Mar 29, 2024  
2016-2017 
    
2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 
  
  • PHI 102 - Reason and Argument


    Instructor 
    McKeever

    Introduction to reasoning with a focus on the nature and evaluation of arguments, the identification of fallacies, and the rules of rational discourse.

    Satisfies the philosophy major requirement of either PHI 102 or PHI 200.

    Satisfies the Liberal Studies distribution requirement.

    Counts as an elective in the Public Communication/Rhetoric Track of the Communication Studies interdisciplinary minor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • PHI 105 - Ancient Greek Philosophy


    Instructor
    Studtmann

    Introduction to the origins and development of philosophy in ancient Greece, with special emphasis on Plato and Aristotle. 

    Counts towards the satisfaction of the Philosophy major requirement to take two courses from amoung PHI 105, PHI 106, and PHI 107.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.


    Counts as a Western Europe area course in the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
    Counts towards the major in Classics.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHI 106 - Early Modern European Philosophy


    Instructor
    Robb

    Introduction to philosophy in the early modern period, i.e., the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Emphasis on metaphysical and epistemological issues in the work of philosophers selected from this list: Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Kant.
     

    Counts towards the Philosophy major and minor requirement to take two courses in the history of philosophy from among PHI 105, PHI 106, and PHI 107.
    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
    Counts as a Western Europe area course in the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • PHI 107 - Medieval Philosophy


    Instructor
    Griffith

    Introduction to philosophers of the medieval period. We will study thinkers of the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions, spanning from the fourth century C.E. up to the fourteenth century. Philosophers discussed may include: Augustine, Boethius, Anselm, Peter Abelard, Avicenna, Algazali, Averroes, Saadia, Maimonides, Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus.

    Counts towards the satisfaction of the Philosophy major and minor requirement to take two courses in the history of philosophy from among PHI 105, PHI 106, and PHI 107.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Not offerred in 2016-17)

  
  • PHI 110 - Problems of Philosophy


    Instructor
    Layman, Jankovic

    Introduction to philosophy through a survey of selected philosophical problems. Topics vary, and have included questions such as: Does God exist? Do we have free will? Can we know anything? Is truth relative? Is morality objective?

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall and Spring)

  
  • PHI 120 - Applied Ethics


    Instructor
    Layman

    Introduction to the philosophical analysis of contemporary moral controversies. Topics vary, and have included abortion, euthanasia, feminism, world hunger, business ethics, nuclear war, and human rights.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHI 140 - Environmental Ethics


    Instructor
    McKeever

    Introduction to ethical analysis of environmental values and decision-making. Likely topics include (1) the value of different aspects of the environment including non-human animals, species, non-living natural objects, and ecosystems; (2) ethical analysis of different approaches to risk as this bears on environmental policy-making; (3) the moral merits and liabilities of ethical institutions, such as private property rights, as applied to the natural environment.
     

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.

    Satisfies depth and breadth course requirement in the Humanities track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Not offerred in 2016-17)

  
  • PHI 150 - Eastern and Western Conceptions of the Self


    Instructor
    Robb

    In this course we compare and evaluate conceptions of the self in Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Questions include: Does the self exist? If so, what sort of thing is it? Could I survive the death of my body? Do I extend beyond the boundaries of a particular mind or body? In what sense, if any, is the self a social construct? Readings come from a variety of sources: contemporary and classical, Eastern and Western.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.

    Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Not offerred in 2016-17)

  
  • PHI 160 - Great Philosophers


    Instructor
    Studtmann

    Introduction to philosophy through intensive study of the work of one philosopher. The philosopher selected varies. This course: Sartre

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    This course can be repeated for credit given sufficiently distinct topics: check with the department chair. (Spring)

  
  • PHI 170 - God (= REL 246)


    Instructor
    Studtmann/Ottati

    This course focuses on what is said about God in Christian tradition and in philosophy.  It explores representations, symbols, inklings of the divine in biblical and religious texts, developed conceptions of God put forward by philosophers and theologians, and traditional arguments about God , as well as contemporary statements and debates.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Not offered 2016-17.)

  
  • PHI 200 - Symbolic Logic


    Instructor
    Studtmann

    Systematic study of formal reasoning. Focus on the representation and evaluation of arguments in propositional and predicate logic. Additional topics vary, and may include meta-logic, modal logic, and non-classical logics. 

    Satisfires the Philosophy major requirement to take one course on reasoning (either PHI 102 or PHI 200).

