Department of Political Science and International Studies

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Department of Political Science and International Studies

228 Faculty Office Building
(585) 395-2584

Chairperson and Professors: Stephen H. Ullman; Distinguished Teaching Professor: W. Raymond Duncan; Assistant Professors: Mark Chadsey, John J. Fitzpatrick, Dena Levy, Andrea Rubery; Visiting Lecturer: Rebecca R. Jones

• Major in Political Science
• Political Science Courses
• International Studies Major

The Department of Political Science and International Studies offers two majors. The political science major provides concentrations designed for careers in the public and private sectors ranging from government service and practical politics to such fields as law, state and local government, international affairs and diplomacy, teaching, journalism and intergovernmental organizations. The political science major is well-suited to many careers where knowledge of government behavior and institutions is useful. The international studies major is multidisciplinary in naturetraining students for careers associated with foreign policy, international business, international organizations and other occupations requiring individuals who are "globally skilled." International studies is well suited to a host of professions associated with the emergence of a globally interdependent world.

Political Science Major

Political science is the study of the state and of power relations within states and among them, as they are and as they ought to be. It seeks better understanding of political and governmental behavior and institutions in order to enable society to use its collective resources more effectively for the general welfare. The principal sub-fields in the SUNY Brockport department are political Philosophy, American politics and government, comparative government and politics, and international relations.

Political science is a liberal arts discipline; therefore, the SUNY Brockport department emphasizes its contributions to the general intellectual development of students. Its subject matter is essential for informed, effective citizenship and is especially pertinent for those entering the fields of law, government service, politics, journalism, and social and global studies.

The department administers three student award funds for the Brockport College Foundation. The James A. Schiller Memorial Award is given to an incoming student who has demonstrated an interest in practical politics or public service, intends to major in political science, and plans a career in politics or public service. The Harold Rakov Memorial Award is intended for an upper-division political science major and is awarded on the basis of academic performance. The Paul Hanks Memorial Award is presented to a pre-law student.

Service Courses in Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers courses to meet a variety of student educational needs and graduation requirements. These include:

1. General Education
   1. Social Sciences Breadth Component courses:
      PLS 111 International Relations
      PLS 112 Comparative Politics
      PLS 113 American Politics
   2. Humanities Breadth Component courses:
      PLS 203 Political Thought
   3. Computer Literacy courses:
      PLS 300 Political Statistics
   4. Comparative Perspective courses:
      PLS 112 Comparative Politcs
   5. Contemporary Issues courses:
      PLS 314 Issues in American Politics
      PLS 338 Global Issues
      PLS 356 Political Economy
      PLS 362 Women in Western Political Thought
      PLS 435 Legal Rights of the Disadvantaged
   6. Perspectives on Women courses:
      PLS 313 Gender Politics
      PLS 362 Women in Western Political Thought
      PLS 435 Legal Rights of the Disadvantaged
2. Corequisites for other majors. Some political science courses are corequisite requirements for academic majors offered by other departments, such as Criminal Justice.
3. Free electives. Political science courses may be used as free electives to satisfy intellectual curiosity or to complement other aspects of a student's program.
4. Overseas academic programs. The department participates in the SUNY Brockport social science programs in London and Paris. SUNY Brockport is home of the most comprehensive overseas education program in the SUNY system; more students study abroad through SUNY Brockport than through any other SUNY overseas program.
5. Academic internship programs. The department operates the SUNY Washington Semester Program, the premier internship program in Washington, D.C. It also participates in the Albany Semester Programs which introduces students to New York state government. In addition, the department offers internships in campaigns, county and local governments, political parties, and law offices.

Major in Political Science

I. The political science academic major program requires a total of 36 credits, distributed as follows:

C. Five additional credits in PLS electives.

Minor in Political Science

The political science academic minor program requires 18 credits in political science courses, including two of the four required lower-division courses for majors, either of the two required upper-division courses for majors, and nine additional credits in upper-division political science courses. Every political science minor must have a faculty advisor who must be consulted at least once each semester.

