This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the scientific process of social inquiry. Students develop skills enabling them to better digest the social science literature and produce causal theories related to important outcomes, behaviors, or institutions. Additionally, students learn how to assess the validity of social theories by collecting data, testing observable implications and exploring an interesting question about domestic or international political behavior or institutions.
An analysis of the role of gender in American politics, specifically how gender affects the political activities of American residents, political candidates, and elected officeholders. Students evaluate differences in men's and women's political participation, party affiliations, and campaign strategies and styles. They also examine reasons for women's political underrepresentation and implications of gender inequality in political office holding.
The course explores the ideas that influence environmental thought, examines various environmental problems and suggested solutions, and critically evaluates the role that political institutions play in creating and enforcing environmental policy. Specific topics include environmental justice, environmental federalism, environmental health, and regulatory behavior. Not open for credit to students who have completed ENST 334.
This course examines Supreme Court cases related to the First Amendment by situating cases within varying theories of constitutional interpretation, and by assessing the socio-political implications of those decisions. Civil liberties are protections of individual liberties against governmental intrusion and First Amendment freedoms of speech, press, religion, and association are preeminent among these. The course emphasizes, above all, the political role of the judiciary.
This course explores U.S. immigration and immigration policy, with special attention to the period from 1996 to the present. Taking into account the ideological shifts resulting in previous immigration reforms, the course examines causes of migration, current strategies used by the U.S. government to control the flow of immigrants into the United States, the costs and benefits of immigration to the U.S. and sending countries, security concerns, and ethical and human rights implications. The course prepares students to analyze current rhetoric and policy proposals and engage with the question of what immigration reform might look like.
This course will examine, explore, and investigate Black social movements as methods of political activism, resistance, and protest. We will explore the foundations of Black politics and how they have been used as methods of social and political activism. Specifically, we will examine social movements such as the Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, and many others. This course will provide students with the academic and intellectual thought behind various forms of political resistance by examining peaceful protest, civil disobedience, and the intersection of violence. We will also examine internal disagreements and perspectives among scholars regarding effective methods of social and political activism.
This course examines the dynamics of international political and economic relations. Issues of trade, monetary and financial networks, investment, North-South relations, and the international system will be explored. The international context of development will receive particular attention.
This course examines the role of ethnicity in political conflict. Students explore theories and definitions of ethnic and collective identities and consider the role that these identities play in the emergence and resolution of political conflict. Case studies include India, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, South Africa, and the former Yugoslavia. Not open for credit to students who have completed POLS 240 or POLS 340.
The course introduces human rights conditions in today's world. While it covers varying philosophical traditions of human rights, major emphasis is placed on how different actors and institutions are able to influence human rights conditions, both from an international and domestic perspective.
Students learn not only about theories and institutions, but also about how actors behave within them. In the simulation modules, students assume the roles of political participants appropriate to the particular exercise learn to respond pragmatically to changing conditions of political situations. The simulations for a particular module derive from the institutions and events related to American or international politics, and might include the United Nations, U.S. National Security Council, or the U.S. Supreme Court.
This interdisciplinary course approaches the study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and queer rights from a humanistic social science perspective. Topics include U.S. cultural politics and LGBTQ+ social movements; visual culture, social action, and social change; the politics of queer identity; law and public policy of concern to diverse LGBTQ+ communities; and LGBTQ+ rights from international and global perspectives.
Psychology
An intensive examination of key areas, approaches, theories, and research methodology in psychology. This non-laboratory course is designed to provide a strong foundation for students intending to major or minor in psychology.
An intensive examination of key areas, approaches, theories, and research methodology in psychology. This non-laboratory course is designed to provide a strong foundation for students intending to major or minor in psychology.
An intensive examination of key areas, approaches, theories, and research methodology in psychology. This non-laboratory course is designed to provide a strong foundation for students intending to major or minor in psychology.
A study of clinical psychology from a scientist-practitioner perspective, including DSM diagnostic criteria, assessment measures and strategies, treatment modalities, case studies, and ethical issues. Major theoretical paradigms and research on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness are presented and discussed.
This course explores how social dynamics shape individuals' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within various social contexts. Students will explore key theories and empirical research on topics, such as interpersonal attraction, attitude change, group behavior, conformity, prejudice, and altruism. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ways in which social influences impact decision making, perception, and interactions, and applying social psychological principles to real world situations. The course also provides a critical examination of the research methods used in social psychology, helping students evaluate the strengths and limitations of different approaches.
An introduction to the study of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Students consider empirical findings from a variety of methodologies as well as the methodologies themselves. Broader issues such as unconscious processes and cultural differences in cognition are also examined in this context. Students are encouraged to discover applications of findings in cognitive psychology to other areas of psychology, other disciplines, and their everyday lives.
This course provides an overview of major concepts, theories, and research related to human development from prenatal to end of life. Significant factors influencing individual functioning and empirical findings related to cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan will be explored.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.