    Satisfies the Mathematical and Quantitative Thought distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHI 210 - Games and Decisions


    Instructor
    McKeever

    Introduction to the formal analysis of games and rational decision-making. Decision under risk, ignorance, and certainty as applied in morals, politics, and religion.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

    Counts as an elective in the Social Science Track of the Applied Mathematics interdisciplinary minor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Not offerred in 2016-17)

  
  • PHI 211 - Theory of Knowledge


    Instructor
    Jankovic

    The central questions of epistemology are: What is knowledge? Do we have any? If so, how did we get it? This course accordingly looks at the nature, scope, and sources of knowledge.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • PHI 212 - Metaphysics


    Instructor
    Griffith

    Philosophical study of the most fundamental features of the world and our place in it. Topics vary, and have included abstract and concrete entities, God, causation, space and time, necessity, freedom and determinism, the identity of objects and persons over time.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • PHI 213 - Philosophy of Science


    Instructor
    Robb

    This course is about the nature of science, with a focus on Thomas Kuhn’s pioneering and widely influential text, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.  Topics include the difference between science and pseudo-science, the rationality of scientific change, the aim of science, the role of values in science, and the objectivity of scientific facts.
     

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor. 
    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • PHI 215 - Ethics


    Instructor
    Layman

    Introduction to the philosophical evaluation of ethical decision-making and moral life. Discussion of such questions as: What grounds the difference between right and wrong action? How is happiness related to morality? Do moral questions admit of objective answers, and if so how can moral disagreements be resolved? What is the virtue of justice? Does morality require (or benefit from) a religious foundation?  A variety of philosophical approaches will be considered with a view to which best helps us understand this vital dimension of human life.

    Satisfies the philosophy major requirement for Philosophy 215.
     

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • PHI 216 - Philosophy of Language


    Instructor
    Jankovic

    Discussion of theories of communication, linguistic meaning, and truth. Other topics vary, and have included metaphor, naming and describing, reference, vagueness, and universals. 

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHI 217 - Philosophy of Mind


    Instructor
    Jankovic

    Introduction to the mind-body problem: What is the relation between the mind and the body, or more generally, between mental and physical phenomena? Answers explored include dualism, behaviorism, the mind-brain identity theory, and functionalism. Other topics vary, and have included consciousness, mental representation, artificial intelligence, and neurophilosophy.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.

    Counts as an elective in the Neuroscience interdisciplinary minor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHI 220 - Political Philosophy


    Instructor
    Layman

    Introduction to the philosophical evaluation of political power and the social and economic institutions through which it is exercised. Discussion of such questions as: What justification is there for government? What moral duties do citizens have? Are there moral limits to government authority? Analysis of such concepts as freedom, rights, justice, and equality.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)


     

  
  • PHI 225 - Philosophy of Religion


    Instructor
    Griffith

    Introduction to philosophical issues in classical and contemporary religious thought. Topics vary, and have included the justification of religious claims, the relation of faith to knowledge, arguments for the existence of God, divine attributes, life after death, the problem of evil, the status of religious language, the relation of religion to morality, and alternatives to theism.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • PHI 235 - Existentialism


    Instructor
    Griffith

    Analysis of the existential conditions of human life, such as death, the fragility and finiteness of life, freedom, commitment, the need for God, and the quest for meaning, worth, and dignity. Readings are from both philosophy and literature.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHI 250 - Buddhism as Philosophy


    Instructor
    Robb

    Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions, but it is at the same time a philosophical system, one that has something to say about many of philosophy’s central problems. These include questions about the existence and nature of the self, the fundamental structure of reality, the possibility of knowledge, and the moral life. In this course, we examine the Buddhist philosophical system, noting where there is debate within the Buddhist tradition, and at times pausing to compare Buddhist views with Western counterparts. Readings come from a variety of sources: contemporary and classical, Eastern and Western.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor. 
    Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in South Asian Studies.
    Satisfies Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement.

    Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHI 325 - Philosophy of Law


    Instructor
    McKeever

    Analysis of the nature and function of law. Various theories of law, relation of law to morality, economic analysis of law. An assessment of the principles of legal reasoning and jurisprudence, emphasis on discussion of decided cases.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Not offerred in 2016-17)

  
  • PHI 350 - Seminar in Philosophy


    Spring 2017

    Instructor: Studtmann

    Topic: 20th Century Political Structure

    The debate between those who advocate for an anarchist political structure and those who advocate for a Statist political structure is one of the most fundamental debates in all political philosophy. In this course, we examine two of the most prominent anarchist thinkers in the 20th century - Murray Rothbard and David Friedman - as well as the greatest political philosopher in the 20th century and a proponent of Statistm - John Rawls. The course concludes with an examination of mathematical models of both types of political structure that provide mathematically precise answers to some of the main questions that both Anarchists and Statists have discussed.

