University of Maine at Farmington 2020-2021 Catalog

 
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Political Science
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  POS 101S - Introduction to American Government

This course places the American political systems and its development in historical and ideological context, and explores the nature of American politics and government, both at the national and subnational levels. (Pass/Fail option) Every year.



Credit: 4

  POS 121S - Comparative Politics

This course compares the political systems of different countries throughout the world, comparing political institutions, processes and policies while analyzing the impact of cultural, context and history on political systems. (Pass/Fail option) Every year. 



Credit: 4

  POS 136S - World Politics

This course introduces students to issues affecting global politics. These include war, economic interdependence, global poverty, terrorism, and the nature of the modern state system. Special emphasis is placed on exploring the impact of world politics on the lives of people around the globe. (Pass/Fail option) Every year.



Credit: 4

  POS 151S - Classical Political Theory: Ancient Greece to the Enlightenment

This course introduces students to classical political thought that underpins the contemporary study of politics in Western cultures. Students will read and discuss the works of major political philosophers dating from Ancient Greece to 18th Century European Enlightenment. Throughout the course emphasis will be placed on competing definitions of basic political concepts and theories. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 200S - Public Policy

This course focuses both on the policymaking process and policy analysis tools as well as the practical use of those tools in debating contemporary American public policy issues The class includes formal debates on such issues as the death penalty, health care policy, drug policy, campaign financing and regulation, foreign policy issues and policy issues especially relevant to Maine. These topics will vary from year to year depending on contemporary issues. Prerequisite(s): Sophmore standing or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 201S - Public Opinion, Interest Groups and Political Parties

This course deals with the role, measurement and Patterns of American public opinion, as well as two of the principal methods of its expression: interest groups and political parties. The course features formal student debates concerning key issues affecting these subjects. Prerequisite(s): POS 101S. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 204S - American Foreign Policy

This course analyzes American Foreign policy by considering history, political and institutional processes, and the current dilemmas faced by policy makers. Emphasis is placed on difficult practical and ethical issues that face Americans in a time of globalization and change. (Pass/Fail option) Every year.



Credit: 4

  POS 205 - Practical Politics:Campaign Practicum

A field course in politics offered during the fall semester of election years. Students work with a candidate, political party organization, or issue campaigns of their choice from the national to the local level on political strategy, issues, and electioneering. (Pass/Fail only) Every two years (fall).



Credit: 4

  POS 207S - State and Maine Politics

Course will examine subnational government throughout the United States with particular emphasis upon Maine in particular and New England in general. Topics include issues affecting Maine and other states, subnational government, elections and parties, and political contrasts between Maine and other New England states. The course will feature guest speakers knowledgeable in the politics of Maine or other states. Prerequisite(s): POS 101S, upper class standing or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 210S - Presidency and Congress

This course will discuss both the legislative and executive branches of the American national government. Special attention will be given to the historical development of these branches of government, the role of the president in American society, representation in Congress, interaction between Congress and the president, and elections for president and Congress. Prerequisite(s): POS 101S, junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 214S - Law and the Legal System

Examines law and the legal system with emphasis on Maine law, the constitutions of the U.S. and Maine and their relationships to each other, and other aspects of the law. Reading and evaluating various forms of the law through the process of thinking like a lawyer. Prerequisite(s): Sophomores or higher. (Pass/Fail option) Every year.



Credit: 4

  POS 218S - Tanzania: Ecotourism & Environmental Activism

This travel course to Tanzania focuses on environmental activism and the promotion of ecotourism through governmental, non-profit and for-profit organizations in the country’s Northern Circuit, which includes Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti among other popular international destinations. Students participating in this course will meet with ecotourism operators, local and international non-governmental organizations promoting sustainable tourism, and other local actors promoting sustainable forms of tourism in Tanzania. Activities include: a day hike on Kilimanjaro, safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Reserve, and visit to a fair trade coffee plantation. Every 2 years.



