Political Science
Courses
Requirements for the
B.A. degree in Political Science
A
total of 33 term hours with two introductory courses (six hours) of choice and
27 advanced hours (3000 and above). Advanced course work must include at
least six hours (two courses) in each of two distribution fields, and three
hours (one course) in a third.
Requirement for minor concentrations
Four
minor concentrations are offered, a general program in Political Science
and three specifically focused programs in Political Thought, Comparative
and International Politics, and American Politics. Each concentration
requires 18 semester hours of political science courses, including three or
six hours (one or two courses) at the introductory level and 12 or 15
advanced hours. For detail about the minors please click
here.
* Courses to be offered in Spring 2010
American Government
and Politics
Comparative Politics
Political Theory
International Relations
Special Undergraduate offerings
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
PLSC 1320 Introduction to American Government
and Politics*
Topics include constitutional theory, interest groups, parties and
elections, Congress, the presidency and executive agencies, the courts, and
public policy. The course emphasizes national government and politics but
also gives attention to state and local levels. (Ippolito (H), Kobylka,
Simon)
PLSC 3320 Principles of Public Policy*
This course presents the institutions and processes by which governments
make public policy and examines the substance and impact of public policy in
such areas as international political economy and domestic social policy.
(Watson)
PLSC 3321 Congress and the Legislative Process
The powers, organization, and rules and procedures of legislatures in the
United States. Emphasizes the U.S. Congress: its constitutional
responsibilities, committee and staff systems, and legislative procedures
in the House and Senate.
PLSC 3322 The American Presidency
An evaluation of the office of president in the American political system
with emphasis placed upon the functional and institutional development of the
office and presidential leadership in policy making.
PLSC3323 Southern Politics This course considers continuity and change in the current politics of the South -- Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The topics considered include civil rights, voting rights, redistricting, economics growth, and judicial activism. (Stanley)
PLSC 3326 State Government and Politics
A comparative study of the structure, procedure, and functional services of
state, county, and municipal governments with emphasis upon
intergovernmental relations in the federal government and Texas government.
PLSC 3327 Texas Politics This course focuses on government and politics in Texas both by exploring its processes, institutions, and policies and by placing them within the broader context of the U.S. federal system.
PLSC 3329 Bureaucracy and Regulatory Politics
This course will examine the structure of American bureaucracy, the workings
of the administrative process and the behavior of individuals who work in and
with it. We will study how bureaucracies such as independent regulatory agencies
and executive branch departments interact with executive, legislative and
judicial branches. We will take a closer look at regulatory policies through
case studies in interesting policy areas (such as environmental protection
regulations and the regulation of Wall Street).
PLSC 3330 Law, Politics and the Supreme Court
This course provides an overview of the role played by the Supreme Court in
defining the constitutional landscape of American politics. It will canvass
constitutional law as it concerns issues of separation of powers, federalism,
civil liberties, civil rights, and the criminal process. We will pay particular
attention to the ebb and flow of the assertion of judicial power, and examine
competing explanations for change in methods of constitutional interpretation
and understandings of constitutional meaning.
PLSC 3331 Media and Politics The purpose of this course is to analyze the interplay between the medias (i.e. print, network and cable television, and Internet) and American political life. we will address the impact of media coverage on the electoral process with particular attention to congressional and presidential elections; how political actors (e.g., social activists in the WTO, AIDS activists, elected officials) incorporate media practices into their strategies for pursuing specific policy objectives; and the roles that the media play in providing political information to the American public.
PLSC 3333 Environmental Policy*
Overview of governmental environmental policies designed to provide a
foundation for future application and study in the growing environmental field of public opinion on American
politics and policy making. The course begins with historical perspective of
land use and early expansion policy. Through philosophical and scientific
advances, the modern environmental movement unfolds through the development of
laws and government policy. (also PP 3310)
PLSC 3334 Public Opinion and American Politics
This course focuses upon the influence of public opinion on American
politics and policy making. Topics for the course will include public opinion
and democratic theory, the methods of survey research, the use of the polling
“industry,” and the influence of polls on politicians and policy.
