Courses — Summer 2012
For official course schedules, restrictions, classrooms, and current enrollments, check
the Registrar's schedule.
More current syllabi and course
information might be available for students on my.rochester.edu.
Political Science
PSC 117 Introduction to American Government
Jonathan Klingler
Summer 2012 — MTRF 13:00-16:00
Political Science Field: Associated Courses, Introductory Courses
Typically offered rarely
(July 9 - August 3)
This course will introduce students to the foundations of American government. Students will examine important political institutions and the linkage mechanisms that connect institutions, political actors, and ordinary American citizens. This course is appropriate for majors and non-majors with an interest in understanding how and why the American political system works as it does. Students will be graded on two midterms, a final exam, and short writing assignments.
PSC 161 Introduction to International Politics
Youngchae Lee
Summer 2012 — MTWR 16:30-19:30
Political Science Field: Associated Courses, Introductory Courses
International Relations Track: Global Security (A)
Typically offered rarely
(May 21 - June 18)
This course is an introduction to the central theories and issues in international relations. It explores important debates in international relations, both historical and contemporary, in order to provide students with the concepts and background knowledge necessary to critically analyze affairs in international politics. A broad range of topics will be considered, including the causes of international conflict, balance of power in international security, the democratic peace theory, and the role of domestic politics in foreign policymaking. Also discussed will be the economic dimension of international relations, including free trade, the effects of globalization, the economics of climate change, and the function of institutions such as the WTO and the IMF.
PSC 169 Politics of New Europe
Paulina Marek
Summer 2012 — MTWR 13:00-16:00
Political Science Field: Associated Courses
International Relations Track: Governance of Nations (C)
Typically offered summer 2012
(May 21 - June 18)
This course will focus on countries that joined the European Union in 2004 and 2007 (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, the Baltic States, Bulgaria and Romania). We will begin with a brief survey of the political history of the region and the establishment and sustenance of Communist rule in the Eastern Bloc, and proceed to analyze events that led to the transformation. The course will focus on the political and economic transformation in the region and the path to membership in the EU. We will compare new EU members with the countries of Western Europe. We will conclude with a survey of the current situation in the countries of the “New Europe” and their relations with “Old Europe” and other countries.