Political Science
Department Website:
https://www.haverford.edu/political-science
The Political Science Department seeks to address issues of power, citizenship, government, and justice in the United States and throughout the world by studying the diversity of political life and thought in our own age and in the past. Our goal is to provide students with a deep understanding of the core concepts and practices of politics and government while developing the analytical, research, and writing skills that enable them to think critically and creatively about existing structures of power and privilege. In doing so, we hope to nurture a lifelong fascination and engagement with the political realm.
Haverford’s program is designed to provide an understanding of how and why decisions are made. For many students this knowledge serves as the foundation for participation in public affairs and the shaping of the policies that affect their communities and their personal lives. Many majors choose to go on to law school. Many others choose to go into government service, journalism, teaching, or community organizing, among other career pathways. Given that most of our classes are small enough to allow ample discussion and dialogue, students leave Haverford well equipped for those continuing discussions that determine the quality of life in our society.
Learning Goals
The Political Science Department provides students with an opportunity to explore politics and government from multiple vantage points—at the grassroots, the nation-state, and the global community—and from a variety of theoretical, conceptual, comparative, historical, and experiential perspectives.
We aim to:
- provide students with a broad background in the discipline of political science, including its multiple methods and subfields as well as substantive knowledge (i.e., facts, concepts, theories, etc.) about different debates and topics within the discipline.
- guide students so they can make pathways through the curriculum in ways that reflect an accumulation of learning and that help them develop a greater level of mastery over at least one body of scholarship within political science.
- cultivate critical, analytic and synthetic thinking about local, national, international and transnational politics, as well as about the nature of political power, governance, citizenship, and justice.
- help students acquire the skills of communication, collaboration, and listening necessary for effective participation within an intellectual community.
- train students to carry out sustained independent research.
- prepare students to become informed and reflective citizens who are knowledgeable about the forces that shape political life.
Haverford’s Institutional Learning Goals are available on the President’s website, at http://hav.to/learninggoals.
Curriculum
We offer courses in the five subfields of political science at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. We coordinate our offerings with those at Bryn Mawr in order to provide a wide range of subjects.
Courses fall into the following five subfields:
- American Politics (A): major institutions; bureaucracy; discrimination; urban politics and urban policy; and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class in relation to American politics.
- Comparative Politics (C): politics and governments throughout the world; women and politics; comparative political economy; human rights; civil war and revolution; and transitions to democracy.
- International Relations (I): international political economy and international security; the state system; international organizations; causes of war, terrorism, peace-building, and reconciliation; and American foreign policy.
- Globalization and Global Governance (G): cosmopolitan theory; democracy and global governance; capitalism and its critics; global economy; global civil society and global justice movements.
- Political Theory (T): justice, equality, and liberty; power, authority, and order; democratic theory; American political thought; feminist theory; and politics and culture.
Major Requirements
- Two of the following 100-level courses to enter the major: POLS H121, POLS H131, POLS H151, POLS H161, and POLS H171. These courses must represent two different subfields.
- Six elective courses taken above the 100 level. No more than four of the elective courses for the major may come from institutions outside of the Tri-Co.
- A 300-level research seminar, taken in the department during the fall semester of the senior year. (This is in addition to the six elective courses described above.)
- A combination of introductory and elective courses that includes representation of three of the five subfields, with work at the intermediate or advanced level in at least two subfields.
- Students may count some courses in either of the two subfields but not in both.
- With the consent of a member of the department, students may substitute two or three intermediate- or advanced-level courses from another department for the third subfield, where this serves to complement and strengthen the student’s work within the department. For example, a student concentrating in international politics might offer international economics courses as a subfield; a student in comparative politics might offer courses in an area study; a student in political theory might offer social and political philosophy courses; or a student in American politics might offer social policy courses. Students can count such substitutions towards fulfilling the subfield requirement only. They cannot count these towards political science course credit and cannot use them to fulfill the introductory, elective, and seminar requirements outlined above.
- All senior majors write a thesis and complete an oral defense of the thesis through enrollment in POLS H400.
Senior Project
The senior thesis represents the capstone of the political science major. It is a year-long independent research project designed and implemented by each senior political science major with the guidance and support of an assigned thesis advisor. Students receive one credit for an advanced-level seminar in the fall semester of their senior year. With few exceptions, this seminar is taken with the student’s thesis advisor. During the fall semester seminar students select a research topic, formulate a research question, begin acquiring conceptual and theoretical sophistication through a comprehensive review of the relevant scholarly literature, and prepare a thesis proposal or research design. This proposal will guide each student’s original research during the spring semester. Near the end of the fall semester seniors submit their thesis proposals to all members of the department and present their thesis proposals before the department faculty and fellow students. These proposal defenses are intended to provide students with useful critical feedback during the fall semester when there is still time to make major adjustments to the project if necessary. They are also intended to build an esprit de corps among majors while giving them valuable experience with oral presentation and public accountability.
