PO 101. Introduction to Political Science.3 Credits.
Students explore issues of current relevance in local, domestic and international politics. Each individually themed seminar provides an introduction to the systematic analysis of power relations in relevant local, national or global spheres of life. Students approach the seminar's theme in a way that develops an understanding of the major political ideologies, the behavior of relevant social actors and governmental institutions, and the capacity to engage as responsible citizens.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, All
UC: Social Sciences
PO 101H. Issues in Politics-Honors.3 Credits.
Students explore issues of current relevance in local, domestic and international politics. Each individually themed seminar provides an introduction to the systematic analysis of power relations in relevant local, national or global spheres of life. Students approach the seminar's theme in a way that develops an understanding of the major political ideologies, the behavior of relevant social actors and governmental institutions, and the capacity to engage as responsible citizens.
Prerequisites: None
PO 131. Introduction to American Government and Politics.3 Credits.
This course covers the development of the constitution, the nature of Federalism, the state and the national government. Students explore the duties and powers of the President, Congress, the Supreme Court and administrative agencies. Political parties, the nominating process, elections and electoral behavior as well as political interest groups and public opinion are considered.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 131H. Introduction to American Government.3 Credits.
This course covers the development of the constitution, the nature of Federalism, the state and the national government. Students explore the duties and powers of the President, Congress, the Supreme Court and administrative agencies. Political parties, the nominating process, elections and electoral behavior as well as political interest groups and public opinion are considered.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 205. Public Policy and Administration.3 Credits.
Students in this introductory course develop not only an ability to understand, evaluate and design public policy, but also a capacity for ethical and effective leadership, particularly in the public sector. Students explore questions such as: What is the role of government in our lives? How is public policy made, and what are the forces that shape public policy? What public policies should government implement? How can public policies be implemented and evaluated?
Prerequisites: Take PO 101, PO 131 or FYS 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences
PO 206. Ethics and Public Policy.3 Credits.
In this seminar, students grapple with ethical dilemmas and tradeoffs in public policy and politics. The seminar focuses primarily on leadership issues in the public policy realm, as distinct from those found in public administration or business management. Topics include lying and secrecy by public officials, health care, the use of violence, treatment of minorities, poverty, gender equity, whistleblowers, conflict of interest and governmental codes of ethical conduct. Students with background interests in political science, journalism, business and the sciences are welcome. Course readings emphasize classic works on ethics and political theory, as well as detailed ethically challenging cases from past and present. Students explore these cases through role playing, papers and classroom discussion.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or FYS 101.
Offered: Every Third Year, Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 208. Career Readiness in Washington DC.3 Credits.
A combination of one-on-one career advising, workshops, career research, events, and networking opportunities in Washington DC, designed to complement what students learn while interning in Quinnipiac's Washington Semester program ("QU in DC"). The course helps students in any major at the University to reflect on their personal and professional goals and talents, and how to take the next steps in their careers. By the end of the semester, students will have a stronger professional network and an online professional portfolio to showcase their work and thinking to future employers and graduate programs. Every year; Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters. Only students in the Quinnipiac Washington Semester Program may take this course.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
PO 209. Environmental Politics and Policy.3 Credits.
Perhaps no other issue area is as potentially disruptive to stability as that which is defined by the crises in our environment. From the local, to the national and global levels, the exhaustion of natural resources, population growth and threats presented by climate change and the accumulation of toxins and trash in the atmosphere, on land and in the world's oceans, demand the attention of government at every level. In this course, students engage with policy debate around these and other issues, such as the ways environmental issues overlap with issues of local and global justice. They explore the political factors that have influenced environmental policy debates historically and currently, in the U.S. and on comparative and international bases.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 or FYS 101.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences
PO 211. Introduction to International Relations.3 Credits.
Students are introduced to the study of politics on the global level. The course focuses on the nature of the international system of nation-states, including the importance of state sovereignty, the political interactions between states, and the causes of war and peace. Additional topics include understanding the domestic bases for foreign policy decisions, the different tools available for state action in the international realm (diplomacy, espionage, military intervention), the increasing importance of international economic relations, and the function and evolution of international law and organizations.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101, PO 131 or FYS 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 215. Political Theory.3 Credits.