PLSC 3335 Judicial Process*
An examination of the role and function of courts in the American system of
government. Topics treated include: alternative methods of dispute resolution;
access to the courts and republicanism. The overriding theme of the course- the
relationship between law, politics, and the courts- will be the thread that
draws together the treatment of these topics. (Watson)
PLSC 3336 Congress, the President and the Constitution
An examination of how constitutional interpretation, precedent, and
politics affect presidential and congressional powers and the separation of
powers with respect to war and foreign affairs; legislation and
administration; and budgetary and fiscal policies.
PLSC 4320 Special Studies in American Government and Politics: Law and Social Science In this course, we will explore the relationship between the legal process and social science research. First, we will consider the similarities and differences between the goals and methods of the legal process and social science. next we will examine how lawyers and judges use social science research, with particular emphasis on specific areas of the law (discrimination and criminal justice) that have been heavily influenced by empirical social science.
PLSC 4321 Basic Issues in American Democracy *
The "special" course will focus upon the history, politics, and
moral claims of the movement that not only destroyed the system of racial
segregation known as Jim Crow, but also dissolved barriers to political
participation by African Americans in the American South. Accordingly, we
will examine the rise of the civil rights movement, and politics and culture of
the race and the segregated south, and the evolution in how national politicians
addressed these issues. This course will combine readings and classroom
discussion with an extended trip over Spring Break to historic Civil
Rights venues in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
(Simon)
PLSC 4322 Latino Politics* (CFA 3326)
An analysis of contexts, causes, and consequences of Latino political
participation. The focus is on Latinos in the Southwest with some
attention to other racial and ethnic groups elsewhere in the U.S.
(Stanley)
PLSC 4323 Politics of Change in America (CFA
3334)
Focusing on American politics and society from 1930 to the present, this
course will examine how America has changed, explains why changes occur, and
will access the consequences of these changes.
PLSC 4324 Political Dynamics
Use of political parties in formulating political opinions; pressure groups;
propaganda; measurement of mass opinions; political leadership.
PLSC 4325 Practical Electoral Politics
An exploration of techniques of political organization drawing on studies of
recent campaigns and examining the political pressures that affect policy making
in government.
PLSC 4326 Presidential Elections
An examination of presidential nominations and general elections.
Topics include voter decision making, media coverage, campaign finance,
delegate selection rules, the electoral college, and kindred concern
examined in the context of the current and most recent elections.
PLSC 4327 Urban Politics
This course traces ideas and beliefs about the nature and purpose of local
political arenas in the American experience from New England townships to
modern metropolises.
PLSC 4328 Seminar: American Government and Politics
An overview of the central questions in the study of American Government
and Politics.
PLSC 4329 The Politics of Economic Policy*
Analysis of interactions among political beliefs, economic theories,
political processes, and public policies that shape and change the American
political economy. (Cooper)
PLSC 4330 Politics and Film This course will use film as a vehicle understanding politics, leadership and the political process in the United States. The class involves a substantial reading and writing by students.
PLSC 4331 Government and Business
Analysis of the roles of business in American policies and the impacts of
political and governmental decisions on business activity.
PLSC 4332 Politics of Litigation
An examination of the interaction between law and politics and, in
particular, of the role interest groups have played in the litigation
process.
PLSC 4333 Policy, Politics and the Budget
Examines the federal budget’s historical evolution and contemporary
significance. The constitutional division of the power of the purse between the
legislative and executive branches; presidential-congressional conflicts over
control of budget policy; major policy issues relating to the size of the
federal budget; spending and tax policy priorities; and deficit and debt
problems.
PLSC 4335 Constitutional Law *
Examines the scope of constitutional power in the American governmental
system, questions of separation of powers between the branches of the national
government, and the federal relationship between the national government and
state governments.
PLSC 4336 Civil Liberties: First Amendment*
Examines the place and treatment of expression, religion, and personal
autonomy in the American Constitution and in the cases in which the Supreme
Court has defined and applied the Constitution. (Kobylka)
PLSC 4337 Civil Rights
Examines changes wrought in the American system of governance by addition of
the Fourteenth Amendment, particularly its Equal Protection Clause, and the way
that the Supreme Court has interpreted and applied it over time. Topics of
attention include racial discrimination, sex discrimination, and equality in the
political process.
