Jun 27, 2024

2015-2016

2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

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	POL 281 - Capitalism and the History of Economic Thought Instructor 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. Satisfies a major requirement for Political Science major. 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. Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science.
	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 Milligan 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.
	POL 293 - Politics of the Americas Instructor B. 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 atisfies 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 Ahrensdorf 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. Please see the departmental website for a detailed description of this year’s offerings. 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 Foundings. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
	POL 307 - Lincoln and the Crisis of American Democracy Instructor Ahrensdorf We examine the crisis of American liberal democracy over slavery through a study of the thought of Lincoln, the great founding documents, the speeches and writings of Lincoln’s great predecessors, contemporaries, and opponents, and the political history of Lincoln’s time. Satisfies the Social Science 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 - The Politics of Information Instructor Bullock Ratings, rankings and certifications have become a ubiquitous form of power in American society, and particularly in the health and environmental fields (e.g. ENERGY STAR, USDA Organic). Why have they become so common, and who is behind them? How trustworthy and valid are they as metrics, and how effective and usable are they as a type of political strategy and a mechanism of social action? Do they complement or undermine regulatory approaches to policy issues? This course explores these questions and investigates this hotly-contested phenomenon of “information-based governance.” The course uses a range of social science concepts to analyze assessments of US hospitals, doctors, consumer appliances, food items, and other products by organizations such as US News and World Report, USDA, and the EPA. The role of federal agencies and interest groups in developing, framing and utilizing these assessments is explored extensively. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies a major requirement and American Politics sub-field requirement in Political Science. Satisfies a major, interdisciplinary minor and social science track requirement in Environmental Studies.
	POL 330 - Campaign Strategy (formerly POL 318) Instructors Roberts Analysis of the strategic and ethical dilemmas that political candidates face in election campaigns.
	POL 334 - Public Opinion Instructors 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. Prerequisites & Notes Political Science 101, 121, 140, 161, or permission of the instructor.
	POL 341 - The Rise of New Democracies Instructor Rigger The study of selected countries undergoing democratic transitions using theories of democratization in contemporary societies as a framework. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Provides credit towards the International Studies interdisciplinary minor.
	POL 342 - Chinese Politics Instructor Rigger Introduces the political institutions, behavior, and foreign relations of the People’s Republic of China. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. Provides credit towards the International Studies Interdisciplinary minor. Provides credit towards the Asian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 343 - The Politics of Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea Instructor Rigger Introduces the political institutions and behavior of Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and North Korea. 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 Asian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 344 - Politics and Economics of Brazil (= LAS 220) Instructor B. Crandall Treatment of political and economic change in modern Brazil. Focus on inequality, violence, environmental protection, and US-Brazil relations. Course includes historical background from 1946 forward. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. Prerequisites & Notes (Fall)
	POL 347 - Politics of Development Instructor Menkhaus Theories of development and underdevelopment, assessment of development policies in practice, and study of political change in the Global South. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. Counts toward the Africana Studies Interdiscplinary major. Counts toward the International Studies interdisciplinary minor. Prerequisites & Notes (Offered alternate years.)
	POL 348 - Russian/Post-Soviet States’ Politics Instructor Staff Comparative analysis of the political systems, political economies, and foreign policies of Russia and former Soviet republics, including Ukraine, the Caucasian republics, and Central Asian states. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Counts toward the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 350 - Politics of North Africa Instructor Alexander Introduces major themes in the political development in North Africa, with particular emphasis on explaining variation in political development across states of the contemporary Maghreb. Examines cultural, historical, economic, and political questions extending back to the early nineteenth century. Counts toward the International Studies interdisciplinary minor.