     

    Fall 2016

    Instructor: Griffith

    Topic: Free Will

    The problem of free will is often cited as one of philosophy’s most difficult problems to resolve. As human beings, it seems that we are subject to laws of nature and to chains of cause and effect. But as personal agents, we feel strongly that we are autonomous beings whose choices and actions are not dictated by external factors. Can we reconcile these two notions? Why do we care?

    In this course, we will study the nature of free will and the problems associated with it. We will focus mostly on the debate as it has been developed in the 20th and 21st centuries. We will look at the following questions (among others): is free will compatible with determinism? What about indeterminism? If our actions aren’t determined, are they random or arbitrary? How does free will relate to moral responsibility? Do moral responsibility and/or free will require that we are able do otherwise? If so, what does it mean to be able to do otherwise? Can contemporary science tell us anything about whether we have free will?  Do we need free will/moral responsibility in order to have meaningful lives? Do we at least need to believe that we have free will?

     

    Satisfies the Philosophy major seminar requirement.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy minor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    This course can be repeated for credit given sufficiently distinct topics: check with the department chair. (Fall, Spring)

  
  • PHI 365 - Philosophy of Mathematics


    Instructor
    Studtmann

    Analysis of the philosophical foundations of mathematics. Topics vary, and have included the nature of mathematical truth, pure versus applied mathematics, the reality of mathematical entities, infinity, paradoxes, axiomatic systems, formal number theory, Godel’s Theorem.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHI 399 - Independent Research in Philosophy


    Instructor
    Staff

    Independent research under the direction of a faculty member who approves the topic(s) and determines the means of evaluation. Permission of the instructor and the department chair is required.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor

    Prerequisites & Notes
    This course can be repeated for credit given sufficiently distinct topics: check with the department chair. (Fall and Spring)

  
  • PHI 451 - Senior Colloquium in Philosophy


    Instructor
    Layman

    Capstone course required of all senior Philosophy majors. The seminar is organized around the work of four or five philosophers who visit the campus during the semester to discuss their work with students. Topics vary.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • PHI 495 - Senior Thesis


    Instructor
    Staff

    Open only to Philosophy majors. Includes the writing of a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. Majors pursuing Honors must defend the thesis before the Philosophy faculty.

    Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Enrollment requires departmental approval: interested majors should contact the department chair in the Fall semester. (Spring)

  
  • PHY 103 - Physics of the Environment


    Instructor
    Cain

    A study of the physical laws and processes that underlie environmental phenomena with a special focus on energy. Technical, economic and social consequences of these laws and processes will be examined to better delineate the complex decisions related to environmental issues.  No laboratory. 

    Satisfies the Liberal Studies distribution requirement.
    Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Designed for non-science majors. (Not offered 2016-2017.)

  
  • PHY 106 - Introductory Astronomy with Lab


    Instructor
    Thompson

    A survey of the current scientific view of the Universe. Emphasis on the physical and mathematical principles necessary to understand how astronomers observe and interpret phenomena. Topics include the historical development of major astronomical theories, the interaction of light and matter, the life cycle of stars, and the structure and evolution of the Universe. One laboratory period per week which will include daytime laboratories and evening observing and astrophotography sessions.

    Satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Not open to students with credit in PHY 105. (Fall)

  
  • PHY 110 - The Physics Around You


    Instructor
    Cain

    A descriptive course, intended primarily for non-science majors, concerning the laws of mechanics, heat, electricity, light, magnetism, the atom, and the nucleus as applied to the devices and technology used and the natural occurrences observed in everyday experience.  No laboratory. 

    Satisfies the Liberal Studies distribution requirement.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Designed for non-science majors. Not open to students with credit for Physics 120, 220, 130 or 230. (Not offered 2016-2017.)

  
  • PHY 116 - Sights and Sounds


    Instructor
    Boye

    Scientific principles applied to the production, propagation, storage, detection and perception of sound and light. Applications will focus on current practices in live performance as well as high definition audio and image recording and production. This course is designed for students with an interest in music and the visual arts. One laboratory period per week.

    Satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Designed for non-science majors.