PLSC 4338 Criminal Process
Examines the application of the principles of “ordered liberty” and the Bill
of Rights to criminal process disputes. Its concerns extend through initial
police investigation, trial preparation, trial and jury concerns, and the
post-trial determination of punishment.
PLSC 4339 Women and the Law
The status of women in the American legal system, including an assessment
of women defined as a legal category and the impact of increasing numbers
of women lawyers, judges, and criminals.
Return to top of page
COMPARATIVE POLITICS
PLSC 1340 Introduction to Comparative Politics*
Analyzes and contrasts different patterns of national political development
in Western, Marxist-Leninist, and Third World countries. Political dilemmas
confronting each type of system will be examined. (Leong, Lusztig)
PLSC 3340 Western European Politics*
The political development of Britain, France, and Germany. Topics include:
the emergence of parliament and parties; democratic breakdown and the rise of
fascism; modern parties and interest groups; state economic planning;
corporatism; extra parliamentary oppositions. (Hollifield)
PLSC 3341 Politics of Participation and Representation in Western
Democracies
This course focuses on the numerous avenues through which citizens
influence politics and policy making in advanced industrial
democracies. The course will consider the implications of formal
institutional structures, such as electoral and party systems, the impact
of organized groups, as well as more informal forms of participation, such
as protest movements and citizen initiatives.
PLSC 3342 Making Democracy Work*
This course aims to answer the fundamental questions of why democracy
thrives in some nations while in others in struggles, and in many more it has
not yet taken root.(Manzetti)
PLSC 3345 Government and Politics in the Middle East
A survey of modern Middle East governments and politics; historical,
ideological, and economic and social influences on their domestic and
foreign policies; analysis of emerging political forms; some emphasis on
modernization problems.
PLSC 3346 Government and Politics of Japan
A study of political institutions, foreign policies and international
relations, and the economic and social problems of Japan.
PLSC 3347 Government and Politics of Africa
The politics of sub-Saharan Africa in an international context, emphasizing
the problems of race, nationalism, and economic development.
PLSC 3348 Government and Politics of Latin America.
The structure, functions, and operations of government in Latin American
countries with emphasis on political practices and institutions.
PLSC 3349 Politics of Major Latin American Countries*
An introduction to the problems of political development in some of the
major countries of Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico.
(Manzetti)
PLSC 3352 Chinese Politics *
The purpose of this course is twofold: 1) to give students a general
familiarity with Chinese political history since the Opium Wars and 2) to
consider some of the major challenges confronting the People's Republic of China
today. (Takeuchi)
PLSC 3355 The Political Economy of the Welfare State
Focuses on the origins, evolution, and management of industrial democracy
in Europe and America. It emphasizes the interconnections between
politic and economic challenges inherent in policy making, and the economic
implications of public policy.
PLSC 3358 Government and Politics of Russia
Examines attempts to reform the Soviet Union since 1985. In particular it
analyzes the social and political processes behind the demise of the Soviet
system. Emphasis is placed on sources for support of, as well as obstacles to,
political, economic, and social reform in post-communist Russia.
PLSC 3359 From Communism to Democracy*
The rise and fall of communist regimes and the transition to democracy in
Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, emphasizing social, economic, and
political influences affecting divergent paths to democracy. (Wegren)
PLSC 4340 Special Studies in Comparative Governments and Politics:
Comparative Islamic Politics*
This course explores the politics of Islam in Asia and the Middle East.
We study the context for the rise of Islam as a political force in different
societies, paying attention to cultural and ideological diversity in the Muslim
world. We ask whether a "clash of civilizations" exists and whether
democracy is compatible with Islam. (Leong)
PLSC 4340 Special Studies in Comparative Governments and Politics:
Current Problems in Middle East Politics*
This course examines
the current problems in the Middle East. (Jordan)
PLSC 4341 Rights and Representation*
This course will examine the tension that exists between rights and
democratic representation. Issues explored include judicial social policy
making, individual versus collective rights, aboriginal rights, and affirmative
action. (Lusztig)
PLSC 4342 Why Nations Revolt
This course provides an introduction to revolutions by surveying the major
theories that have been developed to explain the occurrence of
revolutions. Various revolutions will be examined in case studies,
including the French, Russian, Nazi and Chinese revolutions. In
addition, at least one peasant revolution in the Third World will be
covered.