In this course, students survey political philosophy, from Aristotle and Plato through Mill and Marx. Students use these thinkers as a way to explore both the enduring and contemporary issues such as the nature of society, the nature of government, and the nature of freedom, justice and the law.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 or PO 131 or PL 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 215H. Honors Political Theory.3 Credits.
This seminar is for students in the university Honors Program. Readings, papers and discussions in the history of political thought touch on contemporary issues such as the nature of justice, gender, the meaning of rights and responsibilities, the scope of government, democracy, the relationship between society and human nature. Prerequisites: PO 101 or consent of instructor.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed, All
PO 216. American Political Thought.3 Credits.
Students are introduced to major ideas of social justice and political power in America from colonial New England to the modern American state. Special emphasis is on major debates on social issues in American history, including Constitutional structure and reform, slavery, race and building an immigrant society, church and state, industrialism and technology, civil rights and citizenship, and democracy and reform. Major authors and readings include Winthrop, Jefferson, Paine, the Federalist Papers, Lincoln, Dewey, Roosevelt and M.L. King.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or FYS 101.
Offered: Every Third Year, Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 219. Feminist Political Thought.3 Credits.
Students explore different approaches to explain the status of women. Theoretical perspectives that students consider may include: liberal feminism, radical feminism, Marxist/socialist feminism, feminism of care, conservative feminism and global feminism, among others. Students critically evaluate political concepts such as freedom, equality, rights and oppression, as well as learn about how different thinkers have conceptualized gender, politics, power and the role of the state. The course requires careful reading, intensive class discussion and multiple writing assignments.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101, PO 131, PL 101, PS 101, SO 101 or WGS 101.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 221. Introduction to Latin America.3 Credits.
This is the transdisciplinary introductory course for the minor in Latin American studies. Various disciplines, including history, anthropology, economics and languages, are interwoven in an exploration of concepts, behaviors and traditions associated with Latin America. A survey of Latin American regions spanning the Revolutionary period to the present, with a focus on the past 50 years, is utilized to focus the content.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 or FYS 101.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences
PO 225. American Political Movements.3 Credits.
In this class, students explore key movements in American political society over the past 150 years, and analyze how social groups have organized to demand political change in the U.S. Students study political movements organized around race, gender, social class and sexual identity/orientation.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101, PO 131 or FYS 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall
PO 227. The Politics of Intimacy.3 Credits.
How do our thoughts about inclusion and citizenship shape our ideas about sexual and political freedom? In what ways has the democratic process sought to affirm American values by limiting individual choices? In this course, students explore the ways that intimacy has been regulated, through a thematic investigation of legal and political challenges in areas such as trans/interracial adoption, same-sex marriage, interracial marriage, sex and race in the American South, statutory rape, sexual violence, sex education and reproductive rights.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or FYS 101.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences
PO 230. Comparative Government.3 Credits.
This course presents a comparative study of political institutions, forms of government, leaders, socioeconomic processes, development strategies, cultures and traditions in diverse political systems across time and space. Students learn about governing and political processes that explain important differences or similarities in political outcomes among countries, such as: why some countries are democracies and others are not, why some countries provide universal health care for their citizens while others do not, and why some countries experience war or economic depressions while others do not. Students examine the major theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches that scholars have employed within the subfield of comparative politics and are trained to employ some of those skills in their own analysis and research.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 or PO 131;
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 231. Elections and Political Parties (SL: Service Learning).3 Credits.
This course offers an intensive analysis of elections and parties in the U.S. and other nations. Special emphasis is placed on the development of competitive political party systems as vital to the success of democracy. Topics include the history of elections and campaigns, the role of gender, ethnicity and class in modern political parties, voting behavior, party strategies, campaign advertising, fundraising, and media coverage of elections. The course includes classroom visits by party leaders and candidates, and requires students to participate in direct observation as participants in an election campaign.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences
PO 242. Ancient Philosophy.3 Credits.
