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Course Descriptions
Political Science is central to an understanding of all basic social issues; therefore, an understanding of political life is indispensable for any well-educated person.
The department currently offers an undergraduate major, a minor in political science, a minor in public administration, and a graduate program leading to the Master of Arts degree.
Areas of political science in which courses are offered include American Politics and Public Affairs; International Relations and Comparative Politics; and Political Theory. Within each area, major themes are explored (e.g., public policy and administration, political values and change, elite-mass relationships, and political parties and groups.)
Students interested in majoring in political science are urged to register as a major at the departmental office early, to meet with their advisors regularly, to check the current Schedule of Classes each term, and to become well acquainted with the requirements for political science majors. Information is available in the departmental office.
The Constitution examination required for graduation may be satisfied by taking the following course:
PSCI-216 American National Government..............3 cr
This course also fulfills the teachers’ certification requirement in American government and the Human Relations requirements.
Students should also be aware of the University requirements for the Bachelor's degree. All students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours at the 300 level, and 18 at the 200- or 300-level.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Major in Political Science for the Bachelor of Arts
Degree
Students majoring in political science must take at least 33 credit hours in political science.
Required Courses:
Two introductory courses selected from:.........................6 cr.
PSCI-275 Introduction to World Politics
PSCI-251 Comparative Political Systems
PSCI-291 Concepts of Political Science
PSCI-216 American National Government
(These introductory courses are not open to majors in their senior year.)
PSCI-210 Introduction to Political Science...............3 cr.
(PSCI-210 must be among the first four political science courses taken.)
Eight 300-level courses............................................................24 cr.
to be distributed among:
5 courses in one area of emphasis*
2 courses in a second area
1 course in a third area
Total 33 cr.
*The broad areas of emphasis recognized by the department are American Politics and Public Affairs; International and Comparative Politics; and Political Theory. These eight courses must be at the 300-level.
Minor in Political Science (18 cr. hrs.)
A minor in political science may be structured to complement a student’s major in another department or to develop an area of interest. An assigned advisor will counsel a student in choosing six appropriate courses.
The following two courses are required: One course selected from PSC-275, PSCI-291, PSCI-251 or PSCI- 216; and the general survey of the discipline, PSCI-210. At least three courses should be taken at the 300-level.
Students in the Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education programs who have selected this minor must complete a minimum of 9 hours at the 300-level to meet graduation and certification requirements.
Students in the program should note that if you use PSCI-216 American National Government to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Science General Education requirement, you must add a course to the Minor. In that case total credit hours will be 21.
This applies only to students in the Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education Programs.
Minor in Public Administration (18 cr. hrs.)
This minor will be of interest to students who would like to broaden the career opportunities available to them, students interested in public affairs and administration and students in non-traditional programs, such as the Board of Governors program, who wish to focus on governmental processes. Students who are also majoring in Political Science are discouraged from minoring in Public Administration. Instead, public administration courses can be incorporated into their major program.
Required Courses:
PSCI-216 American National Government..............3 cr.
PSCI-341 Public Administration...............................3 cr.
At least two courses from the following:...................................................................6 cr.
PSCI-325 Public Policy............................................ 3 cr.
PSCI-344 Public Organization Theory..................... 3 cr.
PSCI-345 Government Budgeting........................... 3 cr.
PSCI-346 Public Personnel Administration............. 3 cr.
Two 300-level courses relevant to Public Administration
chosen with the aid of a departmental advisor, ncluding, if desired, one or two additional courses from the list of four above.................................................................6 cr.
Total 18 cr.
GRADUATE PROGRAM
Master of Arts in Political Science
Students have two options to choose from to fulfill the master’s degree program requirements:
1. Thirty credit hours of course work, a thesis for six credit hours, and an oral examination, or
2. Thirty-six credit hours of course work, a written comprehensive examination, and an oral examination.
A student interested in the thirty credit thesis option must secure approval of the department. Only students who have demonstrated high proficiency in various aspects of graduate studies (writing, discussion, analysis, creativity, etc.) will be permitted to write a thesis.
