University Catalog 2023-2024

Political Science - American (POLA)

Political Science - American (POLA)

POLA 2100  American Government  (3)  

An introductory survey of government at the national level with emphasis on constitutional principles and significant contemporary trends and problems.

POLA 3010  Special Projects  (3,4)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 3011  Special Projects  (3)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 3012  Special Topics  (3)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

POLA 3013  Special Topics  (3)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

POLA 3020  Special Projects  (3)  

Special Projects course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 3030  Special Topics  (3)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 3031  Special Topics  (3)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

POLA 3032  Special Topics  (3)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

POLA 3110  State and Local Politics  (3)  

This course examines the roles and responsibilities of state governments and the complex dynamics of state politics in the U.S. federal system. It uses a comparative state perspective to examine state government institutions. political behavior in the states, and the major areas of policy frequently addressed in the states.

POLA 3240  Public Policy  (3)  

This course covers the policy making process for domestic policy in the United States. We will study the following questions: Why do some problems reach the political agenda and others do not? Who are the important actors in the policy process and what roles do they play? What are the values at stake with policy debates? What explains why certain solutions are offered and others are rejected? How do we know if a policy has been successful?

POLA 3270  Courts and Politics  (3,4)  

Analysis of the political factors that influence courts, their staffing, their decisions, and their policymaking role. The interaction between legal policies and structures and political institutions and their development will be addressed.

POLA 3272  Big Easy Politics  (3)  

The objective of this course is for students to examine the level of government with the greatest impact on the daily lives of Americans--local government. Specifically, we will focus on the politics, functions, and governmental structure of the City of New Orleans.

POLA 3280  Southern Politics  (3)  

This class is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Politics in the American South. The course focuses on both the distinctiveness of the region and the South's influence on the nation. The course selectively examines historical as well as contemporary issues related to the eleven states of the Old Confederacy.

POLA 3300  Race and American Politics  (3)  

POLA 3890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 3891  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 3910  Independent Study  (1-3)  

Independent study on a suitable topic, with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 4010  Special Projects  (3,4)  

For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 4011  Special Projects  (3-4)  

Special Topics course. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4012  Special Projects  (3,4)  

For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4020  Special Projects  (3)  

For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 4110  Policy Research Shop  (3)  

The Policy Research class creates a partnership between city government and Tulane students in order to address issues of concern to the city and increase students' civic engagement. In this course, the professor solicits policy topics from elected and appointed officials and bureaucrats and the students write policy briefs on these issue areas. In exchange for the policy brief , policy sponsors agree to allow the students to present their findings at an official forum, such as a city council meeting. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Corequisite(s): POLA 4890.

POLA 4120  Louisiana Politics  (3)  

A review of topics in Louisiana politics, including right- and left-wing populism, campaign techniques, diversion of campaign funds and rewards for supporters, the culture of sociability, and the history of racial, regional, and religious cleavage. For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4140  Urban Politics  (3)  

This course is an introduction to urban politics in the United States. It will focus on problems of cities and discuss solutions to these problems, including the lack of formal authority and high rates of class, race, and ethnic heterogeneity and segregation. We will focus on the heritage of municipal government in the U.S., the development of their responsibilities, and the role of federal and state governments in municipal affairs. The course will also spend time discussing some of the solutions for residents of urban areas to try to advocate for change. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4150  Elections in America  (3)  

The focus is on candidates. political parties. the Dress, consultants, and public opinion in elections and political campaigns. Covers presidential and congressional elections, Each semester, special attention is paid to a topic such as the economy, fundraising. activists, or campaign techniques. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4160  Political Parties  (3-4)  

A study of theories of political parties in the United States and other democracies. The stress is on the electoral and governmental role of party organizations. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4170  The American Presidency  (3)  

A study of the office of the President of the United States that includes both historical review and analysis of the Presidential role in our national government. A main focus of the course is on the relative importance of particular presidents and their leadership capacities and the limitations on the office itself. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4200  Congress  (3)  