This course explores Greek and Roman philosophy through a focus on the concepts of erôs and philia or love and friendship. Students examine how Epic poetry, Greek tragedy, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Stoicism and Lucretius reflected on the place of love and friendship in a life well-lived.
Prerequisites: Take one 100 or 200 or 300-level PO course.
Offered: Every year, Fall
UC: Humanities
PO 245. Politics of Global Capitalism.3 Credits.
This introduction to the analysis and understanding of the international economy from a political perspective centers on the increasing internationalization, or globalization, of the capitalist market economy. This is analyzed from three perspectives, each of which raises different political issues and strategies: neoliberalism, economic nationalism (neomercantilism) and Marxism. Current issues dealing with international trade and finance, the environment, Third World development and marginalization, and gender/race issues in the international economy are discussed.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 or PO 131 or PS 101 or SO 101 or EC 111 or EC 112 HS 111 or HS 112.
Offered: Every Third Year, Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 247. Actors and Processes in U.S. Foreign Policy.3 Credits.
This introduction to U.S. foreign policy and how it is made combines a study of world politics, American political processes and current events. The course focuses on actors and policy processes, including the role of Congress, the President, interest groups, the mass media and public opinion (among others), and the influence of ideology on U.S. foreign policy. The course examines several 20th-century international crises, asking: what lessons were learned by these experiences, and how do these episodes illuminate the formation of foreign policy in the United States? The post-Cold War world is examined as a context of current challenges to American foreign policy.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211 or PO 131.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
UC: Social Sciences
PO 280. Congress and the President.3 Credits.
This course surveys the historical development of the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. The course surveys the Constitutional foundations, evolutionary growth and contemporary research on the U.S. presidency and Congress. The goal of the course is to highlight how many of the current conflicts between the President and Congress have deep historical roots.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131.
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences
PO 295. Internship in Political Science.1-3 Credits.
This internship requires students to complete a minimum of between 50 and 100 hours of on-site work, keep a field journal and complete a 5-8 page final report that summarizes activities and documents what the internship contributed to student learning in political science.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131.
Offered: As needed
PO 297. Simulating International Organizations.1 Credit.
Students prepare to participate in various external simulations of the activities of the United Nations, African Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, European Union and other international organizations. Students are trained in the preparation of mock resolutions and they learn the essentials of international diplomacy and proper protocol at international meetings to enable them to successfully compete in model meetings across the U.S. and elsewhere.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall
PO 299. Independent Study in Political Science.1-3 Credits.
This course is directed by a faculty member with background in the student's area of research. Participants are required to write a series of papers (minimum of three to five pages) during the semester or a single research paper (8 to 15 pages long).
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, All
PO 302. The Global Civic Dilemma.4 Credits.
In this course, students explore what constitutes an ethical civic life by working from philosophical principles through an understanding of the basis of government on the local, national and international levels, to civic participation. The course is structured around several tensions, as well as the many key concepts in the age-old quest for understanding what makes for the ideal social order: self and other, individual and community, public and private, human agency and social structure; governance, state, society; the political and economic; liberalism and conservatism (and their variants); three main approaches to ethics; and how to arbitrate between ethical standards when they come into disagreement.
Prerequisites: Admission into Online Degree Completion program.
Offered: Every year, Spring Online
PO 303. Political Inquiry.3 Credits.
This course, designed for political science majors in their sophomore year, examines the culture of inquiry in political science as a problem-solving or a critical discipline and contributes toward political understanding through multiple reading, thinking and writing exercises. Course material focuses on current issues in politics and government and asks how political scientists might respond. The course emphasizes theory development and hypothesis formation; various methodological approaches; and several sub-disciplinary perspectives within political science. For political science majors only. Sophomore status is required.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211 PO 215 or PO 225.
Offered: Every year, Fall
PO 307. Introduction to Nonprofit Management.3 Credits.