Requirements for Admission to the Program:
Students must fulfill the requirements for admission to the Graduate College. (These are set out in the academic catalogue in the section “The Graduate College.” Applications may be secured from the Graduate College, located in B-159).
Requirements for the Degree:
For students admitted to Master’s Programs, all graduate credits must be at the 400 level, except for a limited number of 300 level courses specifically approved for graduate degree credits in a given Master’s degree program. Departments may permit students to apply up to three of these 300 level courses, to a maximum of ten credit hours, to fulfill program requirements. This policy applies to all students. Consult with your program advisor or the Graduate College for details.
Students must select one area of emphasis from the following:
American Politics and Public Affairs
International and Comparative Politics
Political Theory
Students are required to take:
1. PSCI-401 Classics of Political Science, preferably as a first course.
2. PSCI-402 Research Methods in Political Science, if possible before graduate seminar courses.
3. Five courses in the area of emphasis, including a 400- level seminar or a thesis seminar.
4. Three courses selected from a second area.
5. Two elective courses from any area of emphasis.
Students should consult with the graduate advisor before taking their courses.
COURSE OFFERINGS
PSCI-210 Introduction to Political Science, 3 cr. An introduction to the discipline through an examination of the concepts and skills utilized in the contemporary study of politics. The course provides an overview of political science, including its various sub-fields, and a framework for further study.
PSCI-216 American National Government, 3 cr. Description and analysis of national political institutions and processes. Current issues and problems of American government.
PSCI-251 Comparative Political Systems, 3 cr. Comparison of several diverse political systems to illustrate the range of political life and to provide a broad perspective from which to view the American political system.
PSCI-275 Introduction to World Politics, 3 cr. General introduction to world politics with emphasis on current issues and events of importance at the international or global level. Basic concepts and methods of political analysis are introduced.
PSCI-291 Concepts of Political Science, 3 cr. Analysis of a number of crucial political concepts, such as equality, justice, political obligation, representation, rights, and law.
PSCI-301 Independent Study in Political Science, 3 cr.
Intensive investigation of a special area of political science or a contemporary political issue. Prereq.: consent of instructor.
PSCI-302 Independent Study in Political Science, 2 cr.
(See PSCI-301 for description.)
PSCI-303 Independent Study in Political Science, 1 cr.
(See PSCI-301 for description.)
PSCI-304 Field Experience, 3 cr. Placement in a government agency, political office or related institution for 8 hours per week. Opportunity for testing classroom concepts and theories, career exploration and the development of problem solving, research and social skills. Meetings arranged. Prereq.: six hours in the Behavioral/Social Sciences and consent of instructor.
PSCI-305 Internship I, 6 cr. (See description for PSCI-304. Hours in placement increased to 16 hours per week.)
PSCI-306 Internship II, 6 cr. (See description for PSCI-304. Hours in placement increased to 16 hours per week.)
PSCI-307 Topics in Political Science, 3 cr. Exploration at an advanced level of current issues and special concerns in political science. Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics.
PSCI-308 Research Methods and Techniques in Political
Science, 3 cr. Designed for upper division majors in political science or those intending to undertake graduate study in political science, the course provides an introduction to topics and skills given more intensive and specialized consideration on the graduate level. Topics include an introduction to the various research techniques in political science, with emphasis on developing skills necessary for graduate work in the discipline areas of concentration: development of research designs, identification of appropriate data sources, discussion of alternative methodologies, and data analysis techniques. Prereq.: consent of instructor.
