American Politics

262. American Politics
Survey of the theory and practice of constitutional government in the United States. (Social Science) ALLIN

282. Public Policy
Introduction to the policy-making process, to the basics of public policy analysis, and to the substance of selected policy debates. (Social Science) HEMELT

355 through 359. Seminar in American Politics
Examination of a particular topic or issue in American politics. Content varies from year to year. See Topics Courses. Prerequisite: POL 262. Offered subject to availability of faculty. (Social Science)

361. Race, Sex, and the Constitution
Exploration of Constitutional principles including equal protection of the laws, privacy, and freedom of speech as they apply to issues of race, gender, and ethnicity: race and sex discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action, abortion, pornography, privacy rights, hate speech, political correctness, etc. Prerequisites: POL 262 and junior standing. Alternate years. (Social Science) ALLIN

363. Campaigns and Elections
Electoral process in the U.S., including discussion of the numerous factors which contribute to or diminish the probability of electoral success. Prerequisite: POL 262. Alternate years. (Social Science) ALLIN

364. Congress and the Presidency
In-depth study of the central institutions of the American political system and the evolving relationship between them. Prerequisite: POL 262. Alternate years. (Social Science) ALLIN

365. Constitutional Law: The American System
Structure and function of the American judicial system and its role in constitutional interpretation. The court's role in three great conflicts that have shaped the American experience: (1) nation vs. states–the struggle for sovereignty, (2) Congress vs. President–the struggle for supremacy over national policy, and (3) government vs. business–the struggle over government regulation of the economy. Prerequisites: POL 262 and junior standing. Alternate years. (Social Science) ALLIN

366. Constitutional Law: Rights and Liberties
Rights of individuals in America. The court's role in three broad areas of civil liberties: (1) criminal prosecution, (2) free expression, and (3) race and sex discrimination. Prerequisites: POL 262 and junior standing. Alternate years. (Social Science) ALLIN

367. Urban Politics and Policy
Government in urban America. Issues of public policy, and their consequences for city dwellers and the nation. Feasibility and desirability of various solutions. Prerequisite: POL 262 or 282. Alternate years. (Social Science) ALLIN

368. Environmental Politics and Policy
Analysis of the policy process concerning energy and environmental issues, emphasizing the interrelated roles of Congress, federal and state agencies, the President, interest groups, etc., and including an evaluation of alternative policies. Prerequisite: POL 262 or 282. Alternate years. (Social Science) ALLIN

371. Wilderness Politics and Policy
An exploration of governmental policies designed to preserve and manage wilderness areas in the United States. Taught at the Wilderness Field Station and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Registration entails additional costs. Prerequisites: POL 262 or 282 and permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (Social Science) ALLIN

372. Current Cases before the Supreme Court
Examination of selected cases to be heard by the Supreme Court through lecture, discussion, and oral argument. Case analysis by Judge Hansen and Professor Sutherland in the first half of the course; oral argument by students in the last half. Prerequisite: POL 262. (Social Science) SUTHERLAND and JUDGE HANSEN

561. Mock Trial (1/4)
Participating in simulated trials in competition with teams from other institutions, learning legal practices, procedures and ethics and developing critical thinking and public speaking skills.

981. Washington Center: see Cornell-Approved Domestic Off-Campus Programs.

982. Capital Experience: see Cornell-Approved Domestic Off-Campus Programs.