In the spring semester students register for POLS H400, a supervised research and writing course. During this semester, students conduct independent research and write up their findings with the guidance and feedback of their advisor. Throughout the spring semester students meet regularly with their thesis advisor and submit drafts of thesis chapters to their advisor. After students submit their final written theses in April, they are required to give a 30-minute oral defense of their theses to their advisor and at least one other political science faculty member in early May.
Senior Project Learning Goals
The goal of the thesis is to promote the ongoing acquisition of research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to carry out extensive projects independently and consistent with the highest standards of excellence. Most students writing a thesis will identify an interesting and important research question, explore how other scholars have attempted to address that question, and devise a viable research plan. Students who choose to concentrate in political theory pursue normative research and focus on interpretation and analysis of philosophical texts. Students are expected to conduct their own research, often using both primary and secondary sources, and to evaluate how their findings relate to existing scholarship in the field.
Senior Project Assessment
Students are assessed based upon their proposal, their written thesis, their oral defense, and their performance throughout the thesis process. They are evaluated according to several criteria, including:
- their conceptualization of a research question.
- their ability to effectively and concisely present their argument and findings.
- their ability to draw conclusions and extensions of their research to broader arenas.
- their engagement with secondary material and use of primary sources.
- their ability to identify, critique, develop, and apply core concepts and theories.
- their ability to obtain a basic understanding of research methodologies.
- their ability to comprehend and respond to questioning.
- the quality and organization of their writing.
- the timely submission of work and responsiveness to feedback.
- the originality of their ideas and the ambition of their project.
- the breadth of their knowledge related to their thesis topic.
- the depth of their knowledge related to their thesis topic.
- their comprehension of the scope and limitations of their own research.
During the fall semester, students receive feedback from their professor and their peers on various assignments that often include a combination of the following: thesis proposal, annotated bibliography and literature review. The presentation of the thesis proposal in the fall semester is an opportunity for members in the department other than the advisor to weigh in on and evaluate a student’s progress. The feedback received in the fall from fellow students and the department faculty at the thesis proposal defense is beneficial for students as they move ahead with their projects in the spring.
Throughout the spring semester students receive feedback from their thesis advisor through regular meetings and comments on thesis drafts. The schedule for the submission of drafts and individual meetings in the spring semester is determined by the student and his/her advisor. Prior to the oral defense of the thesis in May each student submits a thesis abstract. This abstract is an important element of the defense in that it is designed to serve as a succinct overview of the thesis argument and methodology. The defense is attended by the student, the thesis advisor, and one other member of the department faculty. After the defense, the two faculty members discuss the student’s project and overall performance. Ultimate responsibility for grading of the thesis (POLS H400) belongs to the supervising faculty member.
Requirements for Honors
The department awards honors to senior majors who have demonstrated excellence in their coursework in political science and their senior thesis. The department may grant high honors to a select number of senior majors who have attained an outstanding level of distinction in their political science courses and senior thesis.
