Political Science Courses

FP130X United States Government and Constitutional Development for Foreign Students (3-0-3). The basic concepts of American democracy and the Constitution placed in a comparative context for midshipmen from foreign countries. [fall]

Note: Successful completion of FP130 (or FP130X) is required for enrollment in all other required and elective courses in Political Science.

FP210 Introduction to International Relations (3-0-3). Approaches to analysis of international relations; nature and evolution of international political systems; foreign policy decision making; roles of non-state actors; diplomacy and war; Third World economic development; and international institutions. Prereq: FP130. [fall, spring, summer]

FP220 Political Science Methods (3-0-3). A discussion of the philosophy of science for the political scientist; instruction in research methods with emphasis on scientific method and quantitative techniques. Prereq: FP130. [fall, spring]

FP310 Introduction to Global Strategic Studies (3-0-3). The course examines the global international system from the strategic perspective to enhance our understanding of the processes and dynamics of global changes and their impact on professional careers in the naval service. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP311 Ethics and International Relations (3-0-3). At the outset, the focus is on a study of the dominant theories of international relations, particularly Bismarkian realism and Wilsonian idealism. Then, using historical and fictional cases, passages from literature, and guest speakers, this course explores case studies that illustrate the ethical dilemmas that arise in the relations between states. By contrast with courses that treat ethical issues for an individual, this course deals with the acts of states and of other groups such as insurgency movements, non-governmental organizations, and international affiliations. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP313 Information Technology, National Security and International Relations (3-0-3). Effects of information technology on both the national and international political systems; emphasis on changed weaponry, the vulnerability of "cyberspace" and other aspects of the information revolution on the relations among nations. Prereq: FP210.

FP314 Formulation of U.S. Foreign Policy (3-0-3). Case study-based review of the content, formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policies since World War II, including decision-making processes, administration of policy and development of current policies. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP322 Comparative European Politics (3-0-3). Study of foreign and domestic policy issues and processes of major European political systems as well as NATO, the European Union, and the U.S.-European relationship. Prereq: FP130.[spring]

FP323 Comparative Latin American Politics (3-0-3). Social, economic and political environments; regimes and government institutions and interest groups, political parties, students, church and armed forces; theories of Latin American political behavior with country case studies. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP324 Latin American International Politics (3-0-3). Latin American international subsystem; foreign policy making of Latin American states, United States, Europe, Japan and others; roles of non-state actors; international institutions; diplomacy and violence; and application of international theory. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP325 American Political Philosophy (3-0-3). FP325 American Political Philosophy (3-0-3) The theories and practices of Jefferson, Madison, Lincoln, Calhoun, Martin Luther King and other seminal American political thinkers; special emphasis on societal progress and public policy ambiguity under the banner of Liberty and Equality. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP326 American Presidency (3-0-3). Growth and evolution of Office of the President; executive agencies, their function, control and problems; special attention to president's selection, role as commander-in-chief and relations with the legislative and judicial branches. Prereq: FP130. [fall, spring]

FP328 Legislative Process (3-0-3). Decision making in the U.S. Congress; constituencies and elections, role of party and committees, and interaction with executive and judicial branches, bureaucracy, interest groups and other actors. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP335 Non-democratic Politics (3-0-3). Examination of modern totalitarian and authoritarian regimes as distinct forms of political organization. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP340 Modern Political Thought and Ideology (3-0-3). Introduces students to the main components of contemporary political ideas and principles. The course distinguishes among philosophical arguments, ideological convictions, and social movements. It emphasizes that during the twentieth century this distinction has blurred, resulting in highly popularized ideology disguised as philosophy. During this course, important concerns about basic political values, the nature of justice and the distribution of wealth along with central concepts like equality, liberty and rights are considered in light of topical issues. Though a logical sequel to the required FP430 (Political Philosophy) course, this course is open to any student interested in exploring contemporary political arguments and proposals. Readings range from the extremes of anarchism to debates about feminism and environmentalism. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP341 Political Psychology (3-0-3). Introduction to psychological concepts and approaches used to analyze politics. Topics covered include acquisition of personal political attitudes and beliefs; the dynamics of public opinion; theories underlying PsyOp (Psychological Operations), riots, revolutions and wars; and psychological sources of effective and defective decisions in small group settings such as juries, military commands and policy settings. Prereq: FP130. [fall, spring]