	POL 351 - South Asian Politics Instructor Staff This course focuses on contemporary politics, institutions and public policy issues in India as well as selected topics on the politics of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Designed for the Semester in India program, but may also be taught at Davidson College. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science/Comparative Politics. Satisfies a requirement of the Asian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor. Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 353 - The Latin American Political Novel Instructor Staff This course analyzes the political messages and discussions within some of Latin America’s most widely read works of fiction. The course also examines the broader political, economic, and social context in which these stories take place. The novels will be read in English translation. Satisfies the Literary Studies, Creative Writing, and Rhetoric distribution requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. Satisfies a major requirement in Latin American Studies. Satisfies a requirement of the Ethnic Studies Interdisciplinary Minor. Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 354 - Political Economy of the Southern Cone (=LAS 222) Print Course (opens a new window) LAS 222 - The Political Economy of the Southern Cone (=POL 354) Instructor B. Crandall Course offers brief historical overview of Southern Cone nations Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay and then moves to in-depth study of political and economic institutions. Themes include bureaucratic authoritarianism, economic shocks, military rule and the return to democracy, regional integration, and globalization. Satisfies a major requirement in Latin American Studies and Political Science Satisfies a concentration requirement in International Studies Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies Liberal Studies distribution requirement Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science requirement Meets the Cultural Diversity requirement
	POL 360 - International Political Economy (formerly POL 340) Instructor Crandall This course examines the history, philosophy, and current debates and issues related to international political economy. Students will read political economy philosophers such as Schumpeter, Marx, Ricardo, Smith, Hayek, and Sen. Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement. Counts toward the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 361 - Evolution and Practice of U.S. Policy in the Americas (formerly POL 345) Instructor Crandall This course traces the evolution of United States involvement in Latin America beginning with the War of 1898 and continuing through the present day. It focuses on recent US-Latin American issues such as the war on drugs, undocumented immigration, and intermittent U.S. interventions in the hemisphere. Satisfies the Historical Thought distribution requirement. Counts toward the Latin American Studies Major. Counts toward the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 362 - American Foreign Policy Instructor Alexander, R. Crandall, Menkhaus Analysis of the foreign policy process, and selected American foreign policy challenges and debates. Counts toward International Studies interdisciplinary minor.
	POL 363 - International Organization Instructor Ceka Survey of theories of international cooperation, conflict, and organization; the historical evolution, functions, and current politics of key international organizations, especially the United Nations; U.S. foreign policy toward the U.N.; and selected issues and case studies with a focus on the politics of intervention and international peacekeeping. Counts toward International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 364 - Global Security Instructors Menkhaus Analysis of old and emerging global security threats, including nuclear proliferation, terrorism, cyber-terrorism, civil wars, transnational crime, and climate change. Counts toward International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 365 - The International Relations of the Asia Pacific Instructor Rigger Considers the foreign policies of and relationships among nations in the Asia-Pacific region. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor. Satisfies a requirement of the Asian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 374 - Indian Ocean Relations Instructor Menkhaus This course explores critical transnational issues in Indian Ocean affairs, including commerce, labor migration, energy politics, regional security, piracy, terrorism and migration. It also devotes class sessions to inter-state relations in the region, especially Indian relations with Pakistan and China. US policies and interests in the region are also covered. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science/International Politics. Satisfies a requirement of the Asian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor. Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 379 - Topics in International Relations Instructor Staff An upper division course dealing with a topic in international relations. Past courses have included Causes of War, International Law, and Terrorism in the 20th century. The content of this course changes from year to year. Please see the departmental website for a detailed descripton of this year’s offerings.
	POL 380 - Symposium: Davidson in Washington Instructor Staff A symposium on topics of contemporary politics conducted in Washington as part of the Davidson in Washington summer program. Possible topics include: “National Security,” “Citizenship in the 21st Century,” “Justice and the Family.” Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science.
	POL 381 - Philanthropy and the Non-Profit Sector Instructor Menkhaus Multi-disciplinary exploration of the changing roles of the non-profit sector and philanthropy in servcie delivery, advocacy, civic life and public policy. Focus is primarily on the non-profit sector in the US. Topics include venture philanthropy; social entrepreneurism; the blurring of government, non-profit, and for-profit sectors; foundations; patterns of giving and volunteerism; best practices in non-profit management; and critiques of philanthropic giving and the non-profit sector. Includes a lab component of the course, funded by the “Learning by Giving Foundation,” in which students solicit project proposals and allocate $10,000 to local non-profits. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Permission required.
