POLS 1010. Topics In: First-Year Seminar. 3 Credits.

Intensive first-year seminar focused on specific themes and/or disciplinary perspectives. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. First-year seminars are frequently organized to meet one of the disciplinary Catamount Core requirements. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Catamount Core: S1, WIL1.

POLS 1012. FYS Intro to Political Theory. 3 Credits.

Intensive first-year seminar focused on basic problems in political philosophy, e.g. morality and law; punishment; freedom; equality; obligation and disobedience. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. Catamount Core: AH3, GC2.

POLS 1013. FYS US Political System. 3 Credits.

Intensive first-year seminar focused on institutions, processes, and problems of American government. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. Catamount Core: S1, WIL1.

POLS 1015. FYS Intro Int'l Relations. 3 Credits.

Intensive first-year seminar focused on the major theories of international relations, important concepts in the study of international relations, dilemmas leaders face when formulating foreign policies, and current international events. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. Catamount Core: S1, WIL1.

POLS 1017. FYS Comparative World Politics. 3 Credits.

Intensive first-year seminar focused on the study and comparison of domestic politics across countries, considering questions such as why some countries are democratic and others authoritarian or why some countries are poor and others wealthier. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. Catamount Core: S1.

POLS 1020. Topics In: LASP Writing. 3 Credits.

Intensive course in a broad disciplinary area (humanities, social sciences, arts, or natural sciences). Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Co-requisite: Enrollment in the appropriate Liberal Arts Scholars Program.

POLS 1025. Topics In: LASP Seminar. 3 Credits.

Intensive course in a broad disciplinary area (humanities, social sciences, arts, or natural sciences). Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Co-requisite: Enrollment in the appropriate Liberal Arts Scholars Program.

POLS 1026. LASP: Global Gender Inequality. 4 Credits.

Intensive course in the social sciences examining the causes of dramatic variations in the status of women in different countries. Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. Co-requisite: Enrollment in Liberal Arts Scholars Program for Social Science Scholars. Catamount Core: GC1, QD, WIL1.

POLS 1200. Intro to Political Theory. 3 Credits.

Examination of basic problems in political philosophy, e.g. morality and law; punishment; freedom; equality; obligation and disobedience. Credit not awarded for both POLS 1200 and POLS 1012. Catamount Core: AH3, GC2.

POLS 1300. US Political System. 3 Credits.

Institutions, processes, and problems of American government. Credit not awarded for both POLS 1300 and POLS 1013. Catamount Core: S1.

POLS 1500. Intro International Relations. 3 Credits.

Examines the major theories of international relations, important concepts in the study of international relations (such as the balance of power and democratic peace theory), dilemmas leaders face when formulating foreign policies, and current international events. Credit not awarded for both POLS 1500 and POLS 1015. Catamount Core: GC1, S1.

POLS 1700. Comparative World Politics. 3 Credits.

An examination of questions such as why some countries are democratic and others authoritarian, and why some countries are poor and others wealthier, through the study and comparison of political institutions and patterns of interaction across countries. Credit not awarded for both POLS 1700 and POLS 1017. Catamount Core: S1.

POLS 1990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.

Introductory courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

POLS 2200. Topics In Political Theory. 3 Credits.

Intermediate courses on topics in political theory beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. May be repeated for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: POLS 1012 or POLS 1200.

POLS 2211. History of Political Thought 1. 3 Credits.

Development of Western political thought from Plato to Aquinas. Prerequisite: POLS 1012 or POLS 1200.

POLS 2212. History of Political Thought 2. 3 Credits.

Modern political thought from Machiavelli to Nietzsche. Prerequisite: POLS 1012 or POLS 1200. Catamount Core: AH3.

POLS 2215. 20th Cen Political Thought. 3 Credits.

Examination of selected major works by the leading political thinkers of the twentieth century. Prerequisite: POLS 1012 or POLS 1200.

POLS 2220. American Political Thought. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the main currents of political thought in America today (including liberalism, conservatism, libertarianism, and more), considering their moral and philosophical foundations and investigating them in historical perspective. Prerequisite: POLS 1012 or POLS 1200. Catamount Core: AH3.

POLS 2230. Democratic Theory. 3 Credits.