PSCI-310 Congress and the Legislative Branch, 3 cr. Introduction to the U.S. Congress as a political and legislative body; includes analysis of the committee system, rules, and differences between House and Senate; examines problems of representation and executive-legislative relations. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-311 The American Judiciary and the Judicial Process, 3 cr. An analysis of the judicial policy- making process at all levels of the American judiciary with special emphasis on the Supreme Court’s role in constitutional development, separation of powers, and the historical and political context of constitutional law doctrines. Critical cases are examined. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-312 American Presidency and the Executive Branch, 3 cr. The role of the President and the executive branch in the American governmental system. Contemporary problems of the Presidency and the bureaucracy. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-313 State Government and Politics, 3 cr. Examination of political institutions at the state level: governor, legislature, judiciary, constitution, parties, and administration. Analysis of state politics within and outside the institutional framework. Discussion of major problems and functions of state framework. Discussion of major problems and functions of state governments today. Emphasis on Illinois government and politics. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-315 Electoral Politics, 3 cr. A review of major developments in electoral politics (including political parties and electoral law) and voting behavior in recent years, and an analysis of current elections. Prereq.: PSCI- 216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-316 Pressure Groups: Power, Participation, and Public Policy, 3 cr. Examination of the role of interest groups in political systems, with emphasis on groups in American politics—their membership, organization, activities, goals, and impact on American public policy with special attention on the role of groups as representative agents and their functioning as facilitators or resistors with regard to social change. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-317 Public Opinion, Mass Media, and American Politics, 3 cr. The role of public opinion in American politics, techniques of polling and survey research, the impact of mass media on opinion and on candidate preferences; introduces concepts of political culture and socialization. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-319 The Politics of Law, 3 cr. Consideration of various definitions of law, the impact of law on the behavior of various actors; the political, social, and economic forces which mold law; the influence of the legal system on the various actors within it; and theoretical efforts to explain the relationships of law and society, with emphasis on the trial courts, the organization of the bar, the origin of litigation, and the political consequences of lower court involvement in social conflicts. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-320 Constitutional Law, 3 cr. The role of the Supreme Court and its impact on the constitutional development of the due process clause, civil liberties, First Amendment freedoms, and the equal protection of the laws are traced with particular emphasis on the assessment of the role of the Supreme Court vis-a-vis the states and the national government in protecting and restricting civil liberties. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-323 American Ideologies, 3 cr. Exploration of various ideologies that attempt to explain the nature of American society and politics; a discussion of belief systems and value orientations; consideration of diversity and change in a system of fundamental stability; analysis of variants of left and right ideologies. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-325 Public Policy, 3 cr. Introduction to the analysis of public policy, including the policy-making institutions and processes; normative and empirical models of policy-making, and case studies of specific public policies. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-326 Educational Policy in America, 3 cr. This course examines the politics and policies of education. Education policy encompasses the basic interests and values of society. But in a pluralistic society such as the United States, there is often deep disagreement over those values. Such is the case with education. This course will focus on struggle with an aim to demonstrate that educational policy is never really about education per se but about politics and struggle over specific interests. Prereq.: PSCI-216.
PSCI-327 Government and Economy, 3 cr. Exploration of the role and purpose of government and market in the American economy; discussion of contemporary issues (e.g., income distribution or government regulation); international comparisons.
PSCI-334 Intergovernmental Relations, 3 cr. Impact of federalism on policy-making and administration in the American system; focuses on the interaction between federal government and states, metropolitan areas, and cities in the development and implementation of public policy. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-335 Urban Politics, 3 cr. Types of urban government and politics; ability of the governmental institutions to meet the demands and respond to the needs of urban areas; community power and control; citizen participation and decentralization of governmental services. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-336 Urban Government Administration, 3 cr.
Introductory survey of local governmental administration; powers of municipal corporations, special districts and other jurisdictions; taxation, revenue and budgeting, common administrative structures, and institutionalized forms of urban leadership and control. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-338 Chicago Politics, 3 cr. The structure of the government of the City of Chicago and its associated politics; the development of the Daley machine and its aftermath with particular focus on the impact of race on contemporary political behavior; including analysis of voting patterns and blocs within the City Council. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-339 Laboratory in Urban Politics, 3 cr. First- hand observation of urban governmental organization, political parties, and politically active citizen groups; written and oral reports and class discussion of field observations. Prereq.: three credit hours in urban politics or consent of instructor.