This course connects theory and practice by examining a variety of management techniques utilized in running nonprofit organizations. Course readings, discussions and videos cover strategic planning, writing and fulfilling mission statements, facilitating governance, designing effective fundraising tactics, evaluating programs, managing finances, and legal responsibilities. The course also covers the formation of the nonprofit sector and its differences from the public and for-profit sectors. The class format consists of interactive discussions and applied projects/group work designed to help students understand the nonprofit sector and nonprofit management. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake a volunteer experience with a nonprofit during the semester.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
PO 309. Public Diplomacy.3 Credits.
This course examines concepts, issues and practices in public diplomacy, or the management of a nation's communications and relationships with foreign publics who have the ability to affect national and international interests. The course focuses on U.S. public diplomacy's past, present, and future. Students examine& apply theoretical and practical aspects of public diplomacy, looking closely at the purpose and value of public diplomacy in governments and other institutions, the roles and responsibilities of public diplomacy specialists, and principles of strategic practices.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
UC: Breadth Elective
PO 311. Topics in International Relations.3 Credits.
This advanced seminar focuses on in-depth critical analysis of current issues and themes in international relations. It may deal with topics from issues of war, peace and security, to the politics of the international economy, emerging international cultural norms, and international law. The course requires careful reading, intensive class discussion and multiple writing assignments.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211 or Department approval.
Offered: As needed
PO 312. Philosophy of War and Peace.3 Credits.
This course draws on what philosophers, legal scholars and political scientists have written about the nature, limits and morality of warfare. Students study the general frameworks for evaluating warfare in the theories of realism, pacifism and just war, and then turn to the evaluation of historical case studies concerning when it is just to initiate war, how war is to be conducted justly once it is initiated, and the obligations of combatants following war. Readings include both historical authors, such as Thucydides and Thomas Aquinas, and contemporary theorists, such as Michael Walzer and Jeff McMahan.
Prerequisites: Take PL 101; or one 200 or 300-level philosophy course; or PO 211; or PO 215.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 313. Development, Globalization and Colonialism.3 Credits.
An introduction to settled approaches of development, globalization and order. This course discusses theories that have attempted to justify European colonialism, and theories that are critical of those colonial legacies. Students analyze and criticize various liberal civilization theories; Keynesian economics, Marxism, neoliberalism and sustainable development. Students discuss the ways in which previously accepted knowledges and approaches from different disciplines have contributed in the construction and institutionalization of perspectives that continue to shape the lives of peoples throughout the world. Additionally, students are encouraged to examine their own experiences in the world and their proximities to the perspectives discussed.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 FYS 101 or EN 101.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand
PO 315. Democratic Theory and Practice.3 Credits.
This course examines the relationship between democratic ideas and practices in the foundation of democratic regimes and the formulation of public policy. Topics include the nature of obligations between the citizen and the community, diversity, feminism, identity politics, equal rights and powers and the role of groups in policy making. Major policy issues covered include election reforms, racial and gender-based inequalities, the environment, and welfare and human rights in foreign policy. Students are expected to participate in group projects and discussions and do extensive analytical writing.
Prerequisites: Take PO 215 or PO 216
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
PO 317. International Law.3 Credits.
Students are introduced to the nature and development of international law as part of the global political system. Students explore sources of international law from treaties, custom, general principles, judicial decisions and scholarly writing. Other topics include the connection between international law and national law; the role of states and individuals; dispute resolution using arbitration and national and international court cases; use of law to manage international conflict; negotiation; and legal issues concerning shared resources.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211 or LE 101.
Offered: Every year, Fall
PO 319. International Interventions.3 Credits.
Why does the international community intervene in some countries and not in others during periods of civil crisis? What do these variations in the patterns of interventions tell us about the foreign policies of countries and the relations between states in the international system? Students explore answers to these and related questions by investigating the politics, history and dynamics of international interventions to address civil crises since World War II. Students examine select case studies of intervention and nonintervention to understand more fully why and when the world community responds in the context of international law, national interest and the emerging consensus around the protection and promotion of human rights.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211.