  
  • PHY 118 - Advanced Placement Credit: Mechanics


    Course credit for appropriate scores on the AP Physics B exam or the AP Physics C (Mechanics) exam. The course does not satisfy the lab science distribution requirement unless significant evidence of laboratory work (in the form of a laboratory notebook or reports) is presented to the Physics Department chair. 

    AP credit for Physics 118 does not satisfy the Natural Science distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Only with specific permission of the chair may the course serve as prerequisite to other courses in Physics. Credit for Physics 118 is forfeited by a student who elects to take Physics 120 or 130. (Not offered 2016-2017.)

  
  • PHY 119 - Advanced Placement Credit: Electricity and Magnetism


    Course credit for appropriate scores on the AP Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism) exam. The course does not satisfy the lab science distribution requirement unless significant evidence of laboratory work (in the form of a laboratory notebook or reports) is presented to the Physics Department chair.

    AP credit for Physics 119 does not satisfy the Natural Science distribution requirement. 

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Only with specific permission of the chair may the course serve as prerequisite to other courses in Physics. Credit for Physics 119 is forfeited by a student who elects to take Physics 220 or 230. (Not offered 2016-2017.)

  
  • PHY 120 - General Physics


    Instructors
    Belloni, Boye, Yukich


    Mechanics, rotational motion, fluids, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. One laboratory each week.
     

    Satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Fall)

  
  • PHY 130 - General Physics with Calculus


    Instructors 
    Belloni, Cain, Kuchera

    Mechanics, rotational motion, fluids, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. More comprehensive than Physics 120 and designed for students who intend to major in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and/or plan to pursue a degree in engineering.  One laboratory each week.


    Satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Corequisite: Math 111 or 112. (Fall/Spring)

  
  • PHY 200 - Computational Physics (= CSC 200)


    Instructor
    Kuchera

    (Cross-listed as CSC 200) PHY/CSC 200 is an introduction to computer programming and computational physics using Python. No prior programming experience is necessary. This course will provide students with the skills required to write code to solve physics problems in areas including quantum physics, electromagnetism, and mechanics. Structured programming methods will be covered as well as algorithms for numerical integration, solving differential equations, and more.
     

    Satisfies the Mathematical and Quantitative Thought distribution requirement.

    Co-requisite: Physics 120 or 130 at Davidson or permission of the instructor. (Spring)

  
  • PHY 201 - Mathematical Methods for Scientists


    Instructor
    Belloni

    Designed to develop a basic competence in many areas of mathematics needed for junior/senior level work in the sciences. Basic methods of power series, complex numbers, Fourier analysis, linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations, multivariable and vector calculus covered clearly and carefully but without detailed proofs. Symbolic computation and scientific visualization tools used as appropriate.  May not be taken for major credit in the senior year.

    Satisfies the Mathematical and Quantitative Thought distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Mathematics 113 or 140. (Spring)

  
  • PHY 220 - General Physics


    Instructors
    Belloni, Kuchera, Yukich
    Electricity and magnetism, circuits, optics, and modern physics (special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics).  One laboratory each week.

    Satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Physics 120 or permission of the instructor. (Spring)

  
  • PHY 230 - General Physics with Calculus


    Instructors 
    Kuchera, Thomspon, Yukich

    Electricity and magnetism, circuits, optics, and modern physics (special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics).  More comprehensive than Physics 220 and designed for students who intend to major in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and/or plan to pursue a degree in engineering.  One laboratory each week.
     

    Satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    PHY 130 or permission of the instructor. (Fall/Spring)

  
  • PHY 310 - Electronics and Instrumentation


    Instructor
    Yukich

    Theoretical and laboratory investigations of analog and digital circuits including diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, and logic gates.  Incorporation of these components in power supplies, oscillators, amplifiers, microcomputer systems, computers and other instruments.  Introduction to assembly language and LabVIEW programming provided.  Two laboratory periods each week.

    Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement.
    Students entering before 2012: counted toward the fulfillment of the Natural Science and Mathematics distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Physics 220 or 230. (Fall)

  
  • PHY 320 - Introduction to Modern Physics


    Instructor
    Gfroerer

    A survey of 20th- and 21st-century physics.  Topics include relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, elementary particles and cosmology.  One laboratory period each week.

    Satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Physics 220 or 230. (Fall)

  
  • PHY 330 - Intermediate Mechanics


    Instructor
    Belloni, Kharel

    Newtonian principles are used with differential, integral, and vector calculus to analyze classical dynamics.  Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics are also developed and applied.  Topics may include:  linear and non-linear oscillations, gravitational systems, the calculus of variations, many-particle systems, non-inertial reference frames, rigid-body dynamics, normal modes, and wave theory.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Corequisite:  Mathematics 113 or 140.  Prerequisite:  Physics 220 or 230 or permission of the instructor. (Fall)

  
  • PHY 335 - Advanced Laboratory


    Instructor
    Gfroerer

    Senior-level capstone physics course.  Students conduct advanced experiments in classical mechanics, optics, quantum mechanics, and statistical and thermal physics.  Theoretical analysis, computational modeling, and scientific presentation skills are employed.  Lecture and laboratory.

    Prerequisites & Notes

    Physics 320 and Physics 310. Physics 330 is recommended. (Spring)

     

  
  • PHY 350 - Electricity and Magnetism


    Instructor
    Belloni, Cain

    Electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electromagnetic waves, with emphasis on the application of Maxwell’s equations.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Corequisite:  Mathematics 160 or Physics 201.  Prerequisite:  Physics 330 or permission of the instructor. (Spring)

  
  • PHY 360 - Quantum Mechanics I


    Instructor
    Belloni

    Quantum mechanics with applications to exactly-solvable systems.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Mathematics 150 or Physics 201, Physics 330, and 350, or permission of the instructor. (Fall)

  
  • PHY 391 - Special Topics in Physics


    Instructor
    Staff

    Open to qualified students with permission of instructor. Topics announced in advance of registration.

  
  • PHY 392 - Special Topics in Physics


    Instructor
    Staff

    Open to qualified students with permission of instructor. Topics announced in advance of registration.

  
  • PHY 395 - Independent Study


    Instructor
    Staff

    Open to students with substantial backgrounds in physics with written permission from a supervising professor who reviews and approves the study topic. The independent study typically culminates in a paper and/or an oral presentation.

  
  • PHY 397 - Independent Study in Advanced Software Development in Science (= CSC 397)


    Instructor
    Kuchera

    (Cross-listed as Computer Science 397) Independent study using computers to model dynamical systems in the natural sciences under the direction and supervision of the instructor who approves the specific topic of study. Emphasis is on the use of object-oriented programming and web-based protocols to investigate both dynamical systems and the representation of those systems as data structures and algorithms.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    CSC/PHY 200 or CSC 121 and one of PHY 310, CSC 231 or CSC 325, or permission of the instructor. (Fall/Spring)

  
  • PHY 400 - Statistical and Thermal Physics


    Instructor
    Gfroerer

    An introduction to thermal physics using a statistical approach to describe systems composed of very many particles. The conclusions of classical thermodynamics are derived from statistical results.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Physics 330 or permission of the instructor. (Fall)

  
  • PHY 410 - Intermediate Astrophysics


    Instructor
    Thompson

    Astrophysical concepts are considered using the techniques of classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Topics include: star formation, the structure and evolution of degenerate stars, supernova explosions, special and general relativity, and cosmology.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Two or more of Physics 330, 350, 360, and 400, or permission of the instructor. (Spring)

  
  • PHY 415 - Optics and Lasers


    Instructor
    Yukich

    Applications of electromagnetic theory to modern optics and lasers. Topics include electromagnetic wave propagation and superposition, optical elements and devices, Fourier transforms, diffraction, polarization, interference, and coherence theory. Specific applications are made to lasers, spectrometers, interferometers, and optical systems.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Physics 350 or permission of the instructor. (Spring)

  
  • PHY 420 - Solid State Physics


    Instructor
    Cain

    An examination of the properties of solids and their device applications. Topics will include: crystal structure and diffraction; phonons and lattice vibrations; free electron theory and band structure; semiconductors; magnetic properties; electrical properties; and superconductivity.

    Satisfies a major requirement in Physics.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Physics 330 or permission of the instructor. Physics 350, 360, and 400 are recommended. (Not offered 2016-2017.)

  
  • PHY 430 - Advanced Mechanics


    Instructors
    Belloni, Boye

    Continuation of Physics 330 including computer modeling.  Topics include motion in non-inertial reference frames, rigid-body motion, Hamiltonian formalism, coupled oscillations and other selected topics such as special and general relativity.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Physics 330. (Not offered 2016-2017.)

  
  • PHY 495 - Independent Research


    Instructor
    Staff


    Open to students with substantial backgrounds in physics with written permission of the supervising professor who reviews and approves the research topic. Satisfactory completion of a research project includes a presentation at a departmental seminar.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Physics 495, Fall; Physics 496, Spring.)