Exploration of the nature of democracy and the growing crises confronting democratic institutions today. Students will examine both recent debates in democratic theory and classical sources of democratic ideas. Prerequisite: POLS 1012 or POLS 1200. Catamount Core: AH3, GC2.

POLS 2240. Economic Justice. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the most important ethical debates about our economy. To make questions of economic justice vivid and evocative, includes the application of principles learned to cases about access to higher education, meritocracy, workers' rights, complicity in sweatshops, the impact of economic inequality on democracy, a universal basic income, and other topics. Prerequisite: POLS 1200 or POLS 1012.

POLS 2300. Topics in US Govt/Law. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning the American political system, with special focus on institutional and legal issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013.

POLS 2301. Congress. 3 Credits.

Examination of the history of Congress and its current practices that can lead to landmark legislation or dysfunction. Considers the structure of both chambers, the motivations of individual members, and congressional interactions with the other branches, outside groups, and voters on matters of foreign and domestic policy. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013.

POLS 2305. Presidential Leadership. 3 Credits.

Explores the experiences of American presidents with attention to the characteristics, attributes, and values that shaped their successes and failures. Examination of topics such as how history and politics inform predictions of presidential success or failure; the difference between transactional and transformative leaderships; and what role conflict and setbacks play in developing leaders. Prerequisite: POLS 1013 or POLS 1300. Catamount Core: WIL2.

POLS 2315. Law & Politics. 3 Credits.

Examination of the U.S. courts focusing on the legal and political factors that influence court action, and judicial action that affects public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013. Catamount Core: S1.

POLS 2320. Const Law: Government Powers. 3 Credits.

Emphasis on developing skills of legal analysis. Historical origins and general principles of constitutionalism. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013. Catamount Core: S1.

POLS 2329. Const Law: Civil Liberties. 3 Credits.

Investigation of the Supreme Court's interpretation of the First Amendment, rights of the accused, and the right to privacy. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013.

POLS 2370. Const Law: Civil Rights Amer. 3 Credits.

Critical examination of the role of the judiciary in enforcing the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause and other equality-related constitutional provisions. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013. Cross-listed with: CRES 2873. Catamount Core: D1, S1.

POLS 2400. Topics in US Politics. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning the American political system. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013.

POLS 2430. Political Parties & Elections. 3 Credits.

Analysis of U.S. political parties and elections, including partisan realignments throughout history, campaign technology, and voting for president and Congress. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013. Catamount Core: S1.

POLS 2440. Politics and Media. 3 Credits.

Exploration of the role of media in democracy. Subjects include how media operate in the United States and how media presentation and interpretation of events affect democracy through shaping public opinion, affecting political institutions, and determining public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013. Catamount Core: S1.

POLS 2450. LGBT Politics and History. 3 Credits.

Explores the history, strategies, conflicts, and issues surrounding the various movements advancing the claims of LGBT rights, as well as the roles LGBTQ people play as participants in American politics and culture. Prerequisite: POLS 1300, POLS 1013, GSWS 1500, GSWS 1010, or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: GSWS 2070. Catamount Core: D2.

POLS 2455. The Politics of Sex. 3 Credits.

The evolution of sexual politics within the United States. Includes examinations of shifting debates over marriage, reproduction, abortion, LGBT rights, sex education, and teen sexuality. Prerequisite: POLS 1300, POLS 1013, GSWS 1500, or GSWS 1010. Cross-listed with: GSWS 2765.

POLS 2460. US Environmental Politics. 3 Credits.

Environmental and natural resources politics in the American context. Analysis of the environmental movement and political theories, issues, processes, and institutions. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013. Cross-listed with: ENVS 2460. Catamount Core: S1, SU.

POLS 2470. Political Construction of Race. 3 Credits.

Study of the ways political institutions and processes have built race in the United States by employing specific terminology, identifying and policing racial categories, and creating changing definitions of what race actually is. Readings include court cases, census documents, and congressional materials, in addition to secondary scholarship. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013. Cross-listed with: CRES 2871. Catamount Core: D1.

POLS 2500. Topics in Int'l Relations. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning international relations and the international system. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: POLS 1500 or POLS 1015.

POLS 2510. International Security. 3 Credits.

