Course Offerings
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- Winter 2024
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Winter 2024▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
American National Government
POL 100 - Uzzell, Lynn E.
A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process.
American National Government
POL 100 - Alexander, Brian N.
A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - Rush, Mark E.
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - Wang, Yicheng (Clyde)
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - Cantey, Joseph M. (Seth)
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 111 - Gray, Stuart J. (Stu)
An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements.
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 111 - Morel, Lucas E.
An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements.
Environmental Policy and Law
POL 233 - Harris, Rebecca C.
A study of major environmental laws and the history of their enactment and implementation. Discusses different theoretical approaches from law, ethics, politics, and economics. Reviews significant case law and the legal context. Emphasis is on domestic policy with some attention to international law and treaties.
European Politics and Society
POL 245 - Jasiewicz, Krzysztof
A comparative analysis of European political systems and social institutions. The course covers the established democracies of western and northern Europe, the new democracies of southern and east-central Europe, and the post-Communist regimes in eastern and southeastern Europe. Mechanisms of European integration are also discussed with attention focused on institutions such as European Union, NATO, OSCE, and Council of Europe.
Race and Equality
POL 250 - Morel, Lucas E.
A study of important black figures in American political thought. The course focuses on the intellectual history of black Americans but also considers contemporary social science and public policies dealing with race in America.
Gender and Politics
POL 255 - LeBlanc, Robin M.
This course investigates the gendered terms under which women and men participate in political life. Attention is given to the causes of men's and women's different patterns of participation in politics, to processes that are likely to decrease the inequalities between men's and women's political power, and the processes by which society's gender expectations shape electoral and institutional politics. The different effects of gender on the practice of politics in different nations are compared, with a special emphasis placed on advanced industrial democracies.
Modern Political Philosophy
POL 266 - Gray, Stuart J. (Stu)
An examination of some of the central questions and concerns of modern political philosophy. The course is not restricted to a historical period but extends to modern themes within contemporary culture. A mixture of plays, novels, epics, dialogues, treatises, and films are used. Authors, texts, and themes vary from year to year.
Special Topics in in American Politics: Creating the U.S. Constitution
POL 295C - Uzzell, Lynn E.
This course both examines and reenacts the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Students will first study the historic debates of the 1787 Convention, focusing on both the theoretical and the pragmatic arguments that framed the structure of our government. Later, in a role-playing game, each student will be assigned an individual character from the historic event, and the class will convene its own 1787 Convention. Once the instruction portion of the course is complete, the game begins and the students take over. Students will frame a constitution through persuasion, compromise, private deals, and parliamentary procedure. By the end of the class, the students/ delegates will vote on a Constitution of their own devising. Outcomes often vary from the actual history, but the historical grounding of the first half of the semester, and the goals of the individual characters, will enable each student to compare the classroom Constitution to the real one.
Seminar: Law and the Judicial Process
POL 342 - Harris, Rebecca C.
A survey of legal theories and the problems of reconciling such theories with the realities of administering a legal system. The course draws upon readings from literature, philosophy, legal scholarship, and political science. Topics include the nature of law and justice, constitutionalism, the role and power of courts and judges, and the function of a legal system.
Seminar in American Political Thought: Slavery & the Constitution
POL 370B - Uzzell, Lynn E.
According to some people, the Framers of the Constitution deliberately constructed a government that would preserve and protect slavery. However, others claim that "the foundation of our Republic," including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, "planted the seeds of the death of slavery in America." According to this narrative, even the Constitution's compromises "set the stage for abolition." Who's right? Or is the truth more complicated than either of these competing narratives? This course will explore the influence of the institution of slavery on the making of the U.S. Constitution and the influence of the U.S. Constitution on the institution of slavery. Through research into primary documents and classroom discussion, this class will not merely examine the darker side of America's history; we will also explore the enduring questions: how do statesmen solve the the most difficult moral, political, and legal problems?
Seminar in Global Politics: Immigration Attitudes
POL 380D - Ponce de Leon Seijas, Zoila
An examination of immigration attitudes in Europe, the United States, and Latin America. When and why do individuals choose to migrate to a different country? How do natives of the receiving country react to immigration and form preferences on the issue depending on their socio-economic and political context? The study of immigration has received a lot of attention in recent times as a consequence of the increased political salience of the topic. We examine the different factors that determine immigration attitudes in European countries and the United States, as well as the transportability of these explanatory factors to other regions of the world, such as Latin America. Immigration has become a pressing issue in this region, as the flow of people to countries outside the region has reduced since the 2000s while immigration across Latin American countries has increased.
Architecture of Urban Community
POL 388 - LeBlanc, Robin M.
This seminar investigates the literal and social architecture of democratic community in cities around the globe, examining how the physical spaces and political and economic power structures of urban life support or constrain the civic relationships of residents of varying backgrounds and unequal socioeconomic positions, shaping citizens' opportunities for collective empowerment and self-determination. Course addresses issues of poverty, exclusion, and environmental limits.