Credit: 4

  POS 220S - Environmental Politics

Environmental politics has become the basis for heated debates in the United States and around the world. In this course, we will discuss the actors and institutions involved in environmental debates in Maine State and US politics. We will compare US environmental politics with other countries and discuss the global politics of climate change. Prerequisite: None. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 223S - East European and Russian Politics

This course examines the changes taking place in the "post-Communist world" focusing on Eastern Europe and the Republics of the former Soviet Union. Specifically, can a stable political and economic system be created to combat nationalism, ethnic violence, economic uncertainty, and political instability?  (Pass/Fail option) Every three years.



Credit: 4

  POS 224S - Chinese Politics

China is arguably becoming the world’s next superpower in terms of its phenomenal economic growth and consequent global political influence. This course focuses on the political and economic transformation of post-Mao China and its prospects for democratization as well as potential leadership in world politics. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 226S - Islam and Politics

Much of the field of comparative politics is subdivided by geographic area or level of development. This course takes a somewhat different approach by analyzing a geographically, politically, economically and even culturally diverse group of countries on the basis of a common religion, Islam. The focus of this course is on comparing similarities and differences in how Muslims conceive of and participate in politics. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 227S - African Politics

This course seeks to present a balanced view of Africa that reflects its social, economic and political diversity. Over the course of the semester, we will examine both the international and domestic causes for Africa's post-colonial crises in political authority and economic development that gave rise to Afro-pessimism as well as current sources of Afro-optimism. In the final section of the course, we will focus on the role of Africa and Africans in world politics, highlighting issues of peacekeeping, human rights, and the international AIDS crisis. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 233S - War and Peace

This course will focus upon the source of international conflict and war, contending conceptions of peace, and the relationship between peace and world order. Topics will include conflicts resolution, diplomacy, terrorism, and the cost of warfare. Prerequisite(s): POS 136S or sophomore standing or higher. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 252S - Modern Political Theory

This course is designed to introduce students to political theory that underpins the contemporary study of politics in Western societies. Students will analyze a variety of writings beginning with Western philosophers in the late 18th century up through current debates among political theorists and activists from around the world. The course will concentrate on alternative concepts of and debates regarding the tension between equality and liberty. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 255 - American Political Thought

This course will deal with key influences on American Political representing a wide range of political thinkers, including political leaders. Among the many American thinkers and schools of the Roosevelts, social Darwinism, anarchism, feminism, the "New Left", libertarianism, communitarianism, King, Malcolm X, Humphrey and Goldwater. Prerequisite(s): POS 101S or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 262S - Italian Political History

This course explores the development of Italian politics from the renaissance to the present, with an emphasis on Italian contributions to political theory, as well as regional variations in Italy's political evolution. This is a travel course which includes an educational trip to Italy, and explores the interplay between culture and politics. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) At least once every three years.



Credit: 2-4

  POS 264S - German Political History

This course explores the development of German politics (including Austria) from the reformation to the present, with an emphasis on Germany since 1871, as well as regional variations in Germany's political evolution. This is a travel course which includes an educational trip to Germany, and explores the interplay between culture and politics. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) At least once every three years.



Credit: 4

  POS 266S - The Politics of Germany and Italy

This course examines the political history and current political structures of the countries of Germany and Italy. This includes the historical development of the Italian and German states, the rise of fascism in each country, and the way in which their political and social systems were rebuilt after World War II to become successful, functioning democratic polities. The course also examines current issues and challenges faced by the two states. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 267S - The Politics of France and Great Britain

This course examines and contrasts the political history and current political structures of the countries of Great Britain. Great Britain developed gradually into an early and successful democracy, while French history is riddled with revolutions and failed attempts to establish a Republic. This course not only compares the political development of each state, but compares and contrasts how their political systems operate today. The course also examines current issues and challenges faced by Great Britain and France. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 277 - Topics in Political Science

The study of a specialized topic in political science not offered in the present curriculum. (Pass/Fail option) Varies.