  
  • PHY 496 - Independent Research


    Instructor
    Staff


    Open to students with substantial backgrounds in physics with written permission of the supervising professor who reviews and approves the research topic. Satisfactory completion of a research project includes a presentation at a departmental seminar.

    Prerequisites & Notes
     

     

    (Physics 495, Fall; Physics 496, Spring.)

  
  • POL 101 - Contemporary Political Ideologies


    Instructor
    Ahrensdorf

    This course investigates the theories at the foundation of liberal democracy, capitalism, communism, fascism, Nazism, and political Islam.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Not open to juniors until drop-add; not open to seniors except with permission of the instructor and only once the semester begins.

  
  • POL 121 - American Politics


    Instructors
    Bullock, O’Geen, Roberts

    Analysis of American political processes, institutions, and problems.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Not open to juniors until drop-add; not open to seniors except with permission of the instructor and only once the semester begins.

  
  • POL 140 - Comparative Global Politics


    Instructors
    Menkhaus, Rigger

    Introduction to the comparative study of political institutions, selected public policy challenges, and political trends in selected countries and regions around the world. Students are introduced to aspects of critical analysis and comparative methods as part of exploration of topics such as comparative electoral systems, executive-legislative relations, health care policies, gun control, immigration, taxation, and democratization.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
    Credit towards International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.

     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Not open to juniors until drop-add; not open to seniors except with permission of the instructor and only once the semester begins. 

  
  • POL 161 - International Relations


    Instructors
    Alexander, R. Crandall, Ceka

    Global issues, foreign policy, and the structures and processes of conflict and cooperation in a dynamically changing world environment.

    Satisfied the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
    Credit towards International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
     

     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Not open to juniors until drop-add; not open to seniors except with permission of the instructor and only once the semester begins.

  
  • POL 201 - Methods and Statistics in Political Science


    Instructors
    Ceka, Menkhaus, O’Geen, Rigger, Sellers, Toska

    The framework of social science analysis, and the use of statistics for studying political problems. Topics range from research design and hypothesis testing to correlation and multiple regression.

    Satisfies the Mathematical and Quantitative Thought distribution requirement. 

     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Not open to first-year students.

  
  • POL 202 - Classical Political Theory


    Instructor
    Ahrensdorf

    Through a study of works by Aristophanes, Plato, and Aristotle, this course examines the Socratic revolution in the history of thought, why Socrates founded political philosophy, and the radical challenge that classical political philosophy poses to modern and contemporary political thought.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
    Counts towards the major in Classics.

     

  
  • POL 203 - Medieval Political Theory


    Instructors
    Ahrensdorf, Shaw

    Major political thinkers of medieval Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 204 - Modern Political Theory


    Instructor
    Shaw

    Leading political philosophers from the Renaissance to the latter part of the 19th century.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 206 - Contemporary Political Theory


    Instructor
    Shaw

    Major political philosophers from Nietzsche to the present.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 207 - Family and Justice


    Instructor
    Shaw

    Examination of the ways in which families and political and economic institutions shape one another, with special emphasis on policies that promote marriage over ‘alternative’ family arrangements; state-mandated family leave policies; ‘family-friendly’ corporate employment practices; same-sex marriage; divorce law; and welfare reform.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 220 - The US Congress


    Instructors
    Roberts


    Legislative behavior and policy-making in the United States, with particular emphasis on the Congress.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 222 - Parties and Interest Groups


    Instructor
    Roberts

    Analysis of the internal operation of parties and interest groups and their role in the American electoral and legislative process.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 223 - The Presidency


    Instructors
    O’Geen, Roberts

    The modern American presidency from a policy-making perspective, including consideration of the various internal and external factors that constrain the behavior of incumbent presidents.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 224 - Political Institutions


    Instructor
    O’Geen

    This course will examine the origins and maintenance of political institutions, as well as the role of institutions in shaping outcomes and behavior. Theories drawing on insights from Political Science, Economics, History, and Sociology will be explored with a focus on applications in American politics.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 225 - Public Policy


    Instructors
    Bullock, Roberts 

    Formation, implementation, and evaluation of governmental responses to public needs. Focus on special topics such as environmental policy and health care.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 226 - Racial and Ethnic Politics


    Instructor
    Staff

    An exploration of the role of ethnic and racial identities in American political life, with special attention to debates about how best to incorporate various American minority groups into the political process.

    Fulfills cultural diversity requirement.