Pre-law Preparation
Students preparing to enter law school may do so through any of SUNY Brockport's many academic major programs, provided that their undergraduate program is broad and liberal in the classic sense. More important than specific subject matter, according to law educators, is the development of skills and habits conducive to legal reasoning. Special advisement for students preparing for law school is available through Brockport's Pre-law Advisement Committee. Contact the Department of Political Science, Faculty Office Building, (585) 395-2584.

Political Science Courses

PLS 111 International Relations (A,S,C,O). Studies the macro international political system, traditional power politics, and emerging global interdependence. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 112 Comparative Politics (A,S,W,D). Examines the government and politics of selected foreign countries. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 113 American Politics (A,S,D,C). Assesses the organization and interaction of the components of American national government. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 203 Political Thought (A,G). Studies the works of major political philosophers including Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, J.S. Mill, Marx, Lenin and Fascists. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 300 Political Statistics (A,T). Covers elementary statistics used in political science, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, contingency tables, regression and correlation. Note: Students who have received credit for BIO 431, ECN 204, MTH 243, PSH 202, SOC 200, or transfer credit for an elementary statistics course from another institution, may waive PLS 300. Students will not receive credit for both PLS 300 and another elementary statistics course. 4 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 302 Approaches to the Analysis of Political Science (A). Prerequisite or corequisite: PLS 300. Introduces students to the discipline of political science through examination of the assumptions, logic and techniques of several approaches to political analysis. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 304 International Organization Simulation (A). Consists of student preparation for and participation in the simulation of parts of the decision making process of an international or supranational organization. 3 Cr.

PLS 305 Politics of European Integration (A). Student preparation for and participation in simulation of decision-making process of the European Union. Simulation alternates annually between Brockport campus and European university. 3 Cr.

PLS 311 Parties and Elections (A). Prerequisite: PLS 113. Explores the importance of political parties and election campaigns in American political life. Topics include U.S. parties in international context; competing institutions (interest groups and news media); how the parties have responded to recent challenges; the legal and regulatory environment in which they operate; the conduct of election campaigns for federal, state, and local office; and the behavior of voters and political activists. 3 Cr.

PLS 312 Public Administration (A). Covers public management, inter-governmental relations, budgeting and finance, public personnel, program evaluation, and research. 3 Cr.

PLS 313 Gender Politics (A,I,W). Cross-listed as WMS 313. Taught from a feminist perspective. Explores the socio-political barriers that have made women the "majority minority" or "silenced majority." Covers several barriers including discriminatory legislation, political folkways and sex and gender roles, and myths that have created and perpetuated a male-dominated society. 3 Cr.

PLS 314 Issues in American Politics (A,I). Covers a selection of contemporary issues of concern to our nation. Includes topics such as lobbying and democracy, the power of the president, and environmental protection vs. economic development. 3 Cr.

PLS 316 Congressional Politics (A). Prerequisite: PLS 113. Analyzes decision making in Congress. Emphasizes factors influencing legislative behavior and the interaction of Congress with other governmental and non-governmental units. 3 Cr.

PLS 317 American Presidency (A). Prerequisite: PLS 113. Explores the historical and contemporary roles of the president. Emphasizes interaction of the presidency with other governmental and non-governmental units. 3 Cr.

PLS 318 State and Local Government (A). Prerequisite: PLS 113. Covers the organization, process, and functions of state and local governments with special reference to New York state. 3 Cr.

PLS 319 Urban Politics (A). Prerequisite: PLS 113. Covers the politics and governments of America's cities. 3 Cr.

PLS 320 Law and the Legal Process (A). Covers the judicial process, including its structure and organization; and the political dimensions of judicial decision-making. 3 Cr.

