at the role of citizenship and rights in national, regional and global political realms. We will engage with primary source material and issues such as refugee rights, property rights and more that affect our contemporary and future world. This course is reading, writing and thinking intensive. Prerequisite: any 200-level political science class. This course is in the Theory subfield. POSC 350 Latin American Politics Kaknes, TF 2:00-3:15 Focusing on the key components in Latin American political systems, the course analyzes various aspects of politics, including functional elites, the military, the middle class, labor, peasant movements, and the church. It studies comparative political opposition, and political adaptation and integration. Prerequisite: any 200-level political science class. This course is in the Global subfield.
Interested in making a difference in the community and working to solve local problems? Marist s new Center for Civic Engagement and Leadership is committed to developing the next generation of civic-minded leaders who will make a difference in the community surrounding our campus and beyond. The Center will make a wide variety of civic engagement resources available to faculty, students and community partners and sponsor a wide range of community based programs and activities. Students will be interested in: Paid Summer Internships Community-Based Learning Public Service Speakers Series Post-graduation Public Service Opportunities Want to learn more? Stop by the Center in Fontaine 201 and/or find us on Facebook OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAM Albany Summer Program Application deadline: March 1, 2018 Opportunities in Public Service, Policy Advocacy, and Political Communications The Albany Internship Experience s (AIE) Summer Program helps students explore political communications, professional writing, policy advocacy, and public service. The program, which will run from May 21 - June 29, 2018, enables students to earn 3 credits in 6 weeks. Placements vary according to students' interests. Interns work 4 days a week for 6 weeks and meet regularly with AIE Director Dr. Krista Applebee for guidance, lectures, and networking events. If students wish to take additional courses, online Marist courses are available at a discounted rate in a variety of disciplines. Questions? Contact Martin B. Shaffer, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Liberal Arts. http://www.marist.edu/liberalarts/albany-internships/summerinternships.html
300- L e v e l C o u r s e s POSC 392 Global Terrorism Pupcenoks, MR 12:30-1:45 The purpose of this course is to generate critical thinking and discussion on issues of political violence and terrorism. We will seek to conceptualize and understand terrorism and violent radicalization in its historic and current contexts through studying specific cases in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. Overall, this course will address a number of important questions. How and under what circumstances can politicized identity lead to conflict? What are the causes of terrorism? What roles religion, ideology and leadership play in terrorism? How do we prevent and/or stop such political violence? Prerequisite: any 200-level political science class. This course is in the Global subfield. Interested in working as an interviewer at the Marist Poll? During the school year, the Marist Poll hires students of all majors to work part-time as telephone interviewers. Benefits of working with the Marist Poll include: An interesting learning and working environment A great place to meet other Marist students Stay tuned in with three flat screen TVS and surround sound Flexible evening hours at a good hourly rate Ability to enhance your communication skills An excellent addition to your resume Lots of fun! Who We Are & What We Do The Marist Institute for Public Opinion (MIPO) is a survey research center at Marist College. The Marist Poll is an exciting place to work, that provides educational opportunities for students, and information on elections and popular issues for the public. The Marist Poll is regularly used as a source by print and broadcast media organizations throughout the country and around the world. Our polling partnership with NBC News and The Wall Street Journal has provided our students and the public with a front row seat to the political dialogue of the day. For more information: Hancock Center 3030 / 845.575.FONE (3663) / Daniela.Charter@marist.edu
400- L e v e l C o u r s e POSC 477 Capping: Law & Morality Eckert, MR 2:00-3:15 What is the relationship between law, morality and justice? Upon what, if any, moral principles does law stand? Can we have a just political system without an appeal to controversial moral arguments? Can law articulate universal principles that extend to different genders, races, cultures, classes, nationalities and traditions? How does law resolve the tension between rights and liberties as well as democracy versus the rule of law? How do economic conditions influence the possibility of achieving justice? These are the difficult questions that we will attempt to address throughout the semester. In discussing these questions, the course takes an interdisciplinary approach. Readings will come from the disciplines of philosophy, economics, literature, political science, and history. Prerequisite: senior standing. Full List of POSC Courses: 102 Intro to Law 110 American National Government 111 Intro to Comparative Politics 112 Intro Political Theory 113 International Relations 120 Role of Interviewer 211 State & Local Politics 217 Catholics in US 236 Developing Areas 280 Model UN Registration starts November 7. Meet with your adviser! Your adviser must enable you to register. Full registration information is located at www.marist.edu/registrar/registration.html 292 1968 Rocked US Politics 300 Constitutional Law 312 Contemporary Political Thought 350 Latin American Politics 392 Global Terrorism 477 Capping: Law & Morality This listing is accurate as October 19, 2017. Where to Find Us: Marist College Political Science Department School of Liberal Arts Fontaine Hall Poughkeepsie NY 12601 http://www.marist.edu/liberalarts/polsci/