	POL 383 - Peruvian Political Thought since the Conquest (=HIS 362) Instructor Staff This seminar uses primary-source readings to explore the history of political ideas in Peru since the conquest, with an emphasis on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course includes a wide range of Peruvian voices, including indigenous-, Spanish-, and African-descended Peruvians; women and men; leftists and rightists. It also includes multiple genres, including novels (several), works of formal political theory, indigenous oral histories, and distinctively Peruvian “traditions” (short works of historical fiction). Satisfies the Historical Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies a major requirement for Political Science. Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies a requirement of the Latin American Studies interdisciplinary minor.
	POL 384 - Psych of Political Leadership Instructor Ceka This is an interdisciplinary course that uses concepts, theories and methodological approaches from psychology to explore political leadership and its many facets. The course has two overarching goals. First, it will explore the factors that influence who becomes a political leader. Here the focus will be on how political leaders are chosen and socialized and what their motivations for seeking political office are. Second, this course will seek to understand how character traits affect leadership and decision making with a particular focus on how leaders’ personalities and experiences affect their ability to govern accountably and effectively.
	POL 389 - Tutorial Instructor Staff Individual programs of supervised study conducted through the preparation and discussion of a series of essays under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic of the tutorial. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. (Offered every semester.)
	POL 398 - Global Environmental Politics Instructor Bullock Deforestation, climate change, and water shortages are environmental challenges that not only confront every nation on earth but also transcend the boundaries of those nations. Utilizing theories and concepts from comparative politics and international relations, this course investigates how both state and non-state actors are responding to these three inter-connected challenges. Students learn about how countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Spain, China and the United States are protecting their forests, combating climate change, and maintaining their water supplies. They also analyze the role of intergovernmental organizations, multinational corporations, and activist organizations in the global forest, climate, and water regimes, and how these organizations are working to overcome the collective action challenges they face. Sub-field = International and Comparative Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science. Satisfies a major, interdisciplinary minor and social science track requirement in Environmental Studies. Prerequisites & Notes Offered every other year, in rotation with POL 228.
	POL 399 - Legislatures Instructors Staff Comparative analysis of the legislative process in presidential and parliamentary systems. Considers elections, law-making and executive-legislative elections. Sub-field = Comparative and American
	POL 400 - Seminars in Political Theory, POL 400-419 Instructors Ahrensdorf, Shaw Reading, research, reports, and discussions on selected topics within the sub-field. Past seminars include “Lincoln and the Crisis of American Democracy,” “The City and Justice,” “Kant,” and “Politics and Heroism.” A list of available seminars will be posted on the department webpage prior to each semester’s registration. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites. At least one seminar is offered in each sub-field every year.
	POL 402 - Political Science Seminar Seminar
	POL 403 - Seminar in Political Science: Against Liberalism Instructor Shaw An examination of influential 19th and 20th critiques of liberal democracy Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science
	POL 420 - Seminars in American Politics, POL 420-439 Instructor Staff A list of available seminars will be posted on the department webpage prior to each semester’s registration.
	POL 421 - Political Science Seminar Seminar
	POL 422 - Seminar in American Politics: The Devil’s in the Details Instructor J. Putnam This course is an intensive three-part, deep-dive into rules in several areas of American politics. The three units will explore the rules behind the presidential nomination process, the rules governing lawmaking in the Senate and House, and the rules and laws regarding the redistricting process on the state level. The intent is to develop a qualitative knowledge of those rules and their impact in each area, but to also relate that in a more overarching sense to the power (and its limits) embedded in the rules and process in the context of the American governmental system. Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science
	POL 423 - Political Science Seminar Seminar
	POL 434 - Political Psychology Instructor Boddery This seminar focuses on how and why individuals behave the way they do within political systems. Focusing on voting behavior, persuasion, and decision making, this course examines the role of cognition, personality, emotions, biases, and group dynamics within politics. Throughout the semester, the coursework will investigate how experimental methodology allows for rigorous causal inferences to be drawn, which highlights the psychological mechanisms that underpin political attitudes and behavior. This course satisfies a major requirement as well as the major paper requirement in Political Science.
	POL 434 - Seminar in Political Psychology Instructor Staff The goal of political science is to explain why citizens engage in certain types of political behavior, and how citizens think about politics. Psychology offers a way to explain how and why individuals behave the way they do. This course considers the role of personality, emotions, stereotypes, and group dynamics in politics, campaigns, and voting. We will learn about key psychology concepts, apply these concepts to politics, and investigate how experimental methods can identify the psychology behind politics. Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science