Theoretical and empirical examination of the security of the international system and the states within it, with particular emphasis on twenty-first century security challenges. Prerequisite: POLS 1500 or POLS 1015. Catamount Core: GC1.

POLS 2525. Int'l Politics Middle East. 3 Credits.

Survey of the politics of the Middle East since World War II. Includes sessions on specific countries, discussions of topics ranging from democratization to terrorism to social media use, and debate on current policy dilemmas in the region. Prerequisite: POLS 1500 or POLS 1015. Catamount Core: D2, S1.

POLS 2530. International Pol Economy. 3 Credits.

Examination of the major theories in international political economy. Specific topics include trade, finance, development, foreign direct investment, and the multinational corporation. Prerequisite: POLS 1500, POLS 1015, or ECON 1400. Catamount Core: GC1, QD, S1.

POLS 2560. Int'l Environmental Governance. 3 Credits.

Examination of official and informal processes and institutions that have developed among, across, and beyond nation states for global environmental governance. Prerequisite: POLS 1500 or POLS 1015. Cross-listed with: ENVS 2462.

POLS 2600. Topics in Global Politics. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning the interaction between national and international politics. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: POLS 1500, POLS 1015, POLS 1700, or POLS 1017.

POLS 2610. Global Politics of Food. 3 Credits.

Investigation of food in the development of political hierarchy, the state system, industrial capitalism, economic development, environmental issues, health and diet, and the politics of identity and difference. Analyzes our food system and grapples with pressing questions about the future of food using comparative politics and international relations concepts and theories. Prerequisite: POLS 1500, POLS 1015, POLS 1700, or POLS 1017. Catamount Core: QD, SU.

POLS 2615. Terrorism & Counterterrorism. 3 Credits.

Overview of scholarly research on terrorism and counterterrorism efforts, engagement with debates on the appropriateness of the term terrorism, information on terrorist movements (both historical and contemporary), and a discussion of policy responses to terrorism. Prerequisite: POLS 1500, POLS 1015, POLS 1700, or POLS 1017. Catamount Core: D2, GC1, S1.

POLS 2700. Topics in Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics in the field of comparative politics. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: POLS 1700 or POLS 1017.

POLS 2710. Russian Politics. 3 Credits.

Examines the nature of politics and the development of post-Soviet social and economic institutions in Russia. Prerequisite: POLS 1700 or POLS 1017. Catamount Core: D2, S1.

POLS 2715. Japanese Politics. 3 Credits.

Institutions, processes, and problems of government in Japan. Prerequisite: POLS 1700 or POLS 1017. Catamount Core: D2, S1.

POLS 2720. Latin American Politics. 3 Credits.

Comparative examination of selected Latin American political systems. Prerequisite: POLS 1700, POLS 1017, HST 1475, SPAN 3665, or SPAN 3670. Catamount Core: D2, GC1, S1.

POLS 2725. African Politics. 3 Credits.

Development of differing political systems in African countries located south of the Sahara and north of South Africa. Prerequisite: POLS 1700, POLS 1017, or one course in African Studies. Catamount Core: D2, GC1.

POLS 2800. Social Research Methods. 4 Credits.

Introduction to research methods in social science. Includes examination of research design, measurement, data collection, data analysis, and the presentation and theoretical interpretation of research findings. Prerequisites: STAT 1050, STAT 1110, STAT 1410, or higher; three hours of Sociology or Political Science; minimum Sophomore standing. Cross-listed with: SOC 2500. Catamount Core: QD.

POLS 2990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

POLS 2993. Independent Study. 1-18 Credits.

A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.

POLS 2994. Teaching Assistantship. 1-3 Credits.

Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.

POLS 2995. Undergraduate Research. 1-18 Credits.

Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.

POLS 3200. Topics in Pol Theory Seminar. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning political theory in a seminar format. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: POLS 1200 or POLS 1012; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.

POLS 3230. Ethics and Public Policy. 3 Credits.

Explores some of the most difficult moral questions that confront citizens and policymakers today. Topics include the ethics of war and torture, abortion and euthanasia, hate speech, immigration, and other related issues. Prerequisites: POLS 1200 or POLS 1012; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.

POLS 3280. Global Justice. 3 Credits.

