300
Studies the notion of natural law and its relationship to human law and the political order. It examines the natural law tradition from its classical expressions to the great Catholic tradition of natural law to its substantial influence on the Anglo-American common law to its role in influencing the American Revolution and the American constitutional tradition. The contrast between the classical/Christian tradition of natural law and its modern expression is discussed. The course also considers how modern legal thinking has diverged from the natural law tradition, and how the clash between natural law and positivistic conceptions of law and morality is vividly seen in many current public issues and legal questions.
While not a prerequisite, it is recommended that students take
POL 101 before enrolling in this course.
Concentrates on key works, in whole or in part, of the major Catholic political thinkers and commentators. St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas will be considered, but they will be treated primarily in the Political Philosophy I course. Among the other writers and works that may be studied are selected papal encyclicals-especially those of Pope Leo XIII-Bellarmine, More, Suarez, Tocqueville, Brownson, Santayana, Acton, Maritain, Gierke, Rommen, Messner, Murray, McCoy, Costanzo, and Schall.
Studies the government and politics of selected foreign countries. Similarities and differences among foreign governments and between foreign governments and the US government are stressed, along with the political philosophies underlying the other countries' institutions. Certain general topical areas, such as comparative law, are sometimes treated in addition to individual countries. Required of all political science majors.
Studies the powers and responsibilities of the U.S. president. It also considers the shaping of the presidency in the Constitution by our Founding Fathers, the development of the office by the various men who have occupied it, presidential nomination and election, the expansion of the presidential role in American government, and the constitutional limitations on the president. Some special attention may also be given to the current presidential administration.
Examines the history of American foreign policy, the influence of our political past and the underlying principles of our political order in shaping our foreign policy, the manner in which our foreign policy is formulated and implemented by the legislative and executive branches, the connection between our foreign and defense policies, and the nature of current and recent American foreign policy. Special attention will be given to the moral considerations that have influenced U.S. foreign policy.
Studies key writings of America's greatest political thinkers and the most noteworthy commentators on the American political order. Among the thinkers who may be studied are the Founding Fathers, Alexis de Tocqueville, John C. Calhoun, Abraham Lincoln, Orestes Brownson, John Courtney Murray, Irving Babbitt, Leo Strauss, Eric Voegelin, Russell Kirk, Gerhart Niemeyer, and the Southern Agrarians. Attention may also be given to the nature of American liberalism and conservatism. It is recommended that HST 207 or HST 208 and POL 220 be taken before this course, but these are not pre-requisites. Cross-listed with HST 336.
Surveys the current state of international law and its philosophical and historical background. Catholic principles on the law of nations are also considered. The main international organizations and alliances, such as the United Nations and its arms (including NGOs), the European Union, the Organization of American States, and NATO are also examined.
Considers such topics as the principles and practices of effective management and administration; the structure and expansion of the executive branch of the U.S. government; the nature of bureaucratic activity in American governmental institutions; agency-public employee relations; budgeting and fiscal administration; agency rule-making and enforcement powers; administrative law and other legal and constitutional restraints on agencies; proposals for bureaucratic reform; the bureaucratic response to selected public issues; the implications for public administration of American Founding principles and political developments in American history; and the evolution of American ideas about public administration.
Focuses on the interrelationship of politics, ethics, and economic activity. The major papal social encyclicals are studied in depth and are the chief basis for considering the subject. Philosophical principles relating to economic life are examined. The works of important economic-ethical thinkers such as Pesch, Fanfani, Roepke, Chesterton, Belloc, and Schumacher are also considered. Basic economic principles, institutions, and practices, especially as they relate to politics, and different economic systems are also discussed. Some attention may be given to the history and nature of the governmental role in the U.S. economy.
Studies politics and government in leading American cities and metropolitan areas. Among the topics considered are: the growth and development of urban and suburban America; urban political machines and reform movements; the political relations and conflicts between city and suburb; political trends in recent years in major cities and metropolitan areas; urban and suburban political parties; recent demographic, economic, and social changes in metropolitan areas; the nature of urban problems and the governmental response to them; and the role of private institutions in urban and metropolitan development.
Surveys U.S. constitutional law from the earliest years of the Republic to the present. The major U.S. Supreme Court decisions in our history in the areas of the powers of government, federalism, and individual rights, and the philosophical and historical background of American constitutional law are considered. The operation and intended role of the U.S. Supreme Court are also examined. Required of all political science majors.
Explains and analyzes the structure and functioning of government on the state and local level. Forms and operation of municipal and county government, problems confronting state and local governments, state constitutions, lawmaking, and administration are considered. The role of political parties and interest groups in state and local government is also examined. Required of all political science majors.
Examines key aspects of the operations and powers of federal and state courts. The political impact of judicial decisions and the possible political role of the judiciary in the U.S. are also considered.
Studies the many facets of the U.S. Congress and the activities of its members. Included among the topics treated are the views of the Founding Fathers about the institution and its place in the scheme of republican government, its historical development, the powers of Congress, the relationship of Congress with the other branches of the national government, congressional rules and procedures, congressional elections and constituency relations, the activity of congressional committees, congressional leaders, political parties and Congress, interest groups and Congress, congressional staff, and the activity of passing legislation. Some attention may also be given to comparisons between Congress and American state legislatures.
Studies this major current threatening phenomenon in the international domain. Among the topics considered are: the definition of terrorism, its history and causes, the different types of threats posed by terrorists, how terrorists exploit the media for their purposes, responses to terrorism and the ways of insuring homeland security, and the need for international cooperation to adequately counter terrorism. Students will study significant terrorist episodes in recent decades and consider and evaluate the effectiveness and the strengths and weaknesses of different policy alternatives and strategies to deal with terrorism.
Focuses, in-depth, on specific subjects or topics in American or comparative constitutional law. Possible topics are First Amendment rights, the courts and religion, and constitutional law and the family. This course may be repeated for credit if the selected topic is different from when previously taken.
While not a prerequisite, it is recommended that students take
POL 358 before enrolling in this course.
Studies the major types of non-governmental organizations in political life today. It examines the historical development, structure, power, and changing political and societal roles of political parties and interest groups. It also considers the efforts at reforming political parties and limiting the influence of interest groups in the U.S. in recent decades. It also examines the political perspectives and platforms of the major parties in American history, especially in light of Catholic social teaching. Parties at different levels are considered: local, state, national and congressional. While the focus is on parties and interest groups in the U.S., comparative study with those of other countries may also be included. The general importance of mediating structures e.g., (churches, the family, and voluntary associations such as political parties and interest groups) for a democratic republic and a good political order generally-according to Catholic social teaching, social ethics, and the tradition of political philosophy-is also discussed.