Affiliated Faculty
Craig BorowiakProfessor of Political Science
Jack Hasler
Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science
Shannan Hayes
Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science
Anita Isaacs
The Benjamin Collins 1920 Professor of Social Science; Professor of Political Science
Jeffrey Lamken
Visiting Professor of Political Science
Steve McGovern
Professor and Chair of Political Science
Barak Mendelsohn
Professor of Political Science
Zachary Oberfield
Professor of Political Science
Giri Parameswaran
Associate Professor and Chair of Economics
Joshua Ramey
Visiting Assistant Professor of Peace, Justice, and Human Rights
Hannah Solomon-Strauss
Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science
Susanna Wing
Professor of Political Science
Courses
POLS H121 AMERICAN POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Hannah Solomon-Strauss
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course examines the dynamics of the political process as seen in the Congress, the Presidency, and the judiciary. It also focuses on the roles that interest groups, public opinion, the media, and political parties and elections play in the American political system.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H131 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Anita Isaacs
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
An introduction to basic concepts and themes in comparative politics analyzed through case studies. Themes include political authority and governance structures; political culture and identity politics; political participation and representation; and political economy.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H151 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Barak Mendelsohn
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course offers an introduction to the study of international politics. It considers examples from history and addresses contemporary issues, while introducing and evaluating the political theories that have been used by scholars to explain those events. The principal goal of the course is to develop a general set of analytical approaches that can be used to gain insight into the nature of world politics – past, present and future.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H161 GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY: STATES, MARKETS, AND PEOPLE IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION (1.0 Credit)
Craig Borowiak
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course serves as an introduction to Global Political Economy (GPE). It not only surveys fundamental GPE concepts but also delves into international economic institutions and critical problem areas. Following an exploration of key theoretical approaches, emphasis will be placed on diverse GPE topics, such as trade, multinational corporations, finance, development, environment, and issues related to food and hunger. The primary focus is on economic globalization and its implications for the state and society. Additionally, case studies on various topics will facilitate discussions on different approaches and policy options in GPE.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H171 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY (1.0 Credit)
Shannan Hayes
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
An introduction to central concepts of political life through exploring the questions and problems surrounding democratic freedom, power, authority and citizenship. Reading from ancient, modern, and contemporary sources, literary as well as philosophical, American as well as European, will be included.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H205 BORDERS, IMMIGRATION, AND CITIZENSHIP (1.0 Credit)
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
A survey of contemporary theories of citizenship, borders and immigration. We will ask who should be a member of a political community, and whether states have a right to exclude immigrants. The course will draw examples from current events. Prerequisite(s): One Intro Political Science course, or instructor consent
POLS H208 POLITICAL THOUGHT IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH: THE CASE OF LATIN AMERICA (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
What impact did the conquest and colonization of the Americas have on modern political thought? How did European thinkers describe Indigenous peoples, and how did they deploy the figure of “the native” in their works? In this course, we will take a critical approach to canonical thinkers such Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau by focusing on how they approached issues of colonialism and Indigeneity. Drawing on insights from Indigenous, Black, and postcolonial theory we will explore how prominent issues in modern political thought (including theories of freedom, the social contract, natural law, progress, and individual rights) look different from vantage points outside of Europe. We will have a particular emphasis on works from and about Latin America. The course is broken up into three major sections. First, we begin with a selection of works that provide a framework for thinking about colonialism, race, and modernity. We then turn to a selection of canonical works in modern political thought, each paired with a contemporary piece of analysis. Finally, we end with a series of broader thematic readings on capitalism, liberalism, sovereignty, and modernity.
POLS H213 SEPARATION OF POWERS AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (1.0 Credit)
Jeffrey Lamken
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
The U.S. Constitution establishes a framework for government that preserves individual liberty. The Constitution protects liberty, in part, through a Bill of Rights that promises freedom from certain types of government intrusion. The Constitution also seeks to guarantee liberty through the structural framework it establishes. This course will examine one of those structural protections—the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the U.S government. Lottery Preference: Political Science majors
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H215 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND CIVIL RIGHTS: GENDER, SEXUALITY, AND RACE (1.0 Credit)
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course will provide an overview of constitutional law and its effects on civil rights, with a particular emphasis on gender, sexual orientation, and race. Prerequisite(s): One course in political science or consent of the instructor
POLS H216 THE SUPREME COURT (1.0 Credit)
Hannah Solomon-Strauss
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Examines the Supreme Court's interpretation of the civil rights and civil liberties expressed in the U.S. Constitution and its impact on American society and politics. Prerequisite(s): One 100-level course in Political Science
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H218 THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (1.0 Credit)
Zachary Oberfield
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
An analysis of the politics and policies surrounding the U.S. criminal justice system.
POLS H226 SOCIAL MOVEMENT THEORY (1.0 Credit)
Steve McGovern
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Theoretical analysis of origins and development of mass-based protest movements in the U.S. Scholarly explanations of recruitment of individuals, modes of organization and leadership, strategies and tactics, countermovements, and the impact of movements on policy and politics.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H227 URBAN POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Steve McGovern
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Examines who wields power in American cities amidst broad social and economic change. Includes both historical and contemporary analysis of urban politics, with close attention to the influence of race, ethnicity, and class.
POLS H228 URBAN POLICY (1.0 Credit)
Steve McGovern
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Assessment of public policies aimed at revitalizing U.S. cities following several decades of suburbanization and capital disinvestment. Focus on economic development, housing and community development, environmental protection, transportation, education, crime, and the management of regional sprawl.