Directed Individual Study: Electoral Dynamics and Modeling
POL 403D - Alexander, Brian N.
This course permits a student to follow a program of directed reading, library research, or data collection and analysis in some area not covered in other courses.
Washington Term Orientation
POL 465 - Alexander, Brian N.
Graded Pass/Fail only. This orientation prepares students to succeed in the W&L Washington Term Program. The weekly class consists of discussion, lectures, guest speakers, and reading assignments that help students hit the ground running as policy professionals and public intellectuals in Washington, DC, during Spring Term. Limited to and required for students permitted to enroll in POL 466 Washington Term during Spring Term.
Fall 2023▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
American National Government
POL 100 - Uzzell, Lynn E.
A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process.
American National Government
POL 100 - Harris, Rebecca C.
A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - LeBlanc, Robin M.
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - Strong, Robert A. (Bob)
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - Ponce de Leon Seijas, Zoila
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 111 - Gray, Stuart J. (Stu)
An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements.
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 111 - Morel, Lucas E.
An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements.
FS: First-Year Seminar: The Future of Law and Democracy: Global Challenges
POL 180A - Rush, Mark E.
First-year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-Year class standing only. An introduction to legal conceptions of rights, justice and democracy, examining how contemporary challenges (such as climate change, pandemics, technology, inequality) render such conceptions inadequate in the 21st century. In this class we will reconsider their scope, rearticulate their meaning, and reimagine liberalism and democracy.
State and Local Government
POL 203 - Finch, Kevin D.
An introduction to the structures and functions of United States subnational governments, with particular emphasis on the policy-making process and on the relationships between policy makers and the public. Computer-assisted analysis of survey-research data is included.
Public Policy
POL 232 - Harris, Rebecca C.
Introduction to public policy formation and implementation, decision making in government, the concepts and techniques of policy analysis, and ethical analysis of policy. Policy issues such as education, immigration, and public health are used as illustrations.
The Presidency
POL 235 - Alexander, Brian N.
A review of the origins and development of the office of the presidency from Washington to the present, with an emphasis on post-war administrations. Topics include constitutional issues arising from presidential powers, policy making within the executive branch, and modern presidential leadership styles.
POL246-03/SOAN246-03 Post-Communism and New Democracies
POL 246 - Jasiewicz, Krzysztof
Same as SOAN 246. A comparative analysis of transition from Communism in the countries of the former Soviet bloc. Cases of successful and unsuccessful transitions to civil society, pluralist democracy, and market economy are examined. The comparative framework includes analysis of transition from non-Communist authoritarianism and democratic consolidation in selected countries of Latin America, the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and South Africa.
Topic: Contemporary Chinese Politics
POL 296E - Wang, Yicheng (Clyde)
This course will examine the development of the Chinese state and society in contemporary China, especially since the 1990s. Key questions to be studied include: What are the key features and principles of contemporary Chinese politics? What are the main challenges facing China’s political system? How has the political authority responded? How are these responses received by the society? What is the relationship between economic development and political transformation? How does Chinese state politics impact different social groups and/or social actors? What are the roles of different social actors in Chinese politics? What are their relationships with the political authority/authorities? The course will approach these questions by weaving historical facts and analytical explanations together and ask questions concerning the nature of the party-state, basic principles of state-society interactions, and finally, how these principles have changed or not changed over the three decades and more.
Seminar in American Political Thought: Thomas Jefferson
POL 370A - Alexander, Brian N.
An examination of classic themes and current issues in American political thought. Depending on the instructor, emphases may include the Federalists, Anti-Federalists, Alexis de Tocqueville, Abraham Lincoln, and voices from the Progressive and civil rights eras. Course readings stress primary sources including speeches, essays, and books by politicians and theorists. The course explores the effort to reconcile liberty and equality, individualism and community, liberalism and republicanism, politics and religion, among other themes. The course highlights the contemporary relevance of the enduring tensions between political principles and practice.
Seminar in Middle Eastern Politics
POL 384 - Cantey, Joseph M. (Seth)
This course examines contemporary politics in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Topics include the role of colonial legacies in state formation, the region's democratic deficit, nationalism, sectarianism, and the influence of religion in politics. We explore inter- and intrastate conflict, including the use of terrorism, economic development and underdevelopment, and the recent Arab uprisings (commonly referred to as the Arab Spring). Throughout, we consider why the Middle East attracts as much attention from policymakers and scholars as it does, how analysts have studied the region across time and space, and why understanding different cultural perspectives is critical to understanding the region.
Seminar: Freedom
POL 385 - Gray, Stuart J. (Stu)
An examination of differing conceptions of political and individual freedom in the modern world. We explore the political thought of thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, Michel Foucault, and Emma Goldman. Students analyze the meaning of freedom through novels and/or short stories, including the work of authors such as Jonathan Franzen and Franz Kafka. Key questions include the meaning and ends of freedom, its conditions, and connections between personal and political articulations of freedom.