PSCI-341 Public Administration, 3 cr. Introduction to the role of public bureaucracies in the political system. A general overview of major concepts, processes, and problem areas in the field of public administration. Intended for undergraduate students; graduate students seeking a general overview of the field should take PSCI-441. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-344 Public Organization Theory, 3 cr. Review of theories concerning public bureaucracies, their internal functioning and societal roles; analysis of the organizational setting of work and its implications; organizational effectiveness, decision-making, leadership and policy formulation, and change in public organizations. Prereq.: PSCI-341 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-345 Government Budgeting, 3 cr. Fiscal policy and budget process; historically changing functions of budgeting — from emphasis on control to managerial effectiveness; reassertion of Congressional authority in 1974 and the new budget cycle; zero-based budgeting; impoundment, transfer payments, and grant-in-aid. Prereq.: PSCI-341 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-346 Public Personnel Administration, 3 cr. Organization and administration of the personnel function in public bureaucracies; relations of personnel management to operating departments and agencies; the scope of public personnel services; appraisal of policies and practices in selected areas of personnel management, such as selection and training, human relations, and motivation. Prereq.: PSCI- 341 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-348 Topics in Public Administration, 3 cr. Exploration at an advanced level of current issues and special concerns in public administration. Prereq.: PSCI-341 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-350 International Relations in Asia, 3 cr. The foreign policies of various Asian nations with special attention to the relations among these nations as well as their relations with other areas of the world. Prereq.: PSCI-251.
PSCI-351 Government and Politics of Japan, 3 cr. The modern Japanese political system; the relationship between the Japanese people and their institutions, including the interrelationships between the traditional and the modern with emphasis on the structures and processes of Japanese government and politics since World War II. Prereq.: PSCI- 251or consent of instructor.
PSCI-353 Government and Politics of China, 3 cr. The structure and activities of the Chinese Communist party and state communist outlook; ideologies and significant internal and foreign problems. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-354 Islamic Civilization: Government & Politics, 3 cr. Islam is not only one of the major religions of the world but also a political Ideology claiming nearly one billion adherent~ about one-fourth of the entire world population. Its impact on the world within the last 1400 years is so powerful that one cannot study History, Religion, Culture, Politics, Economics and Civilizations without correctly understanding Islam not only as a Religion but also as a force affecting world events.
PSCI-355 The Politics of Islam, 3 cr. Discussion of the religion of Islam and the Islamic political institutions; influence of Islamic political thought and religion on political systems currently operating in major Muslim countries. Prereq.: PSCI-251or consent of instructor.
PSCI-358 Modern European Governments, 3 cr. Comparative study of the politics and governments of several major European nations. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-360 Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa, 3 cr. Examination and comparison of the politics of selected African states; particular emphasis on traditional heritage, colonial background, ideological setting, political parties, role of the military, governmental structure, and problems of nation building. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-363 Politics of the Middle East, 3 cr. The impact of the physical environment, the economic conditions, and the historical heritage on the political structures presently operating in the region; analysis of the region in its world context. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-364 Islamic Civilization: Political Ideology and Theory, 3 cr. This course will provide an in-depth view of Islamic Civilization, it’s development, it’s rich heritage, and it’s effects on the social and political life of societies in several parts of the world.
PSCI-365 Politics and Government of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, 3 cr. The political systems in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; comparison of the social, economic, and political conditions of each; the strategic importance of this region to the United States. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-366 Politics and Governments of South America, 3 cr. Examination of the various political systems on the continent of South America with comparisons of social and political institutions of the various countries. Prereq.: PSCI-251or consent of instructor.