POLS H231 POPULISM AND THE CRISIS OF DEMOCRACY: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE (1.0 Credit)
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Populism is a global trend observed in diverse countries like Turkey, Poland, India, and the US. This course adopts a global and comparative perspective to analyze populism's historical, political, economic, and cultural contexts. It explores different theories, including ideational, strategic, and performative understandings of populism. Additionally, it examines various factors influencing populism's emergence, its relationship with democracy, political systems, and popular movements. The course concludes by applying these concepts to regional and country case studies. Pre-requisite(s): One political science course or consent of instructor. Lottery Preference: Political Science Majors
POLS H235 AFRICAN POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Susanna Wing
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Analysis of political change in Africa from the colonial period to contemporary politics. Selected case studies will be used to address central themes including democracy, human rights, gender, interstate relations, economic development, and globalization. Prerequisite(s): one course in political science or consent of the instructor.
POLS H242 WOMEN IN WAR AND PEACE (1.0 Credit)
Susanna Wing
Division: Social Science
Analysis of the complex issues surrounding women as political actors and the ways in which citizenship relates to men and women differently. Selected cases from the United States, Africa, Latin America, and Asia are studied as we discuss gender, domestic politics, and international relations from a global perspective. Prerequisite(s): one course in POLS or instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H244 A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE ON NATIONALISM, ETHNICITY, AND POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
It is argued that we are all “global citizens.” However, this belief in our interconnectedness has brought increased attention to the elements of our identities that make us different, leading to an increase in populist, nationalist, and ethnically-centered sentiments around the world. This course examines the concepts of nationalism and ethnicity from across the globe. Using theoretical texts and case studies, students will learn the historical foundations and modern illustrations of these concepts. Lottery Preference: Political Science majors
POLS H252 COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF IDENTITY (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course concentrates on one question in particular: How do culture, identity, politics, and power interact in shaping who we are? We take up this question by assessing theories that capture the relationship between personal and public conceptions of familiar modern identities such as race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and disability. Our analysis of identity will explore these concepts in relation to political representation, social movements, law, and public policymaking from across the globe. Lottery Preference: Political Science majors
POLS H253 INTRODUCTION TO TERRORISM STUDIES (1.0 Credit)
Barak Mendelsohn
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
After being marginalized in international relations scholarship for years, in the aftermath of 9/11 terrorism has moved to the forefront of scholarly interest. The purpose of this course is to survey the various theories concerning terrorism from diverse perspectives employing rationalist and psychological theories to explain terrorism-related phenomena.
POLS H256 THE EVOLUTION OF THE JIHADI MOVEMENT (1.0 Credit)
Barak Mendelsohn
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course explores the evolution of the jihadi movement, focusing on its ideological development throughout the twentieth century, and the structural changes it has gone through since the jihad to drive the Soviets out of Afghanistan during the 1980s.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H261 GLOBAL CIVIL SOCIETY AND TRANSNATIONAL ACTIVISM (1.0 Credit)
Craig Borowiak
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
An introduction to the concept of civil society and how social movements, NGOs and social networks organize across national borders. Attention will be paid both to theory and to particular case studies, including the global justice movement, international human rights advocacy networks, international development NGOs, and transnational environmental activism, among other possibilities.
POLS H262 GRASSROOTS ECONOMIES: CREATING LIVELIHOODS IN AN AGE OF URBAN INEQUALITY (1.0 Credit)
Craig Borowiak
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
The aim of the course would be to examine the political and economic constraints generated by poverty and racial and class segregation in contemporary urban environments and how grassroots economic initiatives rooted in mutual aid often fill the gaps and provide alternative ways to meet needs and generate supportive community. Examples of such initiatives range from guerrilla gardens and artist collectives to worker cooperatives and informal revolving loan funds. Many of these initiatives are informal. Some are legal, others less so. Many also fall under the radar of mainstream studies, which instead focus on capitalist markets, government welfare, and nonprofit philanthropy. Though many grassroots economic initiatives take place on a relatively small scale, they have a much larger footprint and impact when they are looked at together. The course will engage with them both theoretically and with numerous concrete examples and interactive experiences with practitioners. We will also examine various efforts in different cities to cultivate solidarity-based economic alternatives through public-private partnerships and grassroots coalitions. Case studies will be drawn from a variety of countries, though the focus will be on U.S. cities, with a particular emphasis on Philadelphia. This course will be taught in Philadelphia as part of the Tri-Co Philly Program. Prerequisites:Priority in registration will be given to students participating in the Tri-Co Philly Program (https://www.haverford.edu/philly-program) and Political Science majors. Remaining seats are available to other Tri-Co students, by lottery, if demand exceeds remaining spaces in the course. If you are interested in the program, you must fill out the application, which is due on Friday, April 5 by 11:59 pm. This program includes registering for two of three of the program’s courses, which include this course or Food Cultures in Philadelphia (ENGL B287) or Philadelphia and the 2024 Election (SOCI 056C). Those not participating in the Philly program do not need to complete the application and can simply pre-register for the class.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H264 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
An introduction to the wide range of international institutions that structure international relations such as the UN, ICC, UNHCR, UNDP, EU, African Union, WTO, IMF, World Bank, and NGOs. The course explores the following questions: What are these international organizations (IOs)? Why do states establish IOs? Can IOs change states’ behaviors? How effective are IOs? How do they challenge states? The course will survey the field, first focusing on recent developments in IO theory and relevant debates, and then covering a range of substantive issue areas such as security, human rights, refugees, trade, investment, climate, and so on. Case studies will be used to illustrate real-world examples and enhance understanding of key concepts. Pre-requisite(s): One political science course or consent of the instructor. Lottery Preference: Political Science majors and minors.