	POL 440 - Seminars in Comparative Politics, POL 440-459 European Integration Instructor Ceka The European Union (EU) is one of the world’s most ambitious experiments in governance. Consequently, it is both one of the most complex and intriguing international organizations to study and understand. In this course, we will review the history of European integration and we will investigate in detail the main institutions of the EU and how they relate to one another. We will also explore some of the most important current debates revolving around the EU, including the role of public opinion and identity politics for European integration, the ‘democratic deficit’ and the most recent global financial crisis. A list of available seminars will be posted on the department webpage prior to each semester’s registration. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites. At least one seminar is offered in each sub-field every year.
	POL 441 - Seminars in Comparative Politics Instructor Metelits This course investigates the major theoretical and empirical issues related to the study of developing nations. Satisfies a major requirement for Political Science major
	POL 442 - Research Seminar: Institutions and Identity in the Greater Middle East Instructor Milligan The seminar includes three core components. The first half of the course examines various approaches to the study of institutional design and identity formation, with an emphasis on the Middle East. The second half of the course examines several cases in greater depth: Sudan, Lebanon, Israel/Palestine, Libya, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Students also develop and complete a research project. The class covers a sequence of research methods, with a focus on qualitative methodologies ranging from archival research to literature reviews interprevitivst methods and interviewing. Short assignments accompanying these units form the “building blocks” of students’ final research papers.
	POL 451 - Institutions and Identity: The Middle East and North Africa Instructor Milligan COMPARATIVE POLITICS: Reading, research, reports, and discussions on selected topics within the sub-field. Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science. Satisfies Middle East Studies interdisciplinary minor requirement.
	POL 452 - Leaders vs. Entrepreneurs Instructor Bullock What are the characteristics of great leaders and successful entrepreneurs, and what role do they play in politics and society? How are they similar and different? Building on insights from political science, economics, and psychology, this course addresses these questions across a wide range of economic, social, and environmental contexts. Students learn to use different theories of leadership and entrepreneurship to analyze the effectiveness of individuals as diverse as Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, Teddy Roosevelt, Ralph Nader, Wendy Kopp, Jane Goodall, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett. The course explores the meaning of social entrepreneurship, policy entrepreneurship, and servant leadership, and discusses their relevance to Davidson’s stated purpose of preparing students for “lives of leadership and service.” Satisfies a major requirement and the seminar requirement in Political Science. Satisfies a major, interdisciplinary minor and social science track requirement in Environmental Studies. Satisfies a Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Offered every other year, in rotation with POL 472.
	POL 460 - Seminars in International Politics, POL 450-479 Instructors Crandall, Rigger Reading, research, reports, and discussions on selected topics within the sub-field. Past seminars include: “Nations and States,” “U.S. National Security Policy,” “Conflict Resolution,” and “Insurgencies and Counter-insurgencies.” A list of available seminars will be posted on the department webpage prior to each semester’s registration. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites. At least one seminar is offered in each sub-field every year.
	POL 461 - Grand Strategy Instructor Crandall INTERNATIONAL POLITICS: Reading, research, reports, and discussions on slected topics within the sub-field. Satisfies a major requirement in Political Science.
	POL 472 - Citizens vs. Consumers Instructor Bullock Can citizens and consumers make a difference in politics and society? If so, how, and is citizen or consumer action more effective? This seminar explores these questions by investigating consumerism and citizenship in theoretical, historical and contemporary terms. Students examine these meanings in the context of different environmental arenas, including water pollution, air quality, and climate change, and complete a major research paper on the role of citizens and consumers in an environmental issue of their choice. The course compares different forms of citizenship and discusses the implications of political consumerism and the “inverted quarantine.” Students also work collaboratively on a civic engagement project to explore how local organizations are engaging citizens and consumers in their work. Satifies a major requirement and the seminar requirement in Political Science. Satisfies a major, interdisciplinary minor and social science track requirement in Environmental Studies. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Offered every other year, in rotation with POL 452.
	POL 485 - Advanced 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. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor required.
	POL 488 - Honors Thesis Instructor Staff Required of and limited to seniors in the Honors Program. Thesis is written under supervision of an appropriate instructor and is defended orally before at least two members of the political science faculty.