A study of the United States Congress with emphasis on its development, its internal structure, the relationship of the elected representatives to their constituents, and the legislative process itself. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4210  Women and Politics  (3,4)  

This course is an exploration of the role gender and sex have in politics, including voting. party activism, leadership, candidacy, holding office, and law-making. Special attention will be paid to the relationship between gender and political behavior, including political socialization, political attitudes. and public policy creation. Time will be spent on understanding what gender and sex mean in American politics, as well as the effect that disparate power has on political behavior. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4230  Environ Politics & Policy  (3)  

This course is an examination of the process of environmental policymaking in the United States. We will evaluate how environmental politics and policymaking has progressed in the US and the current state of environmental policymaking. Using a case-study approach, we will examine current environmental problems for local and state governments and suggest policy solutions. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4250  Politics of Poverty Policy  (3)  

This course covers the politics of poverty policy within the United States, including relevant approaches to the debates over poverty’s causes consequences and solutions: the ways in which poverty is defined and measured and how this affects the policy alternatives: the state of economic inequality in the United States: American attitudes toward the poor and policies seeking to address poverty: and, an examination of case studies to redress poverty. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4260  Race, Sex, & Power  (3,4)  

This course examines the role of race and sex based classification in the law of equal protection and focuses on the political actions and events that lead to legal remedies for discrimination. For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4270  Constitutional Law  (4)  

A study of the general powers and limits of the branches of the national government and the relationship among the levels of government, as this has affected civil rights and individual liberties under the Constitution. For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4300  Interest Group Politics  (3)  

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4310  Insterest Groups & Supreme Crt  (3)  

This course will examine the role of interest groups in various aspects of the Supreme Court process, including the selection of justices, case selection, and judicial decision making. For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4320  Women's Legislative Leadership  (3-4)  

This course is an examination of gender in American legislatures. We will analyze both the processes and personnel of legislatures at the federal and state level of the United States in order to better evaluate the policy outcomes of these institutions. Students will be placed in a service role with one of the above sites for the length of the semester. Having students placed at several sites in the legislative process enables a more thorough analysis of how gender is interwoven into policymaking. Students will have a range of perspectives on the process as a consequence of their own placement and the experiences of their peers. Mandatory 20-hour service learning component POLA 4891. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010. In lieu of prerequisites please contact the instructor for approval to enroll.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Corequisite(s): POLA 4891.

POLA 4350  Politics of Education Policy  (3,4)  

This course examines education policy through the lens of U.S. Politics. In particular, we will consider what public schools should do for students: the changing nature of school governance: the major policy problems within primary and secondary education and how they have been defined: the groups that have had power in education policy debates: and where New Orleans fits into the larger national picture with regard to its education system?" Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4450  Politics and Literature: US  (3)  

Study of political theme as presented in American literature. For majors only. Non-major junior and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 4890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Corequisite(s): POLA 4110.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 4891  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Corequisite(s): POLA 4320.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 4892  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 5190  Semester Abroad  (1-20)  

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 5380  Junior Year Abroad  (1-20)  

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 5390  Junior Year Abroad  (1-20)  

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 6120  Adv Campaigns & Elections  (4)  

This course explores advanced topics related to election campaigns in the United States. Particular attention will be paid to how campaigns are run and their impact on election outcomes. The course will introduce students to the paradigms and techniques that political scientists use to study campaigns and elections. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 6180  Pub Opinion Voting Behvr  (4)  

An analysis of opinion formation in political situations and a survey of voting behavior in the United States. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 6200  Interpretations Amer Pol  (4)  

This class examines alternative accounts of American politics, using research to explore competing views, different methodologies, and varying emphases. Each participant will be responsible for conducting a serious piece of research on his or her own. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 6230  Politics Policy Making  (4)  

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 6290  Judicial Process  (4)  

This seminar course examines theories of judicial behavior and decision making, asking how various factors both internal and external to judges and courts in the U.S. explain their legal and policy outputs. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

POLA 6960  Special Topics  (3,4)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - American. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours. Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLA 2100 and POLS 2010.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLA 7110  American Politics Sem  (3)