PLSC 4348 Seminar: Comparative Government and Politics
An overview of the central questions in the study of comparative government
and politics
PLSC 4353 Government/Politics of East Asia
Analysis of various aspects of social change and modernization and their
effects on mass and elite political behavior and political processes in
selected countries of East Asia
PLSC 4354 The Third World and North-South Relations
An inquiry into problems and theories of political economy of development
and dependency in the Third World countries.
PLSC 4356 Latin American Political Economy*
This course focuses on the challenges facing public policy in the Latin
American region and how to interpret that region’s politics and economic
frustrations. Attention is paid to the basic rules of the Latin American
political game and the lack of agreement on them. (Manzetti)
PLSC 4358 Soviet Politics: Revolution to Revolution
A survey of Soviet political history from 1971 to 1991. Special
attention is devoted to the way in which each Soviet leader attempted to
change the political and economic system.
Return to top of page
POLITICAL THEORY
PLSC 1360 Introduction to Political Theory*
An introduction to political theory through an examination of classical and
modern approaches to the study of politics. Questions concerning how we get
knowledge about politics and what we do with that knowledge will be
addressed. (Carter)
PLSC 3360 Foundations of Political Thought
Main currents of political thought in their historical settings from Plato
to the 17th century, with a critical evaluation of those elements of
continuing worth.
PLSC 3361 Modern Political Thought *
Main currents of political thought in their historical setting from the
17th century to the present. (Carter)
PLSC 3362 Twentieth-Century Political Thought
Analysis of the political implications of selected responses to the problems
of modern mass society.
PLSC 3363 American Political Thought
An historical and analytical survey of the thinkers, actors, and main
currents of American political thought from the founding of the first
European colonies to the present day.
PLSC 3365 Communism and Post-Communism
Theoretical foundations of communism and its variant forms in practice,
explanations for the collapse of Eastern European communist systems, and
possible futures of communism.
PLSC 3370 Women and Politics
An analysis and critique of women’s role in politics, theories on women’s
status and power, political activities, ideologies, and programs of
feminists, past and present.
PLSC 4360 Special Studies in Political Theory
PLSC 4361
Political Regimes: Understandings of Rome
This course is concerned with the various understandings of “Rome” as
developed in the writings of Plutarch, St. Augustine, and
Machiavelli. it addresses three fundamentally different conceptions
of the regime – beginning with the Roman Empire, considering the effects of
the Christian Order, and addressing the new modes and orders introduced by
Machiavelli.
PLSC 4362 Medieval Political Philosophy
This course introduces students to the tradition of political philosophy
represented by various thinkers of the medieval period. Through an
analysis of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian authors, students attempt to
come to an understanding of the fundamental issues at stake in their
works. The course also examines closely the alternative solutions
proposed for solving what has been termed the “theological-political
problem.”
PLSC 4363 Religion and Politics in the Western Tradition
This course will examine major strands of Western thought on the proper role
of religion in civil society. It will consider the writings of major
Christian thinkers such as Augustine, Aquinas, and Luther on the
relationship between the sacred and temporal spheres. The course will
examine religious issues in the modern United States, examining
constitutional questions of Church-State relations, and the role of religion
in major American Social movements.
PLSC 4368 Seminar: Political Theory and Philosophy
An overview of the central questions in the study of political theory and
philosophy.
PLSC 4369 Republicanism and the Good Society*
This course seeks to trace the intellectual roots of republicanism,
demonstrating the importance of republican thought to political ideologies
in contemporary liberal democracies. The United States, Britain and
Canada feature most prominently. (Lusztig)
PLSC 4371 Jurisprudence
An introduction to alternative ways of viewing the sources, functions, and
uses of law. Attention is given to various understandings of concepts of
justice and rights.
