200

An in-depth examination of the causes and patterns of modern terrorism and reactions intended to achieve justice. Students will investigate case studies of recent occurrences of terrorism and responses. Central themes will include retribution vs. reconciliation, state-sponsored terrorism, and/or international tribunals.

This course examines politics from a gendered perspective with an emphasis on how gender interacts with race, class and sexuality to impact women as political beings and focuses on women’s political participation in radical social movements.

Credit by exam. An introduction to the U.S. system of government and its policy process. Will explore the foundations and structure of the government, the way in which policy is crafted in the U.S. governmental institutions and other electoral processes including elections.

Prerequisite: Any 3 credits of social science or permission of the instructor. Sophomore standing required. For political science majors, PSCI 203 or PSCI 210 is recommended. This course introduces students to a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods used in political science. Students learn the tools needed to conduct original research. Among the topics to be covered are: survey research, interviewing, content analysis, historical analysis and legal analysis.

An introduction to the methods of comparative inquiry with close examination of select western democracies, communist, post-communist and developing countries. Comparisons of historical processes, governmental institutions and current public policy challenges.

An introduction to the theories and current issues of international relations. Attention given to tension between nationalism and transnationalism and to modern phenomena such as the international economy and the global environment.

The Model United Nations is a national and professional organization that hosts an annual simulation experience in New York City every spring. Participants assume the role of a delegate from another country, craft, and submit position papers. The course provides critical preparation for the simulation experience.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. The MD Student Legislature is a student-run organization that brings together students from Maryland universities to conduct two legislative simulations per semester. Participants assume the role of the legislator, craft and submit legislation and shepherd bills through committee and floor debate. Grading is on S/U basis. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits.

Law and the legal system in the United States. The impact of legal institutions on society. The law as a reflection of political, economic and social values.

An examination of African-American political activity in the 20th century. African-American participation in the U.S. electoral process and the power structure in African-American communities.

Prerequisite: PSCI 203. This course will be a general topics course in political science allowing faculty and students to study particular special interests in politics.