  
  • POL 227 - Law, Politics and Society


    Instructor
    O’Geen

    This course is a survey of issues and themes connecting law, politics, and society. Reading and discussion will focus on American politics and explore topics as wide-ranging as racial inequality in sentencing and imprisonment, historical changes in the interpretation of rights and liberties, and civil procedure.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
     

  
  • POL 228 - US Environmental Politics and Policy


    Instructor
    Bullock

    This course will explore the political challenges and opportunities associated with environmental problems in the United States. Through in-depth cases and role-playing simulations at the local, state, and national levels, students study the competing interests, values, narratives, and knowledge claims in the politics of energy, pollution, natural resources, biodiversity, and climate change.

    Satisfies depth and breadth course requirement in Social Science track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor.
    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Offered every other year, in rotation with POL 398.

  
  • POL 229 - Business and Politics


    Instructor
    Bullock

    This course introduces students to a variety of analytical perspectives on the relationship between the public and private sectors in the United States. It has a particular focus on the characteristics of US political institutions and corporate actors that influence this relationship, the role of corporate activities in the political arena, and the effects of public policies on American businesses.

    Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement

     

  
  • POL 239 - Special Topics in American Politics


    The content of this course changes from year to year.

    Section A: Women and Politics
    MWF 2:30pm - 3:20pm
    Phan

    The objective of this course is to examine the role that gender has on elected officials, the electorate, and public policy. This class will examine three central questions: Where are all the women and how do gender roles in society shape women’s pathways to power? What are the policy consequences of women’s representation? What interventions have policy makers (worldwide) taken to increase women’s representation?

    Satisfies a Social Scientific Thought distribution requirement (this topic only).

    Counts as a Society and Politics course in the Gender and Sexuality Studies major and minor (this topic only).

     

    Section B: Constitutional Police Procedure
    MWF 2:30pm - 3:20pm
    Boddery

    This course introduces students to police procedure through the study of U.S constitutional law.  Relying on Supreme Court and lower federal court decisions that interpret clauses contained in the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, this course examines law enforcement liability, responsibility, and authority, as well as the constraints and requirements to surveillance, traffic stops, arrests, and searches and seizures.

  
  • POL 242 - West European Politics


    Instructor
    Ceka

    Comparative analysis of the political culture, party systems, political economy, and foreign policies of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other selected Western European states.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
    Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.

     

  
  • POL 259 - Special Topics


    Instructor
    Staff

     

    The content of this course changes from year to year. 

     

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

  
  • POL 269 - Special Topics in International Politics


    Instructor
    Staff

    An upper division course dealing with a topic in International Politics. Past courses have included Causes of War, Globalization, and International Relations Theory.

    The content of this course changes from year to year.  Please see the departmental website for a detailed description of this year’s offerings.

  
  • POL 280 - Contemporary Political History


    Instructor
    Menkhaus

    A survey and critical analysis of global events, trends, and controversies in the past five decades-with special focus on the post-Cold War era-that have had an enduring impact on contemporary politics.

    Satisfies minor credit in International Studies.
     

  
  • POL 281 - Capitalism and the History of Economic Thought


    Instructor
    R. Crandall

    Traces the historical evolution, philosophical underpinnings, and current debates related to one of the most consequential ideologies of all time: capitalism. Outlines key historical episodes that influenced capitalism’s ascent to its present unrivaled status. 
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    ECO 101

  
  • POL 288 - Davidson in Washington Independent Study


    Instructor
    Staff

    Project involving student research conducted in Washington, D.C., as part of the summer program of Davidson in Washington. Must have a significant political component.

  
  • POL 289 - Independent Study


    Instructor
    Staff

    Research leading to the submission of a major paper under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic of the independent study and evaluates the student’s work.

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Permission of the instructor.

  
  • POL 290 - Politics of Africa


    Instructor
    Menkhaus

    Survey of contemporary political conflicts, development  and international relations of Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Sub-field = International and Comparative


    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
    Fulfills cultural diversity requirement.
    Satisfies a requirement of the Africana Studies major.
    Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies interdisciplinary minor.

  
  • POL 291 - Politics of the Middle East


    Instructor
    Toska

    Survey of contemporary political and economic issues facing the Middle East, including international relations of the Middle East.

    Sub-field = International and Comparative
    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
    Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.
    Provides credit towards the Arab Studies minor.
    Satisfies the Middle East Studies interdisciplinary minor.

  
  • POL 293 - Politics of the Americas


    Instructor
    R. Crandall

    This course examines the history, politics, economics, and society of the countries and regions comprising the Americas and Latin America in particular. 