	PSY 101 - General Psychology Instructor Staff Survey of the current psychology of learning, perception, motivation, intelligence, thinking, and social and abnormal behaviors, with emphasis on the application of scientific methods to psychological investigation and on the biological bases of behavior and experience. Students may be required to participate in experiments or in alternative research experiences. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 195 - Independent Study Instructor Staff Study in an area of psychology not covered by other catalog offerings under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic of the independent study. Students submit a written plan of study to the faculty member prior to the close of Drop/Add in the semester of registration. Does not count toward fulfillment of major or distribution requirements. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101 and permission of supervising instructor. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 220 - Health Psychology = MHU 220 Instructor Stutts Health Psychology uses the biopsychosocial approach to examine how psychological factors influence health and how they can be used to change health behaviors. Specific emphasis will be placed on pain, chronic illness, nicotine use, and obesity. This class also includes a community-based learning experience. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission Satisfies a major requirement in Psychology Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Medical Humanities Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement
	PSY 230 - Introduction to Personality Instructor Staff Review of theories of personality to understand and predict human behavior. Emphasis on traditional and contemporary models of personality, empirical findings, and applications in clinical practice. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Not offered 2015-16.)
	PSY 231 - Abnormal Psychology Instructor Sockol Characteristics, etiology, and treatment of major patterns of maladaptive behavior (anxiety disorders, depression, antisocial behavior, schizophrenia, etc.). Theoretical and empirical evidence for understanding causality and treatment. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Spring)
	PSY 232 - Social Psychology Instructor Good An overview of how thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors are shaped by social and situational factors. Topics include: the social self, attitude formation and change, person perception, cultural influences, conformity, communication processes and persuasion, group processes, prejudice, aggression, cooperation-competition, and real-world applications of social psychology. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 234 - Child Psychopathology (= MHU 244/EDU 234) Instructor Stutts (Cross-listed as Medical Humanities 244 and EDU 234.) An overview of the psychological disorders of childhood, including their description, classification, etiology, assessment and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on the theoretical and empirical bases of these disorders, focusing on relevant research methods and findings as well as case history material. Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Educational Studies minor credit. Medical Humanities interdisciplinary minor credit. Psychology Major credit (Clinical column) Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 241 - Child Development (=EDU 241) Instructor Leyva (Cross-listed as Educational Studies 241.) Research and theory on the cognitive, socio-emotional and physical changes in development from prenatal through middle childhood. Emphasis on how culture shapes child development and applications to educational settings. Four-hour observations at an after-school program are required. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 242 - Educational Psychology (= EDU 242) Instructor Staff (Cross-listed as Educational Studies 242.) This course focuses on issues in learning and development that have particular relevance to understanding students in classrooms, schools, and school communities. Topics include, but are not limited to: child and adolescent development, learning, motivation, information processing and evaluation, the exceptional child, and cultural differences. Students entering 2012 or later: satisfies Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes (Not offered 2015-16.)
	PSY 243 - Adolescent Development (= EDU 243) Instructor Staff (Cross-listed as Educational Studies 243.) An in-depth examination of specific theories, concepts, and methods related to the period of adolescence. Students will explore a wide range of topics including: cognitive development, moral development, identity formation, gender role, social relationships, and the effects of culture on adolescent development. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Not offered 2015-16.)
	PSY 245 - Psychology of Aging Instructor Multhaup Introduction to human aging from a psychological perspective. Adult age-related changes in memory, intelligence, wisdom, personality, etc. Attitudes toward aging and adjustment to aging. Emphasis on the application of scientific methods to the study of aging. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Spring)
	PSY 254 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology Instructors Boyd, Kello, Tonidandel Current theory, research, and practice in the selection, training, and evaluation of employees; management and development of employees as resources for the organization; design and development of the organization as a whole. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 260 - Organization Development Instructor Kello Organization Development (OD) is a multi-disciplinary area of research and practice that deals with the understanding and application of the principles of behavioral science to planned organizational change. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101 is a prerequisite. Psychology 254 is recommended but not required. (Spring)