PLS 324 Constitutional Law I (A). Prerequisite: PLS 320 or CRJ 305 or equivalent. Covers the practices, customs and traditions of the Supreme Court. Focuses on the early cases decided by the Court. Includes topics such as judicial review, federalism, presidential and congressional power, the Commerce Clause, the federal court structure, and nationalization of the Bill of Rights. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 326 Constitutional Law II (A). Prerequisite: PLS 320 or CRJ 305, or equivalent. Surveys 20th century Supreme Court civil rights and civil liberties cases. Includes topics such as freedom of speech, press, religion, due process rights, equal protection, voting rights and rights of women and minorities. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 333 American Foreign Policy (A). Prerequisite: PLS 111 or 113. Covers post-World War II American policy formation and execution. Explores the role of the presidency, Congress, the military, the intelligence branches and public opinion in shaping policy. 3 Cr.

PLS 338 Global Issues (A,I,W). Covers a selection of issues such as military weapons growth, problems of world order, gender issues, international politics of energy, food, population growth and natural resources. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 340 European Political Systems (A). Prerequisite: PLS 112. Provides an intensive, in-depth study of the politics and governments of selected western European countries, especially Great Britain, France, and Germany. 3 Cr.

PLS 342 Latin American Politics (A). Prerequisite: PLS 111 or 112. Covers the major forces in Latin American domestic and international politics and U.S.-Latin American relations. 3 Cr.

PLS 343 Canadian Politics and Society (A). Prerequisite: PLS 111 or 112. Explores Canada's geography, history, demography and culture; federal and provincial institutions, e.g., the Prime Minister, House of Commons, parties; and governmental policy on language and international affairs. 3 Cr.

PLS 346 Russian and East European Politics (A). Prerequisite: PLS 111 or 112. Explores the culture, ideology and political institutions of the former Soviet Union and its neighbors. 3 Cr.

PLS 348 Politics of the Far East (A). Prerequisite: PLS 112. Explores the cultures, economics, and politics of China, Japan and South Asia. 3 Cr.

PLS 353 American Political Thought (A). Explores the roots of liberalism and conservatism in the writings of Federalists and anti-Federalists, Populists, Utopians, Slavocracy, critics of democracy, the contemporary Right and Left. 3 Cr.

PLS 356 Political Economy (A). Describes and analyzes the kind of political economic system that the welfare state represents. 3 Cr.

PLS 361 Public Opinion (A). Prerequisite PLS 111 or 112. How do we develop our political ideas? How do these ideas relate to our personalities? In what ways does public opinion shape the decision-making process of our government? In this course, students will acquire and apply research skills to find answers to these questions. 3 Cr.

PLS 362 Women in Western Political Thought (A,J,W,D). Cross-listed as WMS 362. Covers major theories of sexual politics, which include Freud's theory of femininity, reform liberalism, socialist theory, and the theory of radical feminism. 3 Cr.

PLS 383 Middle East in World Politics (A). Prerequisite: PLS 111. Studies political conflict in the Middle East in the context of global issues and international politics. 3 Cr.

PLS 392 Topics in Political Science (A). Covers selected topics focusing on contemporary political issues and problems. May be repeated as topics change. 3 Cr.

PLS 399 Independent Study in Political Science (A). Defined in consultation with the instructor sponsor and the Office of Academic Advisement. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 401 Local Government Internship (A). Prerequisite: PLS 113. Enables students to serve as interns in town, city or county government, engaging in such activities as research, constituent service, and planning. Provides placements in administrative agencies, as well as local legislative bodies. 3-6 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 402 Legal Internship (A). Prerequisite: PLS 320. Provides an experiential learning opportunity. Places student interns in either a public or private law office , undertaking paraprofessional responsibilities. 6 Cr. Every Summer.

PLS 410 International Political Economy (A). Explores the political forces behind global economic relations. Key topics include international trade and monetary relations, the impact of the international system on domestic politics, and the relationship between rich and poor countries. Specific issues include the importance of the World Trade organization, regional trade blocs, and the political influence of multi-national corporations. 3 Cr. Spring.

PLS 420 Civil Liberties, Civil Rights and the Constitution (A). Examines public policy and constitutional rights, focusing on controversial constitutional issues such as affirmative action, capital punishment, adoption, and free press/fair trial. Utilizes a seminar format to discuss issues. 3 Cr.