PSCI-367 Government and Politics of South and North Korea, 3 cr. Based on a comparative perspective, this course will focus on the two Koreans’ political, economic, military, social, educational and cultural developments since the end of the Second World War in 1945. The two Koreans have had different ideologies and different political systems and both of them, like China and Taiwan, have played and will play an extremely important role in the security of the Asian-Pacific Rim. In other words, whether or not the peace in Asia can be maintained depends on the political wisdom of the top leaders in North and South Korea and in the United States.
PSCI-368 The Politics of the Soviet and Post-Soviet
World, 3 cr. Political history of the Soviet period, including the structure and operation of the Soviet Communist Party. Dissolution of the Soviet system, analysis of present transition period and future economic and political prospects for Russia and bordering states. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-369 Russia in International Politics, 3 cr. Analysis of the new Russian state as a leader of the former Soviet states and its former Warsaw Pact allies, tensions and new developments; relations with the United States and with the European Community; Russia as a major actor in global politics. Prereq.: PSCI-251 and PSCI-368 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-371 Canadian Government and Politics, 3 cr. The Canadian political system with analysis of the constitutional development, the structure of government, political parties and pressure groups, problems of regionalism and nationality, questions of foreign policy and relationship with the United States. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-373 Gender and Politics, 3 cr. A study of the relationship of gender and gender roles to political attitudes, beliefs and behavior. The nature of political socialization is considered as well as political and economic structures pertinent to gender distinctions. The approach is comparative. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-375 Contemporary International Relations, 3 cr. Basic principles and problems; emphasis on contemporary issues in international political life. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-376 Principles of International Relations, 3 cr.
Content and method of studying international relations; classical and behavioral approaches. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or PSCI- 251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-377 International Organizations: Theory and Practice, 3 cr. Evolution of existing theories in the area of worldwide and region-wide cooperation among sovereign states. Survey of writings of recognized scholars, as well as commentaries. Prereq.: PSCI-375 or PSCI-376 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-379 War and Peace, 3 cr. War as a social institution; causes of war and the conditions of peace; prospects and proposals for a peaceful world order. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or PSCI- 251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-380 International Law, 3 cr. Evolution of international law from theological statements to modern jurisprudence; ramifications of the state as the single most important international person and its multifaceted activities; case briefing as a method of studying international law. Prereq.: PSCI- 376 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-381 International Terrorism, 3 cr. Investigation of terrorism, beginning with the problem of definition. Origins and evolution of terrorism as well as motivations and inspirations of those who have embraced terrorism. A selection of terrorist organizations will be studied.
PSCI-383 United States Foreign Policy Since World War II, 3 cr. Description and analysis of the important changes in traditional American foreign policy that have occurred since World War II; the international responsibilities that the United States has shouldered as a world power; the political, economic, and social factors that are conditioning and limiting American foreign policy today. Prereq.: PSCI-216 and three credit hours of American history or consent of instructor
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PSCI-384 United States and the World Economy, 3 cr. A study of the nature and structure of the world economy and the role played by the U.S. in the post-World War II economy. Topics such as the Bretton Woods System, the Gold Window and flexible exchange rates and their political, social, economic and strategic dimensions.
PSCI-388 International Relations of the Middle East, 3 cr. Struggles for power and peace in this strategic region of the world; nature and frequency of interactions between the nations of the region and between these nations and the great powers. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-390 Classical Political Theory, 3 cr. Analysis of the concept of a political community in terms of obligations, rights, the public interest, the just state, and the just individual. Selected writings of Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Xenophon, and others. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-391 Modern Political Theory, 3 cr. Analysis of the tensions between the individual and society. Concepts of society, natural rights, political obligation, consent, the rule of law, social contract, and revolution examined through selected writings of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Mills, Marx, and Pateman. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-392 Contemporary Political Philosophy, 3 cr.