Offered: Every Third Year, Spring
PO 325. Political Psychology and Public Opinion.3 Credits.
Students are introduced to the basics of polling, the social and psychological foundations of political thoughts and attitudes, and elementary techniques in data analysis. Students explore beyond descriptions of what people believe and what ideas they act upon to the psychological processes that explain why they think as they do: How susceptible are people to marketing and political persuasion? Why do people obey or disobey authorities? What are the sources of prejudice and the triggers that explain political behavior? Students learn to be wise consumers of survey information, gaining skills in distinguishing legitimate public opinion research from pseudo-polls, fundraising and soliciting under the guise of survey research.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211, PO 215 or PO 225;
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 326. Polling and Opinion a Quinnipiac Signature Seminar.3 Credits.
An opportunity for students to experience an exciting one-of-a-kind partnership with the nationally recognized Quinnipiac University Poll. The goal of the seminar is for students to see how polling works from inside the Quinnipiac University Poll and become critical consumers of polls. The Course will emphasize basic civic skills for evaluating and analyzing survey data. Topics include elections, partisanship, health policy, racial attitudes, gender and political toleration. No prior coursework in statistics is necessary. This course satisfies the "political inquiry" requirement in the political science major.
Prerequisites: Any 200-level Political Science Course
Offered: As needed
PO 326H. Polling and Opinion a Quinnipiac Signature Seminar.3 Credits.
An opportunity for students to experience an exciting one-of-a-kind partnership with the nationally recognized Quinnipiac University Poll. The goal of the seminar is for students to see how polling works from inside the Quinnipiac University Poll and become critical consumers of polls. The Course will emphasize basic civic skills for evaluating and analyzing survey data. Topics include elections, partisanship, health policy, racial attitudes, gender and political toleration. ?No prior coursework in statistics is necessary. This course satisfies the "political inquiry" requirement in the political science major.
Prerequisites: Any 200-level Political Science Course
Offered: As needed
PO 328. Politics and Governance in Africa.3 Credits.
This course introduces students to the study of politics in Africa by examining changes and continuities in the political and socio-economic development of the 48 sub-Saharan African countries from the pre-independence period through the contemporary era. Students are introduced to important issues in the study of African politics as well as the various methodological and theoretical concepts employed in the study of these issues by scholars and analysts.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 or FYS 101
Offered: Every other year, Fall
PO 331. Topics in Comparative Government.3 Credits.
This course provides an in-depth examination of government institutions and practices, social and political forces and movements, and cultural traditions in particular regions of the world, such as Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Europe.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211.
Offered: As needed, All
PO 332. European Politics.3 Credits.
This course is designed to provide a general introduction to European politics by exploring the dynamics of integration in Europe. The issues discussed relate to the general theoretical treatment of integration phenomena, the political economy of integration of Europe and its membership expansion, and the structural and behavioral implication of the open market. Of particular relevance to course discussions are the changing notions of security, economics, trade, market regulations and cooperation on the global scene. Special attention is paid to the single currency (the Euro) and how it impacts the process of integration in Europe.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
PO 333. Middle Eastern History and Politics.3 Credits.
This course is designed to explore both historical and contemporary political and socioeconomic developments in the Middle Eastern region. The course begins with a historical review of the demise of the Ottoman Empire, the anti-colonialist revolt, the emergence of Israel, secular nationalism, the rise of Islamism and the post-Islamist era. The focus of the course then shifts to an examination of such issues as geopolitics, oil, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, peace process, Persian Gulf wars, the great-powers' involvement and interests in this area, terrorism, and globalization and its impact in the region.
Prerequisites: Take PO 211.
Offered: Every Third Year, Spring
PO 334. Politics and Governance in Africa.3 Credits.
Students study the broad scope of politics taking place on the African continent, while investigating the unique cultural and historical heritage of African societies including colonialism and the challenges of creating independent states, and the more recent history of conflict that has inhibited development in so many countries. Students also study post-conflict reconciliation and development in the African context, including economic growth and the bright future that is possible if African countries can solve their most serious problems and remain free of conflict.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 or PO 131 or FYS 101
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
UC: Social Sciences, Intercultural Understand
PO 335. Politics of Race and Ethnicity.3 Credits.