Credit: 4

  POS 302 - Civil Liberties

This course chiefly features the development over time of constitutional issues relevant to civil liberties. Particular emphasis is placed upon First Amendment issues such as religion and freedom of speech, but other matters concerning civil liberties are considered as well, such as police powers, privacy, racial and gender discrimination issues. Each student will argue a key civil liberties case in mock trials format. Prerequisite(s): POS 101S, junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 319 - Constitutional Law

The U.S. Constitution and its changing interpretations traced through U.S. Supreme Court cases and other materials. The focus in this class is upon the development of powers of the different branches of the national government, the conflicts among them, and the federal relationship between the national government and lower levels of government. Each student will argue a key constitutional case concerning one of these issues in a mock trial format. Prerequisite(s): POS 101S, junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 321S - Identity Politics

Much of politics revolves around the mobilization of supporters and the demobilization of opponents, both current and potential. Our multiple and fluid identities are critical resources in these processes which leaders and followers, dominant and subaltern groups attempt to utilize, manipulate and control in their efforts to gain and maintain power. In this course, we will discuss the politicization of socio-cultural, economic, and gender-based identities in a dozen different countries to analyze the role and implications of identity politics. Competing concepts and theories of caste, class, ethnicity, gender, race and nationalism will be presented and analyzed in terms of their dynamic, interactive and overlapping relations with power and politics in specific local, regional, national and transnational contexts. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 322S - The European Union

This course examines the development and functioning of the European Union, focusing on institutions, policies and the transformation of European politics. The course also explores the nature of EU global economic relations, the relationship between the EU and the US, and the role of the EU in international law and various international organizations. (Pass/Fail option). Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 336S - Globalization and Governance

This course examines the impact of globalization, defined by increasing interdependence and connectedness in the international system caused by both technology and the diminished impact of borders on the global economy.  This course considers the impact of globalization on domestic politics, democratic structures, the international system and international organization.  (Pass/Fail option).  Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 351 - Political Activism and Advocacy Practicum

This course focuses on the role of civil society in democratic and democratizing countries. The course will cover the political theory and practice of civic engagement and social  accountability by civil society actors who seek to hold public institutions and officials accountable for their policies and actions. In addition to reading primary and secondary materials on social accountability initiatives world-wide, each student will identify with the instructor a local organization involved in civic engagement that will serve as the basis for a service-learning project. Pass/Fail option. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 352S - Contemporary Political Theory

Political philosophy has undergone radical transformations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, breaking down various intellectual (epistemological), geo-cultural and academic (disciplinary) boundaries and barriers. Beginning with the rise of post-modernism in political theory during the 1970s, students will analyze and discuss contemporary political thought in terms of its interaction with political, economic and social changes ranging from the collapse of the Soviet Union to the rise of globalization and its capitalist culture. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  POS 377 - Topics in Political Science

The study of a specialized topic not offered in the usual curriculum. Varies. 



Credit: 2-4

  POS 396 - Political Science Internship

The Political Science Internship is arranged by the student with any political entity, whether inside or outside of government. It is designed to gain practical experience in the political world. The internship course should be developed in consultation with a faculty member and submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Division of Social Sciences and Business for approval prior to registration. Upon the conclusion of the internship, the student must submit a comprehensive report on the experience to the supervising faculty member. No student is permitted to enroll for more than sixteen credits in POS 396, and no more than four credits in POS 396 may be applied toward the requirements for the political science major. Credits will be allowed on the basis of 32 work hours per credit. Pass/Fail only. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing (or consent of instructor) and divisional permission required. POS 396 can be designed for four to sixteen credits. Can be repeated once for credit with prior approval up to maximum sixteen credits. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing (or higher), or approval of instructor. (Pass/Fail only) As needed.                                       



Credit: 4-16

  POS 397 - Independent Study in Government

Independent research into selected problems in government. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies.



Credit: 1-4

  POS 440 - Political Science Capstone Experience

This course is designed to provide a capstone experience for political science major. Students will review the nature of and assess the current direction of the field and produce an original research paper on a topic in Political Science that will be presented in a public forum. Prerequisite(s): Senior Standing. Every Fall.



Credit: 4

  POS 477 - Topics in Political Science

The study of a specialized topic not offered in the usual curriculum. Varies. 



Credit: 2-4

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