    Sub-field = International and Comparative
    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
    Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.
    Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies Interdisciplinary minor.
    Satisfies a requirement of the Latin American Studies major.
     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Spring)

  
  • POL 302 - Special Topics in Classical Political Theory


    Instructor
    Rathnam

    This course explores such central themes of classical political thought as “education and politics,” “idealism and realism,” and “politics and literature.” 

    The content of this course changes from year to year. 

    Fall 2016 Difference and Disagreement

    It is often suggested that contemporary liberal democracies are becoming more and more diverse, and even that such diversity is an inevitable result of free institutions. This diversity takes various forms: ethnic, racial, and religious diversity, most prominently, but also all kinds of theoretical disagreements about how we should live and how our communities should to be organized.  All of this makes the practical question of how we ought to respond, politically speaking, to these forms of difference and disagreement an urgent one.  While this is often understood as a distinctively modern question, it in fact goes back to the roots of political theory in ancient Greece.  

    This course examines the treatments of diversity and disagreement in the works of some of the greatest philosophers (Plato), historians (Herodotus), and playwrights (Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Sophocles) of ancient Greece.  Through our study of these writers, we will think through questions such as the following: what is the relationship between the world’s cultures and the good life?  Is the latter as varied as the former? How should we think about our responsibilities?  Are they given universally by reason or human nature, or instead by our cultural and social roles?  We will also consider the ways in which selected early modern writers, such as Michel de Montaigne and Bartolomé de las Casas, and contemporary writers, such as Kwame Anthony Appiah, Amartya Sen, and Iris Marion Young, have addressed these and related questions.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

  
  • POL 304 - Foundations of Liberalism


    Instructor
    Shaw

    Major political philosophers within the liberal tradition, including Locke, Kant, de Tocqueville, Mill, Hayek, and Rawls.

    Satisifies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 305 - Education and Politics


    Instructor
    Ahrensdorf

    This course examines the proper political and moral education of aspiring leaders in works by Plato, Machiavelli, and Shakespeare.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 306 - Special Topics in American Political Theory


    Instructor
    Ahrensdorf

    This course explores such themes of American political theory as, for example, Machiavelli and the American Founding.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 307 - Lincoln and the Crisis of American Democracy


    Instructor
    Ahrensdorf
     

    This course examines the political thought of Lincoln, his predecessors, and his contemporaries concerning such themes as slavery, democracy, the Founding, and the Constitution.

    Satisfies a Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.

  
  • POL 318 - Special Topics in Contemporary Political Theory


    Instructor
    Shaw

    The course explores topics of special relevance to debates in contemporary political theory such as “multicultural citizenship,” “democratic theory,” and “conservative political theory.”

    The content of this course changes from year to year.  Please see the departmental website for a detailed description of this year’s offerings.

     

  
  • POL 325 - Constitutional Law


    Instructor
    O’Geen

    Development and interpretation of the Constitution of the United States through analysis of the decisions of the Supreme Court. 

    Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric distribution requirement.

     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    Not open to first-year students. 

  
  • POL 326 - Legal Research and Writing


    Instructor
    Boddery

    Introduces students to fundamental legal research, analysis, and writing.  Not open to first-year students.

    Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science

    Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric distribution requirement

  
  • POL 327 - Civil Liberties


    Instructor
    O’Geen

    Analysis of Constitutional guarantees of civil liberties in the United States with special focus on the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.

    Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric distribution requirement.

     

  
  • POL 328 - Politics of Information


    Instructor
    Bullock

    Ratings, rankings and certifications have become a ubiquitous form of power in American society.  Through in-depth case studies, this course explores the validity, credibility and effectiveness of these hotly-contested “information-based governance” strategies (such as food sustainability certifications, corporate “green” rankings, or doctor quality ratings), particularly in the health and environmental fields.

    Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
    Satisfies depth and breadth course requirement in the Social Science track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor.

     

  
  • POL 330 - Campaign Strategy


    Instructors
    Roberts

    Analysis of the strategic and ethical dilemmas that political candidates face in election campaigns.

     

  
  • POL 334 - Public Opinion


    Instructors
    Staff


    Formation, change and measurement of political attitudes.

     

    Prerequisites & Notes
    (Offered alternate years.)

  
  • POL 336 - Politics and the Media


    Instructors
    Roberts

    An assessment of the role mass media plays in American politics with emphasis on systematic as well as individual effects.

     

 

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