What lessons can be drawn from recent political events such as the election of the first Indian-American governor, the first African-American president and the appointment of the first Latina to the Supreme Court? The story of American political development has been one of constant invention and reinvention. Central to the story has been the role of individual and collective identities in shaping what it means to be an American citizen. With political history as a context, students examine the political presence of major ethnic and racial communities in the U.S.--Irish, Italian, Asian, Jewish, Native, African-American and Latino. Key policy issues such as immigration, education and affirmative action provide the focal point for exploring the processes of group formation, identity and political mobilization as expressed through protest, pop culture, economic development, political participation and the building of community institutions and networks.
Prerequisites: Take PO 101 or PO 131.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 336. Contemporary Social and Political Philosophy.3 Credits.
Students explore diverse responses to political, social and ethical issues from dynamic movements in 19th, 20th, and 21st-century philosophy and political theory. Potential topics may include Marxism, existentialism, phenomenology, feminism, poststructuralism, postcolonialism, and philosophy of race and gender. Potential material includes work by Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Du Bois, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Lorde, Merleau-Ponty, Arendt, Young, Foucault, Fanon, Biko, Derrida, and Butler.
Prerequisites: Take one 100 or 200 or 300-level philosophy course; or PO 215; or PO 219; or PO 315.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 337. Human Rights: Theory and Practice.3 Credits.
Students address the philosophical fundamentals of human rights while emphasizing the practical aspects of human rights work, the purpose being to understand the ways in which human rights scholars, activists and international and governmental officials argue about human rights and their implementation.
Prerequisites: Take PL 101; or one 100 or 200 or 300-level philosophy course; or PO 211; or PO 215.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
PO 342. Comparative Constitutional Law.3 Credits.
Students compare the legal structures and fundamental principles typically found in constitutions by studying the constitutions of several different countries. The course explores the structure of government; the distinction between legislative, executive and judicial authority; the incorporation of fundamental human rights; the relationship between church and state, free speech and the press, and social welfare rights. Participants analyze the distinction between constitutional law and domestic law and assess the role of various constitutional frameworks in a global society.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or PO 211 or LE 101.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 349. Political Communication.3 Credits.
Students investigate the politics of communication in America and the uses of communication in politics. Topics include the technological nature of the mass media in the global and U.S. political economy, implications for democracy of the new communication technologies, the agenda setting function of mass media, political rhetoric and persuasion in the information age, and the role of propaganda in peace and war. Students learn critical analysis of media messages, how to deal with communication from different cultures, and skills in the use of information technology. Students write analytical papers and complete a substantial research project.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131.
Offered: Every other year, Fall
PO 353. American Constitutional Law.3 Credits.
This course presents an intensive study of the development of constitutional law through the analysis of significant Supreme Court decisions. Topics include: the judicial process and the Supreme Court; Federalism, the states and the division of powers; the basis of national power, taxation, commerce and sovereignty; the separation of powers; the Judiciary, Congress and the Presidency; interstate relations and national supremacy; the electorate; citizenship and the right to vote.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or 6 credits from subject LE.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring
PO 354. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.3 Credits.
This course considers the Bill of Rights and its ratification, the Fourteenth Amendment, and competing theories for interpreting and applying these texts. Topics to be discussed as a class include: freedom of expression, freedom of speech, the press, religion, and assembly; the establishment clause and the separation of church and state; fundamental rights, substantive due process and the right to privacy; the Fifth, Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments; the equal protection clause and three standards of Supreme Court review; the incorporation doctrine; suspect classifications, race discrimination and discrimination against women, sexual minorities, and the poor; the power to protect individuals and affirmative action.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or LE 101.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 360. Topics in American Politics.3 Credits.