POLS H265 CAPITALISM AND THE HISTORY OF POLITICAL ECONOMIC THOUGHT (1.0 Credit)
Craig Borowiak
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Theoretical approach to the role of politics and markets in modern societies. Draws from the history of political economic thought to evaluate the modern capitalist system and its critics. Key authors include the Mercantilists, Adam Smith, anarchist authors, Karl Marx, Karl Polanyi, F.A. Hayek, J.M. Keynes, and Milton Friedman. Prerequisite(s): One political science course or instructor consent
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H271 COMPARATIVE AND TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES: FROM KUALA LUMPUR TO KANSAS CITY (1.0 Credit)
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
How can comparative lenses on the one hand, and transnational lenses, on the other, make sense of a globalizing world and its workings? This course uses both lenses to understand the ways we live now. Also, the ideas and practices that shaped them. So we study, for example, how modernity was built by the Black Atlantic, by creolizing, and by different diasporas and their homelands. And how constitutionalisms in Spanish America and U. S. states resemble each other. Or how the Arab world and East Asia shared debates over dealing with Eurocentrism.
POLS H274 ENDS AND MEANS: MORAL CHOICES IN POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Can politics be moral? Can the end justify the means? Examines how to make moral choices in politics, and the moral dilemmas it poses, by scrutinizing how great theories answered these questions, including Machiavelli, Thoreau, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Camus, Sartre, Dewey, Trotsky, Rosa Luxemburg, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Elizabeth Anscombe. A special focus on the ethics of war.
POLS H277 INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1.0 Credit)
Jack Hasler
Division: Quantitative; Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Introduces students to the quantitative analysis of politics. Students will learn how to formulate a research question, design a research project, find a relevant dataset, produce descriptive statistics and visualizations, and conduct basic statistical analysis. Prerequisite(s): One introductory course in political science
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H281 FEMINIST POLITICAL ECONOMY (1.0 Credit)
Joshua Ramey
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts)
This course is an introduction to current debates in radical feminism. Beginning with the psychanalytical, Marxist, and Black Radical feminists of the 1960’s and 70’s, the course outlines contemporary radical feminist positions on race, gender, consumption, domesticity, care, labor, ecology, and the prospects of collective life within and beyond capitalist planetary endgame. Crosslisted: POLS. Pre-requisite(s): PEAC 101 or 201 or any PHIL or POLS class, or consent of instructor. Lottery Preference: PJHR and GenSex students first
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H283 AFRICAN POLITICS, AFRICAN NOVELS AND FILM (1.0 Credit)
Susanna Wing
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
The study of politics in Africa through African literature. We explore themes including colonial legacies, gender, race and ethnicity, religion and political transition as they are discussed in African literature. Crosslisted: Political Science, Africana Studies Prerequisite(s): One previous course in political science or instructor consent
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H293 PUBLIC POLICYMAKING AND ANALYSIS (1.0 Credit)
Zachary Oberfield
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course has three main goals: 1) helping students gain a deeper understanding of how public policy is made; 2) exposing students to policy analysis – the art and science of providing problem-solving advice; and 3) giving students the opportunity to conduct original research. We will consider theories of policymaking as well as several real-world examples.
POLS H294 FEDERALISM AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (1.0 Credit)
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
What does it mean to think like a lawyer? We will explore that question (and many others) as we examine the area of constitutional law known as federalism. The federalism debate is about which government—the federal government or each state—should decide hot-button issues such as whether to legalize marijuana; whether to require masks to curb the spread of COVID-19; whether to ban the sale of food made from animals confined in cruel conditions; whether to allow the sale of abortion-inducing drugs; and whether to give undocumented students (Dreamers) the benefit of in-state college tuition. Readings will be abridged versions of Supreme Court cases, lower court cases, and related commentary. Writing assignments will be case summaries, two short papers, and one longer paper in lieu of an exam. Classes will be discussion based, and there will be opportunities to play the role of lawyer or judge in mock oral arguments known as moot courts.