Directed Individual Study: Immigration Law and Policy
POL 401B - Ponce de Leon Seijas, Zoila
This course will evaluate the examination of qualifications for asylum and positive exercise of discretion, bars to asylum, and the legal protocol for asylum application. It will also examine the social and political factors contributing to the Afghan Refugee crisis
Spring 2023▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
The Maghreb: History, Culture, and Politics
POL 287 - Cantey, Joseph M. (Seth)
This course examines the history, culture, and politics of the Maghreb, and especially the Kingdom of Morocco. After a few days in Lexington, most of the course is based in the old cities of Rabat and Fez, the latter a UNESCO world-heritage site and home to the oldest continually operating university in the world. We take field trips to the blue city of Chefchouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and Africa's largest mosque in Casablanca. Throughout the course, students explore the region's political history, including the influence of imperialism and Islam on politics, gender relations in North Africa, Morocco's relationship with the United States, and more.
Topics in Politics and Film: Police on Film
POL 292A - Lester, Quinn
Cops and Criminals, G-men and gangsters, detectives and serial killers. Throughout the history of film, there has been a fascination with the police officer, his duties, and his adventures in the criminal underworld. Through TV shows like Cops, Law & Order, and CSI, police have also been eager participants in creating stories about their profession. Yet how closely do media depictions match with the daily life of the cop? How does film influence public opinion on policing, and how has that influence changed over the 20th century to today? This course asks such questions through critically watching movies and television about the police, as well as investigating the criminal justice scholarship about them. Students will both be introduced to the police as the most essential function of American government and the most popular protagonist in the stories we tell about government.
Spring-Term Topics in Public Policy: Food Policy
POL 294A - Harris, Rebecca C.
Students with interest in or majoring in politics, economics, business, environmental studies, public health, or poverty are encouraged to take the course. An introduction to the institutions and politics of U.S. food, nutrition, and farm policy. Major considerations include farm and food-policy history, USDA policy tools, and political issues. Specific topics focus on the farm bill (economics and conservation), poverty and nutrition programs, and food-industry regulation. Students engage in a community-based research project working with Rockbridge County Extension Office on current nutrition programming.
Special Topics in American Politics: Future of Democracy
POL 295G - Strong, Robert A. (Bob)
This special topic seminar will engage students on a range of issues related to current debates regarding the future of democratic governments. The course will begin with classic readings on the foundations of modern democracy, including excerpts from political philosophers, the Federalist Papers, and other documents in American political history. Class discussion will then shift to assessments of democratic governance around the world with selected readings from contemporary observers such as Anne Applebaum, Francis Fukuyama, and Richard Haass. This will be followed by discussions of partisanship, gridlock and populism in American politics and a consideration of the special challenges to democratic leadership in an age of social media and instant communication. Evaluation will be based on essays responding to topics and issues raised in class discussions.
Special Topics in American Politics: Rhetoric in American Politics
POL 295H - Uzzell, Lynn E.
This course explores the function and importance of rhetoric within American politics. It will consider the purpose of rhetoric in a republican form of government; how the structure of America’s Constitution was meant to foster rhetoric and deliberation; and how technological developments – such as television and the internet – have changed the meaning or use of rhetoric in America. Students will also study how Aristotle classified and critiqued the various kinds of speeches, and that understanding will inform our examination of some of the most important political oratory in American history. The course will be conducted in a seminar setting, which will combine both a lecture and a discussion format.
Special Topics in Global Politics: International Political Economy
POL 296C - Lee, Inyeop
This course introduces students to the study of international political economy and critically examines globalization as a dominant trend in the 21st century. The first part of the semester will explore major theoretical approaches to analyze international political economy, such as realism, liberalism, and critical theory, etc. To apply the theory to practice, we will use The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy textbook as a case study that represents specialization and division of labor in production, distribution, and consumption of goods on a global scale. Then we will discuss key issues of globalization and international political economy such as international economic organizations, trade relations, regionalism, multinational corporations, international development, global financial instabilities and economic crises, U.S. economic hegemony, and the U.S.-China trade war, etc., using some textbooks like Bad Samaritans and Trade is not a four letter word.
Special Topics in Global Politics: Ukraine-Russia
POL 296D - Yalowitz, Kenneth
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 showed that the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 is still unfolding with effects that will long be felt in the warring states and Europe. What prompted the Russian attack and how has the war unfolded? Why did diplomacy not prevent the outbreak and what are the prospects for a diplomatic solution? How is the war affecting President Putin’s control of power in Russia? Has Western solidarity held up and why? Finally, what are the implications for future European security? The course will include readings on the conduct of diplomacy and a diplomatic simulation exercise in which students will participate in an international conference dealing with a crisis related to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Washington Term Program
POL 466 - Alexander, Brian N.
The Washington Term Program aims to enlarge students' understanding of national politics and governance. Combining academic study with practical experience in the setting of a government office, think tank, or other organization in Washington, it affords deeper insight into the processes and problems of government at the national level. A member of the politics faculty is the resident director, supervising students enrolled in this program while they are in Washington, D.C.