This advanced course on a specially selected topic in American politics or public policy examines the relationships between public issues and political institutions. Topics may focus on policy analysis, political parties, interest groups, public opinion, Congress, the Presidency and the courts. Course requires class participation and numerous research or writing assignments.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 361. DC National Security Seminar.3 Credits.
A weeklong deep dive in Washington DC, into U.S. national security issues and institutions. The Seminar is held each May after final exam week at the university. In this program, students will interact with top national security experts from government and academia. They will have daily visits to key national security facilities, think tanks, and advocacy groups, where they can network with peers and professionals. Topics will include U.S. defense posture and alliance systems, terrorist threats, immigration, domestic insurgents, environmental challenges to security, technology, cybersecurity. The seminar will emphasize the evolution of U.S. national security, and emerging challenges in the 21st century. Please note that students must apply by March 15 deadline at The Washington Center (www.twc.edu) in order to be approved by the Quinnipiac in DC program for the course. Students are responsible for paying summer tuition and a nominal university fee. Housing is included in the program; students are responsible for transportation and food.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, All
PO 362. Presidential Election Campaigns (SL: Service Learning).3 Credits.
This advanced seminar combines intensive campaigning fieldwork and academic study of presidential campaigns and electoral processes. Students evaluate the emerging efforts to reform the electoral process and the campaign financing system, analyze new techniques of communication and persuasion, explore the history of the current presidential nomination and election process, voter behavior and psychology, research new campaign management techniques, and the practical essentials of grassroots activism. As part of the course requirements, students participate in an intensive internship for approximately 15 days in residence at the New Hampshire primary. Students must pay a course fee to cover the cost of the class residency in New Hampshire. Two field trips occur during the semester from Friday to Sunday, and some of the residency occurs during the January term.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or PO 231.
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
PO 362H. Presidential Election Campaigns (sl: Service Learning).3 Credits.
This advanced seminar combines intensive campaigning fieldwork and academic study of presidential campaigns and electoral processes. Students evaluate the emerging efforts to reform the electoral process and the campaign financing system, analyze new techniques of communication and persuasion, explore the history of the current presidential nomination and election process, voter behavior and psychology, research new campaign management techniques, and the practical essentials of grassroots activism. As part of the course requirements, students participate in an intensive internship for approximately 15 days in residence at the New Hampshire primary. Students must pay a course fee to cover the cost of the class residency in New Hampshire. Two field trips occur during the semester from Friday to Sunday, and some of the residency occurs during the January term.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or PO 231.
Corequisites: Take PO 362L.
Offered: Every Third Year, Fall
PO 362L. Presidential Election Campaign Lab.1 Credit.
Lab to accompany PO 362.
Prerequisites: None
Offered: As needed
PO 365. Inside Washington, D.C..3 Credits.
In this intensive, two-week seminar in Washington, D.C., students interact with well-known speakers from government, the media and academia to discuss the current major issues confronting Congress and the President. In the second week, students confront dilemmas regarding how the media covers national politics and policy. Students participate in daily site visits, tours and special events. They engage with topics such as the impact of national elections, the nature of conflict and bargaining in political institutions, foreign policy dilemmas, the gatekeeper function of the media, "spin" and media control, media bias and the rise of new media. Eight-hour days are the minimum expectation during the two-week program. Students must apply for the course through the QU in DC program and meet university academic achievement standards to be admitted to the seminar.
Prerequisites: Departmental approval of application through QU in DC program.
Offered: Every year, January Term
PO 365H. Inside Washington, Dc Honors.3 Credits.
In this intensive, two-week seminar in Washington, D.C., students interact with well-known speakers from government, the media and academia to discuss the current major issues confronting Congress and the President. In the second week, students confront dilemmas regarding how the media covers national politics and policy. Students participate in daily site visits, tours and special events. They engage with topics such as the impact of national elections, the nature of conflict and bargaining in political institutions, foreign policy dilemmas, the gatekeeper function of the media, "spin" and media control, media bias and the rise of new media. Eight-hour days are the minimum expectation during the two-week program. Students must apply for the course through the QU in DC program and meet university academic achievement standards to be admitted to the seminar.