	PSY 276 - Cognitive Psychology Instructors Multhaup, Munger Introduction to cognitive psychology. Structure and processes underlying cognition including perception, memory, attention, language, problem solving, imagery, etc. Emphasis on theories and empirical evidence for understanding cognition. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social- Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Not offered 2015-16.)
	PSY 277 - Cognition of the performing arts This course will include topics of perception (music and vision), attention, memory and embodied cognition using Indian music and dance practices and traditions as specific examples for discussion and projects. PSY 101 pre-requisite Davidson in India Program Satisfies a major requirement in Psychology Satisfies a distribution requirement in Social-Scientific Thought
	PSY 282 - Learning Instructors Ramirez, Smith Overview of major topics in learning: elicitation, classical conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, problem solving, behavioral economics, and verbal behavior. Focus on empirical data, research methodology, and technologies generated from learning research. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 284 - Drugs and Behavior Instructor Smith The course examines the effects of drugs on human and animal behavior. Consideration is also given to the physiological effects of drugs on the central nervous system. Methods for preventing and treating drug abuse are also addressed. Students with credit in Psychology 302 may not enroll in Psychology 284. Students entering 2012 and after: satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Students entering before 2012: satisfies Social Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Spring)
	PSY 290 - Practicum in Psychology Instructor Staff Field work and/or data collection in an applied area of psychology. Before the close of Drop/Add in the semester of registration, the student submits a written plan of study to the supervising instructor and negotiates a placement with a field supervisor. The student makes regular visits to the field setting (e.g., a school, clinic, business) for the work and reports regularly to the supervising instructor. Grading is Pass/Fail. This course may be taken only once. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of supervising instructor. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 301 - Psychological Research-Perception and Attention Instructor Munger Research methods, concepts, and empirical findings in perception and attention are examined in lecture and extensive laboratory experience. Course explores how a physical stimulus impinges on sense organs and is subsequently processed and understood by perceptual systems (e.g., how do we “see” things?). Participation in research as subjects and experimenters is required. Recommended completion by Fall of senior year for majors. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Spring)
	PSY 302 - Psychological Research-Behavioral Pharmacology Instructor Smith Students conduct experiments on the effects of drugs on human and animal behavior. Scientific writing is a strong focus in this course, with students writing research reports on each experiment. Students are required to propose a novel line of research in the form of a research proposal. Studies conducted in other behavioral pharmacology laboratories are discussed and critiqued. Some work with animals is required. Students with credit in Psychology 284 may not enroll in Psychology 302. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Not offered 2015-16.)
	PSY 303 - Psychological Research-Behavioral Neuroscience (= BIO 331) Instructor Ramirez (Cross-listed as Biology 331.) Role of the nervous system; sensory and motor mechanism; physiological bases of motivation and emotion; sleep and arousal; and physiological bases of learning, memory, and language. Extensive laboratory training. Work with animals is required. Recommended completion by Fall of senior year for majors. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101 or Biology 111/113 and Biology 112/114, and permission of the instructor. (Fall)
	PSY 304 - Psychological Research-Memory Instructor Multhaup Research methods, concepts, and empirical findings in the field of memory are explored in lecture and extensive laboratory experience. Emphasis is on human memory. Participation in research as subjects and experimenters is required. Recommended completion by Fall of senior year for majors. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall)
	PSY 310 - Psychological Research-Design and Analysis Instructors Boyd, Tonidandel Introduction to psychological research. Descriptive, correlational, and experimental methods of research will be examined. Primary focus on data analysis including descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with emphasis on analysis of variance. Mandatory weekly computer lab. Recommended in the sophomore/junior year for majors. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 101. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 314 - Psychological Research-Clinical Instructor Sockol Research methodologies and statistical techniques used in clinical research. Ethical and practical constraints to the empirical study of clinical problems. Students critique empirical articles in Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Medicine in lecture/discussion and develop skills with multivariate statistics. Required participation in research experiences as subjects and investigators. Recommended completion by Fall of senior year for majors. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 231 or permission of the instructor, and 310. (Fall)
	PSY 315 - Psychological Research-Child Development Instructor Leyva Overview of the scientific methods, procedures and techniques used to collect and analyze child development data. Focus on developing students’ data-analytic, observational and scientific writing skills. Two observations at a local pre-school are required. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 310. (Spring)