POLS H295 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course introduces students to the qualitative research methods used by social scientists to answer questions about politics. In this course, students will investigate the nature of claims made by researchers, the sources of theory and hypotheses, and the challenges involved in making descriptive and causal inferences through a careful survey research methodology. Students should emerge from the course better able to understand and evaluate academic research and better equipped to complete their own research. Lottery Preference: Political Science majors
POLS H296 TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE: THE POLITICS OF ACCOUNTABILITY (1.0 Credit)
Anita Isaacs
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Challenges of transitional justice--confronting human rights violations in the aftermath of violent conflict and repressive dictatorship. We will address questions raised in transitional justice studies, focusing on purpose, goals and implications, and assessing practical experiences with key transitional justice mechanisms, including truth commissions, trials and reparations. Prerequisite(s): one course in political science or instructor's approval
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H297 POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN THE ARAB GULF STATES (1.0 Credit)
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course seeks to: first, uncover and explain the societal impact of rapid shifts in the Gulf states with a specific focus on youth, women, religious actors, tribal groups, migrant workers and human rights; Second, examine the rentier state and the functioning of the social contract in rentier states; And finally, explore why political liberalization does not coincide with the socio-economic and cultural reforms in the Arab Gulf states. Lottery Preference: MEIS and political science majors first
POLS H298 FROM NATIONAL-LIBERATION REPUBLIC TO POPULIST STATE: THE STATE AND ECONOMY IN TURKEY (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course offers a comprehensive review of modern Turkish history, delving into the origins and consequences of its current challenges. It examines these issues in the broader context of semi-peripheral countries and dependence. The topics encompass various social, political, and economic challenges that Turkey has faced since late Ottoman times, including underdevelopment, problems in democratic consolidation, relations with the West, industrialization, class conflict, military coups, economic liberalization, economic crises, political cleavages, and the rise of AKP’s authoritarian populism. Pre-requisite(s): One semester of Political Science is recommended but instructor's permission is sufficient.
POLS H301 DEVELOPMENT, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND TRANSNATIONAL INJUSTICES (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Justice; Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
What are the worldwide obstacles to peace and justice? How can we surmount them? This course examines theories of some of the leading obstacles to peace and justice worldwide, and of what global citizens can do about them. The three obstacles we consider are colonialism and its legacies, whether we live in a global racial order, and whether the global economic order harms the poor and does them a kind of violence. The two solutions we will consider are the project of economic and social development, and the practice of human rights. The course aims, first, to give students some of the knowledge they will need to address these problems and be effective global citizens. Second, to understand some of the major forces that shape the present world order. Third and finally, to hone the skills in analysis, theory-building, and arguing that are highly valued in legal and political advocacy, in public life and the professions, and in graduate school. Crosslisted: Independent College Programs, Political Science
POLS H308 NATIONALIST POLITICAL PARTIES (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Since the end of WWII, democratization, decolonization, and globalization have created new opportunities for nations to develop in formerly colonized and occupied spaces. This has in part provided the opportunity for nationalist political parties to develop around the globe, sometimes to form new nations and/or to protect existing cultures. In this course, we will examine the features of nationalist political parties: how they develop, why/when they develop, and what makes them different from their competitors. Pre-requisite(s): Students must have completed POLS 131 - Introduction to Comparative Politics. Lottery Preference: Political science majors, seniors, juniors
POLS H312 POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES IN A WORLD OF IDENTITIES (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Millions have sacrificed their lives, or been killed, for political ideologies like liberalism, conservatism, socialism, populism, or liberationism; millions more have sacrificed or otherwise died for identities, like worker or capitalist, Muslim or Christian, African or European, female or male, trans- or cisgender. Why? What do identities and ideologies offer to people? What are the leading political ideologies’javascript:submitAction_win4(document.win4,'CRSE_CATALOG_DESCRLONG$spellcheck$0'); key concepts and doctrines? What key norms govern attributing the leading identities to self and others? Do some ideologies favor certain identities, or vice versa? We develop tools for judging the merits of any ideology, or any interpretation of an identity. Pre-requisite(s): one course in political science or philosophy
POLS H313 ARMED NON-STATE ACTORS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Barak Mendelsohn
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
The principal goal of the course is to expose students to various types of armed nonstate actors and gain insights into their motives and activities. The course also introduces analytical lens through which scholars have sought to conceptualize the interplay between states and armed nonstate actors. Prerequisite(s): One course in political science or instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H315 RESEARCH IN AMERICAN POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Hannah Solomon-Strauss
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course helps students prepare for a senior thesis in political science. Specifically, it assists students in choosing a topic, developing a literature review and hypothesis, and generating a research design to test their hypothesis. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing or instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H318 CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL IDEAS AMID GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONS (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World
This course examines how contemporary political ideas and movements, like nations, global solutions, or solidarity are affected by the global transformations that are now underway in the wake of COVID-19. We will explore how these transformations are reshaping these ideas, in light of the particular interests of students in the course.