Problems of contemporary political philosophy are examined through selected writings of twentieth century political philosophers with particular emphasis on the breakdown of authority, political obligation, the decline of political participation, technology versus human values, revolution, the use and meaning of violence, and the concept of public interest. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-393 Contemporary Political Analysis, 3 cr. Analysis of behavioralism, decision-making theories, quantitative approaches to politics, structural-functionalism, systems theory, game theory, political development theory, and interest group theory. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-394 Selected Political Theorists, 3 cr. An in-depth examination of a selected political theorist’s works as well as the critical literature. A different theorist will be examined each semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes for specific topics. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-395 Early American Political Thought, 3 cr. Topics including the American revolution, the writing of the constitution, and the crisis of the Republic will be examined through selected writings of the following theorists and activists: Winthrop, Adams, Paine, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, Calhoun, Stanton, Thoreau, Douglass, Grimke, and Lincoln. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-397 African Political Thought, 3 cr. African political thought is examined through selected writings of important African leaders and writers dealing with political development in the new states of Africa with particular focus on the problems of African identity (African values versus westernization), African socialism, Pan-Africanism, and the one party state. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-398 Law and Social Change, 3 cr. An assessment of the possibilities and limitations of law as an instrument of social change through an examination of the status of minorities and women, the social control of corporate behavior, and the politics of rights. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-399 Pro-Seminar in Political Theory, 3 cr. In-depth reading and discussion of concepts and modes of analysis relevant to political theory. Consult the Schedule of Classes for topics. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-401 Classics of Political Science, 3 cr. An examination of selected classics of the discipline of political science, with a special emphasis on major contributions of the modern era. This course provides students with an opportunity for close analysis of complex works in political science. Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-402 Research Methods in Political Science, 3 cr. Introduction to the various techniques in political science with emphasis on developing skills necessary for graduate work in the department. Areas of concentration: development of research designs, identification of appropriate data sources, discussion of alternative methodologies, data analysis techniques. Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-404 Thesis Seminar—Political Science, 6 cr. Guided research and preparation of the thesis required for the Master of Arts degree in Political Science. Prereq.: master’s degree candidacy in political science.
PSCI-405 Independent Study in Political Science, 3 cr. Research and investigation into special topics and preparation for a research paper(s) under individual faculty guidance. Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-406 Independent Study in Political Science, 2 cr. (See PSCI-405 for description.)
PSCI-407 Independent Study in Political Science, 1 cr.
(See PSCI-405 for description.)
PSCI-408 Graduate Internship, 3 cr. Placement in government agency, voluntary or third-sector organization, advocacy group, political office, or related institution. Opportunity for career-exploration, skill-development, or specialized training.
(Hours in placement: 10 per week)
Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-411 Readings in Current Political Issues, 3 cr.
Intensive reading on a current issue in political science. In consultation with the instructor, students select topics within the general issue, prepare a reading program on the topic, analyze the problems and methods involved, and present a written and/or oral discussion of the major books and articles dealing with the chosen topic. Consult the Schedule of Classes for specific topics. Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-383 United States Foreign Policy Since World War II, 3 cr. Description and analysis of the important changes in traditional American foreign policy that have occurred since World War II; the international responsibilities that the United States has shouldered as a world power; the political, economic, and social factors that are conditioning and limiting American foreign policy today. Prereq.: PSCI-216 and three credit hours of American history or consent of instructor.
PSCI-384 United States and the World Economy, 3 cr. A study of the nature and structure of the world economy and the role played by the U.S. in the post-World War II economy. Topics such as the Bretton Woods System, the Gold Window and flexible exchange rates and their political, social, economic and strategic dimensions.