	PSY 316 - Psychological Research-Industrial/Organizational Instructor Tonidandel Research methods and statistical techniques used in industrial/organizational psychology examined through lectures, laboratories, and field studies. Students gain knowledge and experience in research methods used in these fields. Students will be expected to apply these techniques and methods to complete individual research projects. Ethical and practical issues in organizational research discussed. Course requirements include participation in research as investigators. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 310 required, Psychology 254 and/or 260 recommended but not required. (Spring)
	PSY 318 - Psychological Research-Social Instructor Good Research methods and statistical techniques used in social psychology are examined through lecture, laboratory, and field research. Students will gain knowledge in designing multiple types of research studies, as well as implementing a variety of data collection strategies. Scientific writing and ability to understand and critique empirical articles will be emphasized. Course requirements include participation in research as investigators. Recommended completion by Fall of senior year for majors. Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 232 or permission of the instructor, and 310. (Fall)
	PSY 323 - Animal Behavior (= BIO 223) Instructor Stanback (Cross-listed as Biology 223.) An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior. Laboratories include rsearch projects on the behavior of animals in captivity and in the natural environment. Prerequisites & Notes BIO 112/114. One laboratory meeting per week. Counts towards the Psychology major as a Research Methods course in the Cognitive/Neuroscience column. (Not offered 2015-2016.)
	PSY 324 - Functional Neuroanatomy (= BIO 332) Instructor Ramirez (Cross-listed as Biology 332.) Intensive readings in molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and/or behavior. Students: 1) make classroom presentations of critical analyses of the course readings; 2) conduct laboratory research or hospital rounds; and 3) submit an annotated bibliography and a write-up of the laboratory project or term paper. For Psychology majors this meets the major’s seminar requirement. For Interdisciplinary Minors in Neuroscience, this course satisfies the interdisciplinary minor requirement as stated in Interdisciplinary Minor in Neuroscience (Requirements, section 1b). Prerequisites & Notes Psychology 303 (Biology 331) and the permission of the instructor. (Not offered 2015-16.)
	PSY 330 - Psychology Tutorial (PSY 330-332) Instructor Staff Intensive readings in a specific area of study under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic of research. Students submit a written plan of study to the supervising faculty member prior to the close of Drop/Add in the semester of registration. Open ordinarily only to advanced majors in psychology. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 350 - Advanced Seminars in Psychology (PSY 350-380) Instructor Staff Topics and course numbers announced in advance of registration. Prerequisites & Notes Consent of instructor usually required. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 360 - Advanced Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience: “Neurophilosophy: The Mind-Body Probem as a Neuroscientist Sees It” Instructor Ramirez This seminar will explore several of the current accounts attempting to elucidate the relation between mind and brain. The emphasis of the course will be on the approaches that are being proposed by philosophers and scientists who take a deliberate neuroscientific approach to the problem. Although previous course work in neuroscience would be helpful, this seminar does not assume a strong background in neuroscience. Fulfills the seminar requirement in Psychology. Prerequisites & Notes Permission required.
	PSY 400 - Senior Thesis Instructor Staff Research designed and conducted by the student, supervised by a faculty member, and reported in writing according to the form approved in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Work completed in this course must also be presented in a poster format at the May celebration of science students’ research. Prerequisites & Notes Permission of the instructor and consent of an additional faculty member who serves on the student’s thesis committee. For further details, see the department web page. (Fall and Spring)
	PSY 401 - Issues in Psychology Instructors Boyd, Multhaup, Sockol Central issues in psychology that cut across previous course boundaries. Specific topics vary year by year. The course begins with a review of major approaches to psychology (e.g., Behaviorist, Biological, Cognitive, Evolutionary, Humanist, Psychoanalytic) and ethical principles that apply to a variety of situations that psychologists face. Prerequisites & Notes Limited to seniors except by permission of the department. (Spring)
	PSY 402 - History and Systems in Psychology Instructor Munger Development of psychological thought in the Western world and emergence of psychology as a scientific discipline. Course begins with ancient Greek philosophers and works through philosophical writings that led to psychology, explores the founding of psychology as a scientific discipline in the late 19th century, and follows its development in the 20th century. Readings include primary sources. Prerequisites & Notes Limited to seniors except by permission of the department. (Not offered in 2015-16.)
	REL 125 - Prophecy: Trajectories of Divine Concern Instructor Plank A study of prophetic literature in ancient Israel, early Christianity, and modern American culture that seeks to correlate prophetic experience of God and the expression of social critique in ancient and modern contexts. Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes (not offered 2015-16.)
	REL 130 - Introduction to the New Testament Instructor Snyder Critical and interpretive study of the history and literature of the early Christian movement in its Greco-Roman context. Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors or seniors until Drop/Add or to students who have taken Religion 230 or 231. This course may be applied towards a Classics major.

