Course Offerings
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Fall 2025▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
American National Government
POL 100 - Harris, Rebecca
A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process.
American National Government
POL 100 - Virgin, Sheahan
A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - Rush, Mark
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 -
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - LeBlanc, Robin
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 111 - Gray, Stu
An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements.
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 111 -
An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements.
State and Local Government
POL 203 - Finch, Kevin
An introduction to the structures and functions of United States subnational governments, with particular emphasis on the policy-making process and on the relationships between policy makers and the public. Computer-assisted analysis of survey-research data is included.
Political Parties, Interest Groups, and the Media
POL 229 - Alexander, Brian
A study of the three central extra-constitutional mediating institutions in the American political system: political parties, interest groups, and the media. The course explores theoretical and practical, historical and contemporary developments in party politics, interest group politics, and media politics. Special attention to the debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.
Public Policy
POL 232 - Harris, Rebecca
Introduction to public policy formation and implementation, decision making in government, the concepts and techniques of policy analysis, and ethical analysis of policy. Policy issues such as education, immigration, and public health are used as illustrations.
The American Supreme Court and Constitutional Law
POL 236 - Rush, Mark
A survey of the development of American constitutional law and a study of the role of the Supreme Court as both a political institution and principal expositor of the Constitution.
Latin American Politics
POL 247 - Morel, Lucas
This course focuses on Latin American politics during the 20th and 21st centuries. Major topics include: democracy and authoritarianism; representation and power; populism, socialism, and neoliberalism; and economic development and inequality. The course places particular emphasis on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, and Cuba. In addition, the course examines political relations between the United States and Latin America.
Terrorism
POL 274 - Cantey, Seth
The principal goal of this course is to help students understand the complexities of contemporary terrorism. We discuss definitional issues, the historical roots of modern terrorism, and various micro- and macro-explanations for this form of violence. We also investigate the life cycles of terrorist groups: How do they emerge? What kinds of organizational challenges do they face? How do they end? Other topics include leaderless movements (e.g., lone "wolves") and state sponsorship. Throughout the course, students observe that terrorism is not a phenomenon unique to one class of people. The course ends with three weeks focused on a certain kind of terrorism which some have called violent Islamic extremism.
Special Topics in Global Politics
POL 296H -
A seminar in political science for students at the introductory or intermediate level.Instructor/topic pending.
Seminar in American Political Thought
POL 370 -
An examination of classic themes and current issues in American political thought. Depending on the instructor, emphases may include the Federalists, Anti-Federalists, Alexis de Tocqueville, Abraham Lincoln, and voices from the Progressive and civil rights eras. Course readings stress primary sources including speeches, essays, and books by politicians and theorists. The course explores the effort to reconcile liberty and equality, individualism and community, liberalism and republicanism, politics and religion, among other themes. The course highlights the contemporary relevance of the enduring tensions between political principles and practice.
Seminar in American Political Thought: Thomas Jefferson
POL 370A - Alexander, Brian
An examination of classic themes and current issues in American political thought. Depending on the instructor, emphases may include the Federalists, Anti-Federalists, Alexis de Tocqueville, Abraham Lincoln, and voices from the Progressive and civil rights eras. Course readings stress primary sources including speeches, essays, and books by politicians and theorists. The course explores the effort to reconcile liberty and equality, individualism and community, liberalism and republicanism, politics and religion, among other themes. The course highlights the contemporary relevance of the enduring tensions between political principles and practice.
Seminar: Freedom
POL 385 - Gray, Stu
An examination of differing conceptions of political and individual freedom in the modern world. We explore the political thought of thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, Michel Foucault, and Emma Goldman. Students analyze the meaning of freedom through novels and/or short stories, including the work of authors such as Jonathan Franzen and Franz Kafka. Key questions include the meaning and ends of freedom, its conditions, and connections between personal and political articulations of freedom.