PSCI-388 International Relations of the Middle East, 3 cr. Struggles for power and peace in this strategic region of the world; nature and frequency of interactions between the nations of the region and between these nations and the great powers. Prereq.: PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-390 Classical Political Theory, 3 cr. Analysis of the concept of a political community in terms of obligations, rights, the public interest, the just state, and the just individual. Selected writings of Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Xenophon, and others. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-391 Modern Political Theory, 3 cr. Analysis of the tensions between the individual and society. Concepts of society, natural rights, political obligation, consent, the rule of law, social contract, and revolution examined through selected writings of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Mills, Marx, and Pateman. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-392 Contemporary Political Philosophy, 3 cr.
Problems of contemporary political philosophy are examined through selected writings of twentieth century political philosophers with particular emphasis on the breakdown of authority, political obligation, the decline of political participation, technology versus human values, revolution, the use and meaning of violence, and the concept of public interest. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-393 Contemporary Political Analysis, 3 cr. Analysis of behavioralism, decision-making theories, quantitative approaches to politics, structural-functionalism, systems theory, game theory, political development theory, and interest group theory. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-394 Selected Political Theorists, 3 cr. An in-depth examination of a selected political theorist’s works as well as the critical literature. A different theorist will be examined each semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes for specific topics. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-395 Early American Political Thought, 3 cr. Topics including the American revolution, the writing of the constitution, and the crisis of the Republic will be examined through selected writings of the following theorists and activists:
Winthrop, Adams, Paine, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison,
Calhoun, Stanton, Thoreau, Douglass, Grimke, and Lincoln.
Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-397 African Political Thought, 3 cr. African political thought is examined through selected writings of important African leaders and writers dealing with political development in the new states of Africa with particular focus on the problems of African identity (African values versus westernization), African socialism, Pan-Africanism, and the one party state. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or PSCI-251 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-398 Law and Social Change, 3 cr. An assessment of the possibilities and limitations of law as an instrument of social change through an examination of the status of minorities and women, the social control of corporate behavior, and the politics of rights. Prereq.: PSCI-216 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-399 Pro-Seminar in Political Theory, 3 cr. In-depth reading and discussion of concepts and modes of analysis relevant to political theory. Consult the Schedule of Classes for topics. Prereq.: PSCI-291 or consent of instructor.
PSCI-401 Classics of Political Science, 3 cr. An examination of selected classics of the discipline of political science, with a special emphasis on major contributions of the modern era. This course provides students with an opportunity for close analysis of complex works in political science. Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-402 Research Methods in Political Science, 3 cr. Introduction to the various techniques in political science with emphasis on developing skills necessary for graduate work in the department. Areas of concentration: development of research designs, identification of appropriate data sources, discussion of alternative methodologies, data analysis techniques. Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-404 Thesis Seminar—Political Science, 6 cr. Guided research and preparation of the thesis required for the Master of Arts degree in Political Science. Prereq.: master’s degree candidacy in political science.
PSCI-405 Independent Study in Political Science, 3 cr. Research and investigation into special topics and preparation for a research paper(s) under individual faculty guidance. Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-406 Independent Study in Political Science, 2 cr. (See PSCI-405 for description.)
PSCI-407 Independent Study in Political Science, 1 cr. (See PSCI-405 for description.)
PSCI-408 Graduate Internship, 3 cr. Placement in government agency, voluntary or third-sector organization, advocacy group, political office, or related institution. Opportunity for career-exploration, skill-development, or specialized training. (Hours in placement: 10 per week) Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-411 Readings in Current Political Issues, 3 cr.
Intensive reading on a current issue in political science. In consultation with the instructor, students select topics within the general issue, prepare a reading program on the topic, analyze the problems and methods involved, and present a written and/or oral discussion of the major books and articles dealing with the chosen topic. Consult the Schedule of Classes for specific topics. Prereq.: graduate standing.
PSCI-497 Seminar in Selected Problems in Political
Theory, 3 cr. An examination of crucial problems in political theory; the basis for moral values, political obligation, the nature of state, the concept of human nature, theories of representation, political change, and natural rights. Prereq.: master’s degree candidacy in political science, PSCI-402, and six credit hours in the appropriate area of political science
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