Jun 17, 2024

2017-2018 Catalog

2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

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Philosophy
	PHI 451 - Senior Colloquium in Philosophy Instructor Jankovic 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)
Physics
	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 104 - Physics of the Environment with Lab 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. One laboratory period each week. Satisfies depth and breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies the 100-level laboratory requirement in the Experimental Physics minor. Satisfies the Natural Science distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Designed for non-science majors. Not open to students with credit in PHY 103.
	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, Thompson 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) This course 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 a requirement int he Data Science interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies the Mathematical and Quantitative Thought distribution requirement. Prerequisites & Notes 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 Boye, Cain 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. Satisfies the Natural Science 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 - Classical Mechanics Instructor Belloni, Kharel, M. Kuchera 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, Yukich 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 Yukich 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 techniques are considered using the techniques of classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Topics include: stellar and planetary motions, electromagnetic radiation, radiative transfer, stellar structure and formation, galaxies, gravitational waves, 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.
	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.)
Political Science
	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. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to juniors until the first day of classes; not open to seniors except with permission of the instructor and only once the semester begins.
	POL 121 - American Politics Instructors Bullock, Crowder-Meyer, O’Geen, Phan, 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. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community 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 161 - International Relations Instructors Alexander, R. Crandall, Ceka, Toska 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 requirement. Satisfies a requirement in the Data Science interdisciplinary minor. 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 a requirement in the Political Science major. Satisfies a requirement in the Classics major. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement
	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. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.
	POL 206 - Contemporary Political Theory Instructor Shaw Major political philosophers from Nietzsche to the present. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community 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. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community 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 Phan 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 - Sp 2018 Topics: A-Immigration Policy; B-North Carolina Politics Special Topics in American Politics (SPRING 2018) Section A: Immigration Policy Instructor: Schmidt This course will survey the contemporary political conflict over U.S. immigration policy. The course will ask three central questions: Why do people migrate? What is U.S. immigration today? How did it get to here? How does it work? What are some of the most contentious issues that confront efforts to reform U.S. immigration policy? Among those issues to be investigated will be: (a) how to best deal with undocumented immigrants; (b) what are the economic, cultural, and political implications and impacts of contemporary immigration?; (c) should immigration policy priorities shift from family-based to a skills-based approach? Section B: North Carolina Politics Instructor: Morrill Over the decades, North Carolina has gone from solidly blue to reliably red to one of the most purple states in America. This course looks at the current state of North Carolina politics, how it got this way, and where it might go in the future.
	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 department 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 282 - Introduction to Data Methods Instructor Sellers This course examines data management and use: downloading data from the web, restructuring and reorganizing that data, analyzing the data through statistical analysis and visualization, and using programming to accomplish these tasks. We use a programming language called R, which is freely available on the web. We will explore these topics by using data collected from Twitter. Social media provide an ever-expanding set of tools for communication, yet we are only beginning to understand why some social media strategies succeed and others fail. Satisfies the methods requirement of the Political Science major. Counts as an elective in the Data Science interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies a Mathematical & Quantitative Thought distribution requirement.
	POL 283 - Classics in the Cinema Instructors Krentz, Ortmayer Analysis of films set in the ancient Roman world, including the cultural and political context in which the films were made. Satisfies a requirement in the Political Science major. Satisfies a requirement in the Classics major. Satisfies a requirement in the Film and Media Studies interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
	POL 285 - Independent Study Instructor Staff POL 285: Independent Study
	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 a requirement in the Africana Studies major (Geographic Region: Africa). Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Fulfills cultural diversity requirement.
	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.
	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. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community 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 Topic: Machiavelli and the American Founding Instructor Ahrensdorf This course explores the theme of 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. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community 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 department website for a detailed description of this year’s offerings.
	POL 324 - American Judicial Politics Instructor O’Geen The judiciary and its ancillary players occupy an important and unique space in the world of American politics. Judges make decisions that impact not only the parties to a case but can have important implications for public policy outside of the case at hand. Litigants, attorneys, and interest groups understand that courts can shape policy and often try to use the legal system to their advantage. This is true for big policy questions and constitutional law but is also true for the day-to-day business of lower courts and judges. Americans often view courts, and judges in particular, as above the political fray. However, a deep investigation of judicial politics involves an understanding that these actors and institutions live simultaneously in the legal and political worlds and that the difference between the two is not as stark as we might first believe. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement.
	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. Counts as an elective in the Data Science 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 Crowder-Meyer Formation, change and measurement of political attitudes. Prerequisites & Notes (Offered alternate years.)
	POL 336 - Politics and the Media Instructors Crowder-Meyer An assessment of the role mass media plays in American politics with emphasis on systematic as well as individual effects.
	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 - Politics, Economics, & Society in China Instructor Rigger Introduces the political institutions, behavior, and foreign relations of the People’s Republic of China. Satisfies the Liberal Studies 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. Provides credit towards the Latin American Studies and Political Science majors.
	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. Counts toward the International Studies interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.
	POL 348 - Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe Instructor Ceka 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. Provides credit towards the International Studies interdisciplinary minor. Provides credit towards the Arab Studies 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. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. 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 R. Crandall 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 cultural diversity requirement. Satisfies a major requirement in Latin American Studies. Satisfies a requirement of the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 354 - Political Economy of the Southern Cone (=LAS 222) 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 Satisfies Liberal Studies distribution requirement Meets the Cultural Diversity requirement
	POL 360 - International Political Economy Instructor B. Crandall This course explores theories and policy debates involving international trade, finance, development, labor, and global financial crises. This class is not open to students who have taken ECO 288. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement. Counts toward the International Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.
	POL 361 - U.S.-Latin American Relations Instructor R. 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. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement
	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. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement
	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. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought distribution requirement
	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 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 department website for a detailed description 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. Past topics have included: “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 service delivery, advocacy, civic life and public policy. Focus is primarily on the non-profit sector in the US. Topics include venture philanthropy; social entrepreneurism; 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.
	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 requirement of the International Studies interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies a requirement of the Latin American Studies interdisciplinary minor.