Addresses normative political theory that asks what obligations, if any, citizens and their states have internationally. Topics include human rights, immigration, global poverty, humanitarian military intervention, and more. Prerequisite: POLS 1200 or POLS 1012; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.

POLS 3300. Topics in US Govt/Law Seminar. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning the American political system, with special focus on institutional and legal issues in a seminar format. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.

POLS 3350. Gender and Law. 3 Credits.

Examination of the interaction between gender and law in American society. Topics covered include workplace law, family law, and personal autonomy. Prerequisites: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level. Cross-listed with: GSWS 3765.

POLS 3400. Topics in US Politics Seminar. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning the American political system in a seminar format. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.

POLS 3430. Topics in Public Opinion. 3 Credits.

An examination of the quality and sophistication of public attitudes, as well as the motivations that underlie political participation and electoral choice. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level. Catamount Core: WIL2.

POLS 3440. Pol Effects of Entertain Media. 3 Credits.

Investigates the relationship between popular film, TV, books, and/or video games and people's perspectives on politics. Prerequisite: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level; minimum Junior standing. Catamount Core: QD, S1.

POLS 3490. Health Politics and Policy. 3 Credits.

Exploration of the paradoxes in the US health care system and how they shape the delivery of health care in America's unique federal system. Examines the motivations and behavior of voters, medical providers, and elected officials tasked with reforming a system that was not designed by a central planner. Prerequisites: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013; three hours in Political Science, HSOC 1600, or SOC 1300.

POLS 3500. Topics in IR Seminar. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning international relations and the international system in a seminar format. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: POLS 1500 or POLS 1015; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.

POLS 3515. Religion, War, and Peace. 3 Credits.

Religion is an inescapable part of world politics. Surveys theoretical concerns and case studies on religion's role in conflict. Includes a close reading of important works in the study of religion, war, and peace. Prerequisites: POLS 1015 or POLS 1500; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level. Catamount Core: GC1, S1, WIL2.

POLS 3600. Topics in Global Pol Seminar. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning the interaction between national and international politics in a seminar format. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: POLS 1015, POLS 1017, POLS 1500, or POLS 1700; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.

POLS 3610. Ethnopolitical Conflict. 3 Credits.

Examination of ethnic conflict in post-Soviet states, including Russia, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Estonia, and Kyrgyzstan. Considers the consequences of Soviet federalism and nationalities policy and moves between theories of nationalism and ethnic conflict and case studies to apply theory to empirics. Prerequisites: POLS 1015, POLS 1017, POLS 1500, or POLS 1700; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level. Catamount Core: S1.

POLS 3700. Topics in Comp Pol Seminar. 3 Credits.

Examines varied topics concerning comparative politics in a seminar format. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: POLS 1700 or POLS 1017; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.

POLS 3710. The Struggle for Democracy. 3 Credits.

Both new and established democracies face challenges as strongmen and populist leaders chip away at civil liberties, the rule of law, and free and fair elections. An examination of the factors that drive this process and shape the susceptibility of societies to democratic decline, as well as how backsliding might be resisted. Prerequisites: POLS 1700 or POLS 1017; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level. Catamount Core: GC1, S1, WIL2.

POLS 3730. Mexican Politics. 3 Credits.

An in-depth examination of the Mexican political system. Topics will include an overview of Mexican history, one-party authoritarian rule, democratization, and political economy. Prerequisites: (POLS 1700 or POLS 1017) and three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level; or appropriate Global and Regional Studies background. Catamount Core: D2, GC1, WIL2.

POLS 3990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.

Advanced courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

POLS 3993. Independent Study. 1-18 Credits.

A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.

POLS 3994. Teaching Assistantship. 1-3 Credits.

Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.

POLS 3995. Undergraduate Research. 1-18 Credits.

Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.

POLS 4310. VT Legislative Research Srvc. 3 Credits.

Involves students in policy research for the Vermont State Legislature on a wide range of topics, including the environment, health, and welfare. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Catamount Core: S1, WIL2.

POLS 4800. Senior Honors Seminar. 3 Credits.

Examination of major contemporary research topics in political science. Admission by invitation only. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

POLS 4990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.

Advanced courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

POLS 4996. Honors. 1-6 Credits.

College honors thesis or other department/program honors, under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered at department discretion.