PLS 435 Legal Rights of the Disadvantaged (A,I,W,D). Cross-listed as AAS 435 and WMS 435. An issue-oriented course. Provides an understanding of how the U.S. legal system can improve the status of disadvantaged blacks, Hispanics, women, prisoners, poor, students, American Indians, homosexuals, and those with mental and physical disabilities. 3 Cr.

PLS 437 Studies in Social Science? London (A). Sponsored by Brunel University and SUNY Brockport. Enables students to live and study in London. Through lectures, discussions and field trips, allows students to examine relationships between British and American society and history. 15 Cr.

PLS 438 Studies in Social Science? Paris (A). Cross-listed as HST 438. Investigates French culture by studying one broad topic and one other topic in social sciences, plus study in French language and literature. Allows students to live and study in France. Requires class attendance, readings, field trips, and research. 15 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 444 National Security (A). Prerequisite: PLS 111 or 113. Examines post-World War II and post Cold War changes in national security (military defense) policy perception, planning and implementation as a result of technological advances. In particular, focuses on military defense policies including strategies and tactics of the superpowers, their principal allies, and other powers of military consequence, the superpower arms race, arms control, limitation, and reduction. 3 Cr.

PLS 445 International Law and Organization (A). Prerequisite: PLS 111. Introduces modern public international law and major international organizations such as the United Nations and associated bodies, as well as major regional organizations. 3 Cr.

PLS 448 Leadership (A). Prerequisite: PLS 113. Draws upon recent scholarly studies and biographies to examine the essence of leadership in the modern age. Studies the uses of power that distinguish leaders from mere power holders. 3 Cr.

PLS 466 Environmental Politics (A). Investigates federal and New York state environmental policies and the relationship between the two. Divided into two parts: federal environmental policy and New York state environmental policy. Covers major environmental issues: air, water, land use, solid waste, hazardous waste, aesthetics and conservation, atomic energy, pesticides, and chemical waste. Requires two field trips. 3 Cr.

PLS 470 Nationalism (A). Prerequisite PLS 111. Cross-listed as INS 470. Examines the post World War II force of nationalism as a driving force in the international system, with special attention to the post Cold War period. Topics include ethnic nationalism and regional conflicts, multinational states and multistate nations. 3 Cr.

PLS 475 Political Geography (A,C). Prerequisite PLS 111. Cross-listed as INS 475. Covers key aspects of geopolitics as it affects foreign policy and international politics in the post World War II period. Examines such topics as resources, environment and human geography as well as issues associated with the study of geography-politics relationships: gateway states; shatterbelts; heartland concept; and trade ties. 3 Cr.

PLS 492 Albany Internship (A). Enables selected students to serve as interns at the New York Assembly or Senate, or a state agency in Albany. Provides an experiential learning opportunity. 3-12 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 493 Albany Internship Seminar (A). Enables selected students to serve as interns at the New York State Assembly or Senate, or a state agency in Albany. Conducted on site in Albany. 3-6 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 495, 496 Internship in National Politics I & II (Washington Semester Program) (A). Enables selected students to serve as interns in an Executive branch, Congressional office/committee, Judicial office, political party organization, or a politicized private organization in Washington. Requires a major research project. 12 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 497 Seminar for National Interns (Washington Semester Program) (A). Focuses on the evaluation of lessons learned from the internship experience. Requires oral presentations concerning research projects. 4 Cr. Every Semester.

PLS 499 Independent Study in Political Science (A). Defined in consultation with the instructor sponsor and the Office of Academic Advisement. 1-6 Cr. Every Semester.

International Studies Major
International studies is an interdisciplinary major that provides students with a broadly-based course of study focusing on the driving forces in world affairs today. As a sole major, international studies is a excellent preparation for careers in government, international business and public service. As a second major, it complements study in many fields, because it centers on the international domain within which a wide range of careers operates.

At SUNY Brockport, we firmly believe that an international studies degree is an education in the future of our nation and the world because an international studies student will be versed not only in the subject areas studied, but will also be trained analytically in problem-identifying and problem-solving where international matters are concerned. Toward this end, international studies students will speak and write at least one foreign language, will have experienced one of SUNY Brockport's many outstanding study-abroad opportunities, and will be computer literate. Given the rise in global interdependence in communications, transportation, trade, financial transactions, and a host of other activities, a degree in international studies is a passport to the emerging challenges of the 21st century.