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Course Descriptions

PHI 451 - Senior Colloquium in Philosophy

PHI 495 - Senior Thesis

PHY 103 - Physics of the Environment

PHY 104 - Physics of the Environment with Lab

PHY 106 - Introductory Astronomy with Lab

PHY 110 - The Physics Around You

PHY 116 - Sights and Sounds

PHY 118 - Advanced Placement Credit: Mechanics

PHY 119 - Advanced Placement Credit: Electricity and Magnetism

PHY 120 - General Physics

PHY 130 - General Physics with Calculus

PHY 200 - Computational Physics (= CSC 200)

PHY 201 - Mathematical Methods for Scientists

PHY 220 - General Physics

PHY 230 - General Physics with Calculus

PHY 310 - Electronics and Instrumentation

PHY 320 - Introduction to Modern Physics

PHY 330 - Classical Mechanics

PHY 335 - Advanced Laboratory

PHY 350 - Electricity and Magnetism

PHY 360 - Quantum Mechanics I

PHY 391 - Special Topics in Physics

PHY 392 - Special Topics in Physics

PHY 395 - Independent Study

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

PHY 400 - Statistical and Thermal Physics

PHY 410 - Intermediate Astrophysics

PHY 415 - Optics and Lasers

PHY 420 - Solid State Physics

PHY 430 - Advanced Mechanics

PHY 495 - Independent Research

PHY 496 - Independent Research

POL 101 - Contemporary Political Ideologies

POL 121 - American Politics

POL 140 - Comparative Global Politics

POL 161 - International Relations

POL 201 - Methods and Statistics in Political Science

POL 202 - Classical Political Theory

POL 203 - Medieval Political Theory

POL 204 - Modern Political Theory

POL 206 - Contemporary Political Theory

POL 207 - Family and Justice

POL 220 - The US Congress

POL 222 - Parties and Interest Groups

POL 223 - The Presidency

POL 224 - Political Institutions

POL 225 - Public Policy

POL 226 - Racial and Ethnic Politics

POL 227 - Law, Politics and Society

POL 228 - US Environmental Politics and Policy

POL 229 - Business and Politics

POL 239 - Sp 2018 Topics: A-Immigration Policy; B-North Carolina Politics

POL 242 - West European Politics

POL 259 - Special Topics

POL 269 - Special Topics in International Politics

POL 280 - Contemporary Political History

POL 281 - Capitalism and the History of Economic Thought

POL 282 - Introduction to Data Methods

POL 283 - Classics in the Cinema

POL 285 - Independent Study

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 Topic: Machiavelli and the American Founding

POL 307 - Lincoln and the Crisis of American Democracy

POL 318 - Special Topics in Contemporary Political Theory

POL 324 - American Judicial Politics

POL 325 - Constitutional Law

POL 326 - Legal Research and Writing

POL 327 - Civil Liberties

POL 328 - Politics of Information

POL 330 - Campaign Strategy

POL 334 - Public Opinion

POL 336 - Politics and the Media