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Course Descriptions

POL 281 - Capitalism and the History of Economic Thought

POL 288 - Davidson in Washington Independent Study

POL 289 - Independent Study

POL 290 - Politics of Africa

POL 291 - Politics of the Middle East

POL 293 - Politics of the Americas

POL 302 - Special Topics in Classical Political Theory

POL 304 - Foundations of Liberalism

POL 305 - Education and Politics

POL 306 - Special Topics in American Political Theory

POL 307 - Lincoln and the Crisis of American Democracy

POL 318 - Special Topics in Contemporary Political Theory

POL 325 - Constitutional Law

POL 326 - Legal Research and Writing

POL 327 - Civil Liberties

POL 328 - The Politics of Information

POL 330 - Campaign Strategy (formerly POL 318)

POL 334 - Public Opinion

POL 336 - Politics and the Media

POL 341 - The Rise of New Democracies

POL 342 - Chinese Politics

POL 343 - The Politics of Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea

POL 344 - Politics and Economics of Brazil (= LAS 220)

POL 347 - Politics of Development

POL 348 - Russian/Post-Soviet States’ Politics

POL 350 - Politics of North Africa

POL 351 - South Asian Politics

POL 353 - The Latin American Political Novel

POL 354 - Political Economy of the Southern Cone (=LAS 222)

LAS 222 - The Political Economy of the Southern Cone (=POL 354)

POL 360 - International Political Economy (formerly POL 340)

POL 361 - Evolution and Practice of U.S. Policy in the Americas (formerly POL 345)

POL 362 - American Foreign Policy

POL 363 - International Organization

POL 364 - Global Security

POL 365 - The International Relations of the Asia Pacific

POL 374 - Indian Ocean Relations

POL 379 - Topics in International Relations

POL 380 - Symposium: Davidson in Washington

POL 381 - Philanthropy and the Non-Profit Sector

POL 383 - Peruvian Political Thought since the Conquest (=HIS 362)

POL 384 - Psych of Political Leadership

POL 389 - Tutorial

POL 398 - Global Environmental Politics

POL 399 - Legislatures

POL 400 - Seminars in Political Theory, POL 400-419

POL 402 - Political Science Seminar

POL 403 - Seminar in Political Science: Against Liberalism

POL 420 - Seminars in American Politics, POL 420-439

POL 421 - Political Science Seminar

POL 422 - Seminar in American Politics: The Devil’s in the Details

POL 423 - Political Science Seminar

POL 434 - Political Psychology

POL 434 - Seminar in Political Psychology

POL 440 - Seminars in Comparative Politics, POL 440-459

POL 441 - Seminars in Comparative Politics

POL 442 - Research Seminar: Institutions and Identity in the Greater Middle East

POL 451 - Institutions and Identity: The Middle East and North Africa

POL 452 - Leaders vs. Entrepreneurs

POL 460 - Seminars in International Politics, POL 450-479

POL 461 - Grand Strategy

POL 472 - Citizens vs. Consumers

POL 485 - Advanced Independent Study

POL 488 - Honors Thesis

PSY 101 - General Psychology

PSY 195 - Independent Study

PSY 220 - Health Psychology = MHU 220

PSY 230 - Introduction to Personality

PSY 231 - Abnormal Psychology

PSY 232 - Social Psychology

PSY 234 - Child Psychopathology (= MHU 244/EDU 234)

PSY 241 - Child Development (=EDU 241)

PSY 242 - Educational Psychology (= EDU 242)

PSY 243 - Adolescent Development (= EDU 243)

PSY 245 - Psychology of Aging

PSY 254 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology

PSY 260 - Organization Development

PSY 276 - Cognitive Psychology

PSY 277 - Cognition of the performing arts