Prerequisites: Departmental Approval of Application through QU in DC program
Offered: Every year, January Term
PO 370. State and Local Government.3 Credits.
The role of states in the federal system is analyzed. Structure and problems of state and local governments are examined. Special attention is paid to challenges of local, regional and state governance in Connecticut and the New England states.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 387. Women and Public Policy.3 Credits.
Students examine the major public policy issues affecting gender relations in the United States today, including: reproductive rights and abortion, labor policy, welfare policy, sexual and domestic violence. Students discover the process by which issues of importance to gender equality have historically emerged on the public agenda, the ways in which policy debate is shaped once an issue becomes a public problem and the competing policy paradigms surrounding these controversial policy issues. Given the possible trauma associated with the topics of the class, students need to use their discretion in signing up to take this class.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131 or WGS 101.
Offered: Every other year, Spring
PO 390. Washington Dc Capstone Project.3 Credits.
For all students participating in the QU in DC semester program. A project requiring students to complete an internship/fieldwork portfolio, with an integrated program-specific overview paper (minimum of 10 pages), where they assess their learning and personal or professional growth with research and work sample artifacts from their QU in DC Washington semester.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131.
Offered: Every year, All
PO 395. Advanced Internship.1-9 Credits.
This advanced internship requires students to complete more than 100 hours of on-site work; keep a field journal; complete a final report that summarizes activities and documents what the internship contributed to student learning in political science; and complete a research paper at least 10 pages in length, based on research relevant to the internship duties and done during the semester of the internship. With permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: Take PO 131.
Offered: Every year, All
PO 399. Independent Study in Political Science.1-10 Credits.
This independent study is directed by a faculty member with background in the student's area of research. Participants are required to write a series of papers (minimum of three to five pages) during the course of a semester, or a single research paper (15 to 20 pages).
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, All
PO 408. Senior Seminar.3 Credits.
This is a capstone course for senior political science majors. Students integrate prior learning with a seminar topic announced each year, and prepare and present original research to their peers in the form of a senior thesis, related to a common seminar theme announced each year. The seminar allows students to apply the knowledge and methodology they have learned in previous courses to a particular project.
Prerequisites: Take PO 303 or PO 326; Political Science majors with senior status.
Offered: Every year, Spring
PO 496. Independent Study in Political Science.3 Credits.
This independent study is directed by a faculty member with background in the student's area of research. This advanced independent study requires a major research paper of at least 20 pages in length that makes an original contribution to knowledge in political science.
Prerequisites: None
PO 497. TWC QU in DC Semester.6-16 Credits.
Students are registered by arrangement for credits during their QU in DC semester program at Quinnipiac's institutional partner, The Washington Center (TWC). Fall and Spring QU in DC students earn 16 credits; Summer students earn 6 to 9 credits. Upon successful completion of the program in Washington, D.C., credit for specific courses and internships is recorded in the student's academic transcript.
Prerequisites: Approval for participation by Director of QU in DC.
Offered: Every year, All
PO 498. WMI QU in DC Semester.6-16 Credits.
Students are registered by arrangement for credits during their QU in DC semester program at Quinnipiac's institutional partner, The Washington Media Institute (WMI). Fall and Spring QU in DC students earn 16 credits; Summer students earn 6 to 9 credits. Upon successful completion of the program in Washington, D.C., credit for specific courses and internships is recorded in the student's academic transcript.
Prerequisites: Approval for participation by Director of QU in DC.
Offered: Every year, All
PO 499. AU QU in DC Semester.3-16 Credits.
Students are registered by arrangement for credits during their QU in DC semester program at Quinnipiac's institutional partner, American University (AU). Fall and Spring QU in DC students earn 16 credits; Summer students earn 6 to 9 credits. Upon successful completion of the program in Washington, D.C., credit for specific courses and internships is recorded in the student's academic transcript.
Prerequisites: Approval for participation by Director of QU in DC.
Offered: Every year, All