POLS H320 DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA (1.0 Credit)
Steve McGovern
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This seminar explores some of the most pressing challenges to American democracy today, including the intensification of ideological and partisan polarization, increasing economic inequality, and ongoing constraints faced by marginalized groups. The course is geared toward students preparing for a senior thesis in political science.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H329 POWER AND POLIITCS IN PHILADELPHIA (1.0 Credit)
Steve McGovern
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course, offered as the core class of the Tri-Co Philly Program, examines power and politics in contemporary Philadelphia. We will devote particular attention to the potential and limitations of grassroots mobilization as a mechanism for effecting positive change. To what extent can community-based organizations and public interest groups alter long-standing policies, practices, and institutions in a large, American city like Philadelphia? To what extent are their efforts impeded by well-established interests and structural forces rooted in race, ethnicity, class, and culture? How have recent societal shifts affected underlying tensions between Old Philadelphia and New Philadelphia? We will explore who wins and who loses in the political arena through a series of case studies of key policy issues that are highly salient to the people of Philadelphia, including criminal justice reform, immigrants’ rights, gentrification and affordable housing, urban development, and workforce diversity. How these policy issues are resolved will reveal much about the nature of power and whether the source of that power springs from the bottom-up or remains primarily a top-down phenomenon. This discussion-based seminar will feature guest speakers, site visits, and an opportunity to conduct your own research on power and politics in Philadelphia. Prerequisite(s): Priority in registration will be given to students participating in the Tri-Co Philly Program. Remaining seats are available to other Tri-Co students, by lottery, if demand exceeds remaining spaces in the course. If you are interested in the Tri-Co Philly Program, you must fill out the application, which is due on Friday, Oct. 22 by 5 pm. The program includes registering for this core course, Power and Politics in Philadelphia (POLS H229), and either History of Philadelphia Architecture and Urbanism (CITY B207) OR Borders and Migration (POLS 031). For additional information and the program application see the program's website https://www.haverford.edu/philly-program.Those not participating in the Philly program do not need to complete the application and can simply pre-register for the class. Pre-requisite(s): One course in political science or consent of instructor (but no prerequisites for students participating in Tri-Co Philadelphia Semester Program).
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H330 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Susanna Wing
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This is a workshop course built around student interests and senior thesis topics. We will explore issues including, but not limited to, ethnicity, religion, gender and the state. We will look at how states pursue both political and economic development and how they cope with violent conflict. Prerequisite(s): Three courses in POLS AND junior or senior status, or instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H331 RESEARCH AND WRITING IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Anita Isaacs
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This seminar on research and writing in comparative politics seeks to foster advanced reading, analysis, writing and workshopping skills among advanced political science majors Prerequisite(s): 5 courses in political science at the introductory and intermediate levels
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H332 SHORT OF WAR: DETERRENCE AND COMPELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (1.0 Credit)
Barak Mendelsohn
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
The course examines the way international relations' theory addresses policies short of war, particularly the security policies states use to promote their political and strategic objectives, to dissuade rivals from attacking, to manage crisis situations, and to promote peaceful resolution to interstate conflicts. Prerequisite(s): One political science course or instructor permission
POLS H333 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY (1.0 Credit)
Barak Mendelsohn
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course offers an introduction to the study of international security. It considers examples from history and addresses contemporary issues, while introducing and evaluating the political theories that have been used by scholars to explain those events. The principal goal of the course is to develop a general set of analytical approaches that can be used to gain insight into the nature of world politics - past, present and future. The first section introduces key conceptual issues and review main theoretical approaches in the field. The second section addresses specific issues in international security such as war, military doctrines, alliances, crisis, deterrence, grand strategy, and proliferation.