Seminar in American Government: Electoral College Politics
POL 397D - Virgin, Sheahan
Americans choose their president via the Electoral College, the mere mention of which inspires impassioned debate among stakeholders over its suitability as a mechanism of democratic selection. To supporters, the College is the hallowed, sage design of the Constitution’s framers, an exemplar of federalism and guarantor separation of powers. To opponents, the College is a needlessly confounding, countermajoritarian anachronism that warrants abolition. Following a deep dive into the history and mechanics of the College, as well as of attendant reform alternatives, students will critically assess arguments pro and con using the methods of normative democratic theory, comparative institutionalism, and causal inference.
Honors Thesis
POL 493 - Gray, Stu
Honors Thesis.
Spring 2025▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
Bitcoin in Practice
POL 280 - Cantey, Seth
This course introduces students to bitcoin and its roles in global politics. Since 2008, bitcoin has evolved from an idea posted to an online chat forum to a digital asset that has caught the attention of sovereign states. Along the way, it has been used by human rights activists whose bank accounts have been frozen, refugees crossing boarders, immigrants sending remittances, environmentalists fighting climate change, and others. The course explores what bitcoin is, what problems it is trying to solve, and the creative ways it has been used across time and space. Part of the course takes place in Argentina, a developing country that has long faced economic challenges. There, the class meets with politicians, economists, entrepreneurs, and others - bitcoin advocates and skeptics alike - to understand why adoption is higher in Argentina than most other countries.
Topics in Politics and Film: Comedy and Politics
POL 292B - Puemape, Felix
This class will examine the educational potential of comedy films for political scientists. We will focus on elements that usually captivate audiences, such as absurdity, rudeness, and sarcasm, to explore topics often presented in uninspired ways. Over the course of four weeks, we will analyze four comedies that tackle key political themes, including authoritarianism, lobbying, populism, and terrorism, and evaluate how effectively they illustrate concepts proposed by classic political science theorists. To directly assess the pedagogical power of comedy, students will be encouraged to write their own comedic plot about a political topic of interest, using the films we watch and their connections (or lack thereof) to political science classics as guidelines.
Special Topics in American Politics: The Politics of Flags
POL 295M - Virgin, Sheahan
This course asks the question of why humans attach psychological and socio-political significance to mere pieces of cloth. By studying cases within the U.S. and around the world, students will explore how flags, as symbols, acquire meaning and communicate vital information about people and place (for example: history and heritage, sovereignty, in-group belonging and out-group exclusion, resistance to authority, etc.). Along the way, each student will work with W&L’s state-of-the-art IQ Center on an experiential learning project: designing and fabricating a new flag for Virginia. After a brief campaign, we will hold a mock election in which the campus community selects a winner using ranked choice voting. Post-balloting, students will adopt additional roles: As the electoral commission, they will tabulate the votes and declare an official winner, while as social scientists, they will scour the data to illuminate voting patterns.
Special Topics in Global Politics: Russia-Ukraine Conflict
POL 296G - Yalowitz, Kenneth
This course will begin with an examination of the primary tools of diplomacy and the conflicts following the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union. The principal case study is the current Russia-Ukraine war and the diplomatic, political, economic, military and international elements. The impact of the Gaza-Israel war on the Ukraine conflict will be covered. The course will conclude with a diplomatic simulation exercise in which students will hone diplomatic skills in dealing with crises.
Washington Term Program
POL 466 - Alexander, Brian
The Washington Term Program aims to enlarge students' understanding of national politics and governance. Combining academic study with practical experience in the setting of a government office, think tank, or other organization in Washington, it affords deeper insight into the processes and problems of government at the national level. A member of the politics faculty is the resident director, supervising students enrolled in this program while they are in Washington, D.C.
Winter 2025▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
American National Government
POL 100 - Morel, Lucas
A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process.
American National Government
POL 100 - Virgin, Sheahan
A study of the constitutional origins and historical development of the national government with special attention to Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in the policy process.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - Puemape, Felix
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Global Politics
POL 105 - Wang, Clyde
A survey of the comparative study of national and international politics and the interaction between the two. Topics may include power relations among and within states, changes in the conduct of international affairs and conflict resolution, contrasting ideas about democracy, economic development, justice, globalization, terrorism, causes and alternatives to war, social movements and the role of the nation-state.