FP345 Environmental Politics and Security (3-0-3). This course examines the major environmental problems currently influencing U.S. domestic and environmental security policies. It explores major theories about the relationships among environmental, demographic, and political conflicts and provides a broad overview of what is known and still unknown. Public policy controversies related to global warming, pollution, degradation and future scarcity of land, air, ocean, fresh water resources and biodiversity are examined in some detail. Enduring and novel ethical issues about how to promote the rights of humans and other species are covered in discussions and debates. Special emphasis is placed on DOD environmental programs and the legal responsibilities and obligations of naval officers in implementing U.S. environmental security policies. Each midshipman choses a specific environmental security issue and learn to complete a policy evaluation. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP350 Political Economy (3-0-3). This course provides an understanding of the collective action taken by the state and the economy where individuals engage in self interested behavior. It deals with how the state uses power to make decisions about who gets what, when, and how; and how scarce resources are allocated and distributed through the market  process. Topics include: the structure of political economy, state-market tensions, economic nationalism, Democracy and Capitalism, and International Trade and Finance. Prereq: FP210. [fall]

FP355 Civil-Military Relations (3-0-3). An examination of the interplay between civilians and the military in a liberal democratic society. The course blends of theory, practice, policy, sociology, history and political philosophy to examine the relationship of the professional military to the society which it serves. Employs a comparative approach with emphasis on case studies. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP356 Conflict and Peacemaking (3-0-3). This seminar course focuses on examining, discussing, and learning how to  think critically about the nature of conflicts and the art of peacemaking in the post-Cold War world. It includes lectures, problem-centered learning approaches and discussion sessions. Interactions with experts and a visit to a foreign embassy assist midshipmen in gaining a perspective on conflict management and peacemaking. Prereq: FP130. [fall, spring]

FP357 Politics of China and Japan (3-0-3). An examination of the Chinese/Japanese political system with emphasis on the dynamic interaction of traditional and Western forces. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP365 African Politics (3-0-3). Analysis of political trends and constitutional development of African political systems; their relations with one another and outside world; attention directed to U.S. security interests in Africa. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP367 Politics of Russia and the CIS (3-0-3). The development and disintegration of the modern Soviet political system. Prereq: FP130 (FP210 highly recommended). [fall]

FP368 Comparative Asian Politics (3-0-3). Systematic comparative approach to the study of political systems in East and Southeast Asia (with country cases selected from the Koreas, Taiwan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam); theoretical emphasis on ethnic conflict, economic development and democratization. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP369 Middle Eastern Politics (3-0-3). Comparative analysis of domestic politics, political economy, the role of religion, foreign policies, and elements of international relations of Middle Eastern political systems; theoretical emphasis on ethnic conflict, conflict resolution and democratic development. Prereq: FP130. [fall, spring]

FP370 International Russian and Euro-Asian Politics (3-0-3). Discussion of geopolitical, ideological, institutional, cultural and economic factors affecting foreign policy decision making in Russian and other members of Commonwealth of Independent States; regional and global issues of security, democracy and free market economics. Prereq: FP130 (FP210 highly recommended). [spring]

FP371 Asian International Politics (3-0-3). Analysis of interstate relations of selected East and Southeast Asian states; concentration on regional organizations, security alliances and bilateral arrangements. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP372 Political Parties, Campaigns and Interest Groups (3-0-3). Study of dynamics of group politics in the U.S. political system; emphasizes roles played by parties, interest groups, public opinion and elections in the U.S. political process. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP375 Politics and the Media (3-0-3). A comprehensive analysis of how print, electronic and computer-based mass media choose, cover, and disseminate information about American politics and government. Analysis of contemporary media from the perspective of subjects, disseminators and consumers of the news. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP384 Politics of Low Intensity Conflict (3-0-3). Theoretical, historical and policy examination of low-level political-military confrontation; viewed from several perspectives, such as revolutionary, policy-making, military and nation-state; focus on U.S. response to LIC. Prereq: FP130, 2/C. [fall, spring]

