FYS 192:  Facing the Fetus:  Perspectives on the Abortion Controversy

Is abortion moral? Should it be legal? Is the availability of abortion required for the exercise of liberty and the achievement of equality? How are debates about these questions mobilized in the political arena? This course will examine philosophical, legal, and political perspectives on the abortion controversy.

Govt 104:  Introduction to Political Theory

This course introduces students to several of the most important thinkers and themes in the tradition of political theory. The topics and texts of the course vary, but students can expect to confront such issues as justice, equality, and power, and to read both classic and contemporary authors.

Govt 213:  Law and Society

This course explores how law shapes and is shaped by political, social, and cultural contexts. Focusing on the U.S., students will examine: formal legal institutions and actors, including courts, judges, lawyers, and police; law in everyday life, legal consciousness, and varying perceptions of law’s legitimacy; and the gap between law’s promise and law’s practice. Special attention will be paid to the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on policing, courts, and criminal justice. [SS, GM1, V]

Govt 244:  Modern Political Theory

An examination of selected theoretical texts from the Renaissance to the French Revolution.  The separation of political theory from religious discourse, the rise of the state, and the development of liberal and democratic thought are examined.  Hobbes, Locke, Roussea, Mill, Burke and Wollstonecraft are usually treated. [W-course] [Prerequisite:  Govt 104 ]

Govt 313:  First Amendment in the U.S.:  Law and Politics

This course examines the development of constitutional doctrine as it relates to the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. Topics include freedom of expression, church-state relations, and free exercise of religion.  [W-course] [Prerequisite:  one of Govt 213, 311, 314, 315 ]

Govt 315:  Equality in the U.S.:  Law and Politics

Many of the social conflicts that the law considers relate to claims of right grounded upon conceptions of equality as a fundamental value of the constitutional system of the United States. This course explores the concept of equality, its place in U.S. law and politics, and its application to questions of constitutional and political rights. Topics include discrimination on grounds of race, gender, etc., and remedial programs such as busing and affirmative action. [W-course] [Prerequisite:  one of Govt 213, 311, 313, 314 ]

Govt 407:  Law and Social Movements

The purpose of this course is to explore the use of law by social movements and to investigate the relationship between law and movement activism.  The following question will guide this exploration:  To what extent and in what ways does the deployment of the legal system by social movement activists contribute to or inhibit the advancement of social change?  In examining this question, we will review varying theories that address both the opportunities and constraints within the law.  We will also examine how these theories apply to the empirical context of reform efforts, reviewing several social movements, including those working on behalf of African Americans, women, gays and lesbians, and conservative causes.  [W-course] [Prerequisite:  one of Govt 213, 311, 313, 314, 315 ]