SUNY Brockport also offers interdisciplinary programs in international business, Asian studies, Canadian studies, and Latin American studies, as well as programs overseas that can be integrated into the international studies major. (See the department chair for further information.)
The international studies major consists of two components: (1) 18 credits of required foundation courses; and (2) 18 credits of upper-division course work in one of four tracks (area studies, multi-regional studies, international business, and environment). A semester of study overseas is strongly recommended. In addition, international studies majors must complete the foreign language requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree (the Bachelor of Science degree is not avail able for this major). Specific requirements are described below:

The Curriculum

The international studies major requires 18 credit hours of required foundation courses, 18 hours of upper-division courses in one of four tracks and a foreign language requirement.

PLS 111 International Relations and PLS 112 Comparative Politics are required for the major.

Students choose four additional foundation courses:

• AAS 104 Institutional Racism
• ANT 100 Survival and Change
• ARH 202 Survey of World Art II
• ECN 202 International Business Environment
• OR BUS 345
• ESC 102 Introduction to Physical Geography
• OR
• PLS 475 Political Geography
• ENL 164 Introduction to World Literature
• OR
• ENL 165 International Fiction
• HST 102 The Modern World
• SOC 306 The US and the Third World
• ECN 202 Principles of Macroeconomics

Note: The following Delta College courses have been determined to fulfill INS Core requirements:

• ANT 100 = DCC 215 or DCC 315
• ARH 202 = DCC 210 or DCC 310
• CMC 418 = DCC 220 or DCC 320
• ENL 164 or ENL 165 = DCC 210 or DCC 310
• HST 102 = DCC 215 or DCC 315

Upper division courses constitute four tracks:

The Area Studies track includes 18 credit hours in one of the following areas: Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, or Latin America.

In the Africa track, students select either DNS 200 or DNS 330 but not both.

Examples of possible courses in these areas include:

Africa: *select one

• AAS 302 History South Africa
• *AAS 330 African Dance II
• AAS 360 Africa Today
• AAS 408 Pan-Africanism
• AAS 410 Apartheid
• AAS/HST 460 Modern Africa
• AAS/ANT 404 Sub-Sahara Africa
• ARH 450 Egypt/Near East Art
• ARH 474 Islamic Art
• ARH 478 African Art
• CMC 418 Cross-Cultural Communication
• *DNS 200 Traditional Dance-African
• DNS 330 African Dance II
• ENL 366 Arabic Culture & The West
• HST 363 Islam
• INS 380 Career Exploration
• PLS 383 Mid East in World Politics
• PLS 475 Political Geography

Asia:

• ANT 332 China In Transition
• ARH 470 Asian Art
• CMC 418 Cross-Cultural Communication
• ENL 365 Asia And The West
• HST 361 History of Japan
• HST 363 Islam
• HST 387 Asian Survey
• HST 388 Traditional China
• HST 463 Rev & Communism China
• HST 467 Modern South Asia
• INS 380 Career Exploration
• PLS 348 Government and Political Far East
• PLS 364 Politics of Developing Countries
• PLS 383 Mid East World Politics
• PLS 447 Russia In Transition
• PLS 475 Political Geography

Canada:

• ENL 395 Intro Canadian Literature
• CMC 418 Cross-Cultural Communication
• HST 431 History of Canada
• INS 380 Career Exploration
• PLS 343 Canadian Politics/Society
• PLS 475 Political Geography

Europe:

• CMC 418 Cross-Cultural Communication
• HST 300 Modern Europe
• HST 325 Modern Irish History
• HST 343 History of the Soviet Union
• HST 351 Nazi Germany
• HST 359 European Women
• HST 364 History of Britain
• HST 447 European Intellectual History
• HST 449 Europe in 20^th Century
• HST 456 Modern France
• HST 459 Modern Germany
• INS 380 Career Exploration
• PLS 304 International Organization Simulations
• PLS 305 Politics of European Integration
• PLS 340 European Political Systems
• PLS 346 Russian/East-European Politics
• PLS 470 Nationalism
• PLS 475 Political Geography

Latin America:

• ANT 330 World Poverty/Underdevelopment
• CMC 418 Cross-Cultural Communication
• FCE/WMS 375 Latin-American Women
• HST 432 20^th Century Latin America
• HST 494 History of Mexico
• PLS 342 Latin American Politics
• PLS 475 Political Geography

Many other classes are also offered in each of these areas.

