COURSES TAUGHT OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT

First-Year Seminars taught by Political Science Faculty
Reid Hall Courses in Political Science
Graduate Courses

• First-Year Seminars taught by Political Science Faculty

  First-year Seminar FYSB BC 1203   THE CRISIS OF AUTHORITY
  An examination of the authority relationship between rulers and ruled, and its collapse. A consideration of how authority is accepted, confronted, confined, and reconstituted. Authors and readings include: Orwell, 1984; Plato, The Republic; Machiavelli, The Prince; Rousseau, The Social Contract; Martin Luther King Jr., Vaclav Havel, Aung San Suu Kyi, and others.   3 points.
  Syllabus:  Fall 1998 R. Pious

  First-year Seminar FYSB BC 1206   VIOLENCE AND NONVIOLENCE
  The purpose of this seminar is to analyze the subjects of violence and nonviolence by exploring their causes and consequences, nature and dynamics. Violence and nonviolence represent large and complex human experiences so the analysis will range over a broad spectrum of topics and include a wide variety of literature.   3 points.
  Syllabus:  Spring 1999 D. Dalton

  First-year Seminar FYSB BC 1257   UBAN MYTHS AND THE AMERICAN CITY
  Examination of how myth as a fundamental generative force in history can be used to understand the recurring stories told about the modern American city. The rich social, cultural, and political history of New York City forms the backdrop for an investigation of how the city has been imagined and re-imagined by novelists and artists, journalists, essayists, and scholars over the last two hundred years. Texts will be evaluated for how they incorporate, expand, or challenge foundational myths as expressed through the following themes: ‘corruption and crime in sin city,’ ‘migration, home, and the urban frontier,’ ‘otherness,’ ‘alienation and community,’ ‘the urban crisis,’ and ‘democratic vistas.’   3 points.
  Syllabus:  Fall 2001 L. Minnite

  First-year Seminar FYSB BC 1537   THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY
  In the United States and most other countries, society contains cultural cleavages rooted in ethnicity, race, religion, and caste. The dynamics of multi-culturalism in different countries are explored. In each case we will discuss forms of identity, the historical construction of cultural differences, and alternative strategies available to states and their societies to address issues of cultural diversity such as the ethnic conflicts and racial discrimination. Readings will include: Francisco de Vitoria, "On the American Indians"; Rigoberta Menchu, I, Rigoberta Menchu; George Frederickson, White Supremacy: A Comparative Study in American and South African History; Ralph ELlison, The Invisible Man; Mahatma Gandhi, Caste Must Go and The Sin of Untouchability; B.R. Ambedkar, Annihilation of Caste; Salman Rushdie, The Moor's Last Sigh.   3 points.
  Syllabus:  Fall 1999 L. Beck

  First-year Seminar FYSB BC 1618   RE-ACTING TO THE PAST
  "Reacting to the Past" seeks to introduce students to major ideas and texts. It uses a "role playing" format to replicate the historical context in which these ideas acquired significance. Please read the introduction to Reacting to the Past. Click first on the "Curriculum" tab at the top and then scroll down to read "The Basic Concept," "Requirements and Grading" and "Playing the Game." To read about the three games we will play this semester, these introductions are accessible by the right hand tabs. The games are: Athens in 403 B.C.; Confucianism, 1587; and Greenwich Village, 1913.
  Syllabus:  Fall 2008 F. Davidson
  
  
  

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• Reid Hall Courses in Political Science

  The following Reid Hall courses are offered, in French, at Reid Hall in Paris and count as elective credit towards the political science major.

  Political Science H 3210.   FRANCE AND AFRICA: POST-COLONIAL RELATIONS
  The post-colonial system of political, economic, and cultural relationships evolved by France and her former colonies, the new rules governing those relationships, and their impact on France and on competing powers in their respective interactions with African states.   3 points.

  Political Science H 3270. Seminar on the POLITICS OF FRENCH IDENTITY
  The important role traditionally exercised by the French state has been challenged by economic instability and pressures for deregulation and state retrenchment. As the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity stemming from the French Revolution have become diffused around the world, they are regarded as less specifically French. Hence, it is increasingly unclear what makes France different and unique. The impact of immigration, cultural diffusion, and economic and political integration within the European Union on patterns of political conflict, public policy, changed role of the state, new forms of collective identity and action, and changing conceptions of French citizenship.     4 points.

  History-Political Science H 3240
  THE STATE AND POLITICAL LIFE IN FRANCE FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE PRESENT
  The continuity and discontinuity of French political life during the past 2000 years. Factors that assure the permanence of French political life are often hidden from view because of frequent dramatic breaks and changes in political regimes. Through analysis of moments of turmoil and change, the underlying element of permanence is traced. Key dates indispensable to the study of contemporary France are discussed.   3 points.

  History-Political Science H 3260
  THE FRENCH INTELLECTUAL AND FRANCE IN CRISIS: From the Dreyfus Case to May 1968
  The roles and influences of French intellectuals within the political arena and the national struggles of contemporary France. Special attention is given to moments of crisis: the Dreyfus case, the 30's, World War II, the ALgerian War, etc. Establishes by examination of a series of "case studies" and the tracing of the evolution of particular intellectual points of view.   3 points.
  
  

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• Graduate Courses

  Certain graduate courses given in the University are open to qualified majors with the consent of the Department Chair and the major advisor. These courses are described in the bulletins of:

  -   the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and

  -   the School of International and Public Affairs:

  SIPA also has a joint-degree programs with Barnard College through which students with outstanding undergraduate records can earn the Master of International Affairs or Master of Public Administration degree one year subsequent to receiving the B.A. degree. Formal application to the SIPA degree program should be made during your junior year through the Dean of Studies Office. A separate application form from Barnard must be completed as well as an interview with your class dean. The undergraduate student enrolled in the joint degree program must complete, during the junior and senior year, at least 24 points of course-work at the 4000 level or above, including SIPA's first-year required courses.

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