FP397 Criminal Law and Justice (3-0-3). An examination of both (1) the criminal justice system and the requirements of due process as mandated by the Constitution (double jeopardy, coerced confessions, plea bargaining, etc.) and (2) the criminal law -- the nature of criminal intent, the criminal act, the defenses (self-defense, insanity, etc.) as illustrated in such common law felonies as murder, rape, robbery, and battery. Prereq: FP130, 2/C. [fall, spring]

FP403 Advanced Research Seminar in Washington (3-0-3). Intensive hands-on introduction to unique research resources of Washington, D.C., such as Library of Congress computer system, Federal Elections Commission Data Base and others; research design, field trips to Washington for data base use and elite interviewing. Prereq: 1/C FPS major. [spring]

FP407 Intelligence and National Security (3-0-3). Examination of nature, significance and development of intelligence including collection, counterintelligence, clandestine and covert action and evaluation; includes current issues and case studies. Prereq: FP130, FP210, 2/C, U.S. citizenship. [fall]

FP408 International Law (3-0-3). Survey of public law of nations including jurisdiction, citizenship, nationality, human rights, and treaty law. This course places special emphasis on the law of the sea, the law of war, and the legal issues involving the use of force by states. Prereq: FP210. [spring]

FP413 Constitutional Law: Federal System (3-0-3). An analysis of key Supreme Court decisions interpreting the power of the judiciary, the executive and congress under the Constitution; nation-state relations; the commerce power; economic liberties. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP414 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3-0-3). An analysis of leading Supreme Court decisions in the areas of speech, press, and religion; equal protection of minorities and women; privacy. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP420 Public Policy Analysis (3-0-3). Analysis of U.S. public policy toward social and economic problems, including nature of social choice; survey of selected policy areas, such as health care, education, housing and economic and social welfare. Prereq: FP130. [spring]

FP421 National Security Policy (3-0-3). Examination of interaction of domestic and foreign political and military considerations in the formulation and execution of national security policy; use of case studies and review of current strategic policies. Prereq: FP130. [fall, spring]

FP430 Political Philosophy (3-0-3). Study of Western political philosophy, with emphasis on roots of democracy and the meaning of justice; explores relationship between individual and society, as well as the sources of a state's power and authority; examines works of major thinkers from Plato to the present. Prereq: FP130. [fall, spring]

FP437 International Organizations (3-0-3). International organizations in world politics; attention given to control of conflict and violence, economic cooperation and management of global resources; major focus on the United Nations; discussion of selected regional issues and other organizations. Prereq: FP130 and FP210. [spring]

FP440 Politics of Central Europe (3-0-3). Analysis of the politics of Central Europe from a comparative perspective; the struggle for national identity and economic development in the post-communist environment. Prereq: FP130. [fall]

FP510 Honors Senior Thesis (3-2-4). The principal objective of this course is a written thesis based on an independent research project using a variety of data collection and analysis methods. The final paper is presented orally and evaluated by a team of faculty members.  Prereq: FP530, FP540, 1/C FPSH. [fall]

FP530 Honors Advanced Research Design (2-0-2). Advanced research techniques: individual design guidance with special reference to advanced statistical techniques and unique research resources of the Washington, D.C., area. Prereq: 2/C FPSH. [spring]

FP540 Honors Senior Seminar (3-0-3). An advanced research seminar to carry out the research that culminates in a senior honors thesis. Prereq: FP530, 1/C FPSH. [spring]
 
 

Office of the Academic Dean & Provost Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Frederic I. Davis Comments to: fid@nadn.navy.mil

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