POLS H334 POLITICS OF VIOLENCE (1.0 Credit)
Anita Isaacs
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This semester the seminar will focus on the causes and manifestations of structural and political violence in the Americas. Topics include the rise of white supremacy in the United States, and escalating political repression, gang violence and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. Cross-listed: Political Science/Peace, Justice and Human Rights
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H342 THE POLITICS OF GENDER AND SEXUALITY (1.0 Credit)
Susanna Wing
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Advanced course explores the politics of gender and sexuality in comparative perspective. Includes readings in feminist theory and methods and examines the state and power structures through a gender sensitive lens. Cases primarily from Africa, Europe and the United States. Crosslisted: Gender and Sexuality concentration. Prerequisite(s): Previous course in gender and sexuality and Domain B (or SO), POLS 242 (Women in War and Peace) recommended.
POLS H350 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS: TERRORISM IN THE US IN THE 1960-70 (1.0 Credit)
Barak Mendelsohn
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This seminar, which would be offered only once (Spring 25), explores domestic terrorism in the US during the turbulent times of the 1960-70s. The seminar focuses on the Weather Underground organization: exploring its rise and demise; its ideology, strategy, and internal dynamics; and its relationship with the New Left protest movement. The seminar also explores the role of race and gender in shaping domestic terrorism in the U.S. during that era, examining additional players, such as African-American separatist terrorism, and Puerto Rican ethno-nationalist terrorism. Lastly, the seminar compares the dynamics producing domestic terrorism in the US and in Europe, with particular attention to the left-wing social movements of the era in Western Europe, especially in Germany. Prerequisite: A course in international or comparative politics or consent of instructor.
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H357 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY: CONFLICT AND THE MIDDLE EAST (1.0 Credit)
Barak Mendelsohn
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Conflicts in the Middle East since World War I. Cleavages are discussed that have contributed to the emergence of violent conflicts in the region and discusses particular conflicts.
POLS H366 ADVANCED RESEARCH IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE (1.0 Credit)
Craig Borowiak
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
Research seminar designed for students interested in working on long research papers or preparing for senior theses related to the global governance subfield or similar fields. The course will cover research methodologies, writing strategies, and discussions of contemporary global governance scholarship, which will be used to anchor the course thematically and to model different approaches to research. Students' independent research will be complemented with regular and intensive collaborative workshopping of one another's work in class. Prerequisite(s): Three courses in POLS AND junior or senior status, or instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H367 POLITICS, MARKETS, AND CRISES: CURRENT CHALLENGES IN GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (1.0 Credit)
Staff
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course acquaints you with the fundamental debates and empirical issues in contemporary Global Political Economy (GPE), while also enhancing your critical analysis skills. After a brief introduction to the divided status of the field of GPE, we will explore various challenges in the global economic system and their political causes and implications. Topics covered include WTO/trade liberalization vs. trade wars, transnational corporations and global value chains, labor and the gig economy, gender dynamics, financialization and financial crises, development goals and the poverty reduction, global shocks (COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine), the BRICS, and the evolving global economic order. Pre-requisite(s): One semester of Political Science or instructor's permission
POLS H375 CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY (1.0 Credit)
Shannan Hayes
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
This course examines the main contemporary theories of politics by focusing on a central topic of political philosophy: How to justify authority. We will explore how these political theories can be used to deal with contemporary problems as defined by particular interests of students in the course.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H377 JUNIOR RESEARCH SEMINAR: POLITICAL ECONOMY (1.0 Credit)
Giri Parameswaran
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): A: Meaning, Interpretation (Texts); B: Analysis of the Social World; C: Physical and Natural Processes
The focus is on critical reading of seminal works and developing students own research skills. Topics include: models of elections and application of voting models to redistributive policies; legislative bargaining; interest groups/lobbying; dynamic models of fiscal policy, debt and more. Crosslisted: Economics, Political Science Prerequisite(s): MATH 118 and ECON 300 or ECON B200 at Bryn Mawr; MATH 121 (or MATH 216) is desirable
POLS H400 SENIOR THESIS (1.0 Credit)
Anita Isaacs, Barak Mendelsohn, Craig Borowiak, Hannah Solomon-Strauss, Shannan Hayes, Steve McGovern, Susanna Wing
Division: Social Science
Domain(s): B: Analysis of the Social World
This course consists of tutorials and intensive research, culminating in a senior thesis. Prerequisite(s): Limited to political science senior majors
(Offered: Spring 2025)
POLS H460 TEACHING ASSISTANT (1.0 Credit)
Anita Isaacs, Hannah Solomon-Strauss
Division: Social Science
Teaching assistant. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)
POLS H480 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1.0 Credit)
Division: Social Science
This course is conducted through individual consultation; supervised independent reading and research is expected; research papers and oral reports on special topics are based upon the individual interests of advanced students. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024)