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 111 - Gray, Stu
An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements.
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 111 - Wang, Clyde
An introduction to some of the perennial themes of politics, such as the relationship between human nature and political institutions, individual freedom and community, private conscience and civic virtue, the claims of reason and faith, the nature of law, obligation, and rights, among others. Our inquiry is guided by selections from influential works in the history of political thought, ancient, modern and contemporary, as well as plays, dialogues, comedies, tragedies, novels, and films. Consult with instructor for specific reading assignments and course requirements.
Applied Statistics
POL 202 - Puemape, Felix
Not open to students with credit for BUS 202, ECON 202, INTR 202, CBSC 250, or MATH 118. An examination of the principal applications of statistics to allow students to develop a working knowledge and understanding of applied statistics in the social sciences (politics, sociology, and economics), and accounting and business. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.
Environmental Policy and Law
POL 233 - Harris, Rebecca
A study of major environmental laws and the history of their enactment and implementation. Discusses different theoretical approaches from law, ethics, politics, and economics. Reviews significant case law and the legal context. Emphasis is on domestic policy with some attention to international law and treaties.
Gender and Politics
POL 255 - LeBlanc, Robin
This course investigates the gendered terms under which women and men participate in political life. Attention is given to the causes of men's and women's different patterns of participation in politics, to processes that are likely to decrease the inequalities between men's and women's political power, and the processes by which society's gender expectations shape electoral and institutional politics. The different effects of gender on the practice of politics in different nations are compared, with a special emphasis placed on advanced industrial democracies.
Classical Political Philosophy
POL 265 - Gray, Stu
An examination of some of the central questions and concerns of classical political philosophy. The course is not restricted to a historical period but extends to classical themes within contemporary culture. A mixture of plays, novels, epics, dialogues, treatises, and films are used. Authors, texts, and themes vary from year to year. Consult with the instructor for specific course details.
Special Topics in in American Politics: Public Opinion and Political Behavior
POL 295L - Virgin, Sheahan
According to democratic theory, Americans’ wants and needs should translate into policy via responsive, representative government. Yet empirical research warns that many people are unknowledgeable about politics, do not vote on the basis of policy considerations, and are only weakly committed to democratic norms. As such, in this course, students will critically engage deep, weighty questions that interrogate the very foundation of democracy as a regime type: Can people uphold their end of the democratic bargain? Are policy questions too complex for the average American to comprehend? Is it a good or bad idea to tether elected leaders to public opinion? Should the U.S. increase or decrease opportunities for people to participate? Topics include: opinion polling, voter choice and turnout, political ideology, social identity, polarization, core values, racial resentment, populism, national affect, media fragmentation, and civic education.
Seminar: Law and the Judicial Process
POL 342 - Harris, Rebecca
A survey of legal theories and the problems of reconciling such theories with the realities of administering a legal system. The course draws upon readings from literature, philosophy, legal scholarship, and political science. Topics include the nature of law and justice, constitutionalism, the role and power of courts and judges, and the function of a legal system.
Seminar: Lincoln's Statesmanship
POL 360 - Morel, Lucas
This seminar examines the political thought and practice of Abraham Lincoln. Emphasis is on his speeches and writings, supplemented by scholarly commentary on his life and career.
Architecture of Urban Community
POL 388 - LeBlanc, Robin
This seminar investigates the literal and social architecture of democratic community in cities around the globe, examining how the physical spaces and political and economic power structures of urban life support or constrain the civic relationships of residents of varying backgrounds and unequal socioeconomic positions, shaping citizens' opportunities for collective empowerment and self-determination. Course addresses issues of poverty, exclusion, and environmental limits.
Washington Term Orientation
POL 465 - Alexander, Brian
Graded Pass/Fail only. This orientation prepares students to succeed in the W&L Washington Term Program. The weekly class consists of discussion, lectures, guest speakers, and reading assignments that help students hit the ground running as policy professionals and public intellectuals in Washington, DC, during Spring Term. Limited to and required for students permitted to enroll in POL 466 Washington Term during Spring Term.