Many other classes are also offered in each of these areas:

The Multi-Regional Studies track requires students to complete a concentration of three courses in one of the above areas, with three courses in three other areas.

The Environment track includes 18 credits of course work focused on issues of gloval interdependence and ecology. Students will take four of the following courses. Two electives may be selected in cooperation with an advisor.

• ANT 310 World Health Crises
• ANT 315 The Migration Experience
• ANT 321 Culture Change
• ANT 330 World Poverty
• BUS 345 International Business Environment
• CHM 370 Energy and Environment
• CHM 372 Environmental Issues
• CMC 418 Cross-Cult Communication
• ESC 364 Water Resource Issues
• GEL 463 Environmental Geology
• PLS 466 Environmental Politics
• PLS/INS 470 Nationalism
• PLS/INS 475 Political Geography

The International Business Track

ECN 202 from the INS core is a prerequisite for this track. Eighteen credits are required: BUS 335, BUS 345, BUS 433, BUS 445, ECN 441, PLS 410. Recommended courses are:

PLS 300 or equivalent, an upper division course dealing with the region of the world that most interests you, BUS 365 and one computer science course.

Foreign Language Requirement

Student must demonstrate competence in an appropriate foreign language with the completion of one year of intermediate level study or an appropriate score on a qualifying exam. Advanced level study is strongly recommended.

Delta College Global Studies Track

The international studies major may be elected by Delta College students pursuing Option II(see Delta College entry for details).

Study Abroad

International studies majors are expected to take advantage of one of SUNY Brockport's many opportunities to study abroad. Overseas programs may take the form of traditional studies or an internship program. Study abroad is possible through Brockport in England, France, Canada, Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, Greece, New Zealand, Jordan, Mexico, the Czech Republic and Russia. Internships are available with many organizations and businesses including the British Parliament, Amnesty International's home office in England, as well as many more in Scotland, Mexico and Costa Rica. Most study abroad and internships count toward completion of the major.

Closer to home, students may also take part in the Washington Semester Internship/Study Program. Work opportunities include the State Department, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, the World Bank, congressional committees on international affairs, and the World Health Organization.

(Contact Dr. John Perry or Pat Coates, Office of International Education, Morgan III, (585) 395-2119, for more information on study abroad and international internships.

International Organization Simulations

SUNY College at Brockport takes part in model United Nations and European Union simulations. Both acquaint students with the operations of international politics and the workings of these influential organizations.

International Studies Minor

Students choosing to minor in international studies must complete 18 credits of course work, including a minimum of six credits at the upper-division level. PLS 111 International Relations and PLS 112 Comparative Politics are required. A minimum of two additional courses must be selected from the following list:

• ANT 100 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• ENL 164 Introduction to World Literature
  OR
• ENL 165 International Fiction
• COM 418 Cross-cultural Communication
• ESC 102 Elements of Geography
• HST 102 The Modern World
  OR
• PLS/INS 475 Political Geography
• ECN 202 Principles of Economics-Macro
• SOC 306 Social Changes in the Third World

For appropriate electives, consult departmental listings or see department chair.

International Studies Courses

INS 475 Political Geography (A,C).

Prerequisite PLS 111. Cross-listed as PLS 475. Covers key aspects of geopolitics as it affects foreign policy and international politics in the post World War II period. Examines such topics as resources, environment and human geography as well as issues associated with the study of geography-politics relationships: gate way states; shatterbelts; heartland concept; and trade ties. 3 Cr.