PLSC 4376 Research Design and Data Analysis in Political
Science
Focuses on the “art” and “science” of designing and conducting empirical
research in political science. The topics covered include research
design, measurement, data analysis, and hypothesis testing.
Return to top of page
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
PLSC 1380 Introduction to International Relations*
A basic survey of the elements of international relations, including the
nation-state system, international organizations, international law, diplomacy,
foreign policy, and various non state actors such as multinational Corporations.
( Takeuchi, Skorick)
PLSC 3381 Current
Issues in International Relations
This course surveys contemporary issues and problems in the international arena.
The student will research and propose solutions from the U.S. perspective.
PLSC 3382 International Organizations: Global and Regional
A study of the United Nations and other international agencies in their
attempts to deal with the great international political problems of our times.
PLSC 3383 The American Foreign Policy Process
A survey of the contemporary content and the conduct of American foreign
policy.
PLSC 3387 Political Geography
An examination of topics in international political rivalries within the
nation-state system. Major emphasis will be given to the adaptations within
that system since 1850 for spatial distributions of physical terrain,
populations, economic resources and activities, and political and social
divisions.
PLSC 3389 International Political Economy*
This course introduces students to the study of international political
economy. The expansion of trade and foreign direct investment, and the increase
in international migration, are indicators of a new interdependence and
globalization. How do nation-states respond to globalization and manage
international economic relations. (Brown, C.)
PLSC 3390 Negotiating International Trade
This class examines the means by which countries negotiate
international trade. In part, the course is theoretical, examining standard
theories of trade. In part, it is empirical, with hemispheric trade as its
substantive focus. Finally, in part the course is practical. Students are
engaged in a computer-based simulation exercise with students from other
universities.
PLSC 4380 Special Studies in International Relations*
This is intended as a preparatory course for delegates to Model
United Nations conferences held during the semester. Student delegates
engage in a simulation of the practices, actions and debates of the real
United Nations, and participate in all branches of the UN including the
General Assembly (GA), committees such as the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
and various specialized agencies such as the WHO. (C. Brown)
PLSC 4380 Special Studies in International Relations: National Security
and Human Rights*
How and why human rights and national security are mutually
supportive and sometimes antithetical. the special challenge terrorism
presents to human rights-respecting societies. The stress that civil wars,
insurgencies, and paramilitary operations put on "just war" protections for
combatants and non combatants. Policies and strategies for minimizing
threats to human rights while protecting national security, and for protecting
human rights without undermining national security. (S. Brown)
PLSC 4381 National Security Policy
This course provides an introduction to U.S. national security in the post
Cold War world. It examines both theoretical issues and current
developments.
PLSC 4382 The Politics of Military Force *
This course examines the role of military force in world politics: the
International and domestic conditions that cause countries to resort to war and
that affect the way war is fought; the impact of wars on domestic and
international politics; and efforts to reduce the role of force in world
politics. It features historical and contemporary case studies and theoretical
analysis. (S. Brown)
PLSC 4384 American-Russian Relationship *
A comprehensive overview of Soviet and post-Soviet policy from 1917 to the
present, with particular emphasis on postwar developments. Special attention to
the role of ideology and how motivations for foreign policy have changed over
time. Russian foreign policy in the post Cold War era and prospects for
East-West cooperation will also be discussed. (Wegren)
PLSC 4385 Inter-American Relations
A survey of the diplomatic and commercial relations between the United
States and the republics of the western hemisphere with particular
attention to involvement in the Caribbean area.
PLSC 4386 Issues of U.S.-East Asia Relations
Analysis of politics of trade imbalance, regional collective security,
technology transfer and other problems of bilateral and multilateral relations
between the United States and East Asian countries.
PLSC 4388 Seminar: International Government and Politics - Current
Issues in International Relations*
The topic of the seminar is thematic and will vary depending upon the
instructor. (Wegren)
PLSC 4391 NAFTA and Free Trade in the Americas
Exploration of the domestic politics of the three NAFTA countries leading
to the North American Free Trade Agreement, the effects of the agreement,
and possibilities for expanding free trade in the Americas.
PLSC 4398 Nuclear Weapons and World Politics
Focuses on the nuclear rivalry between the U.S. and the USSR, and on how
this rivalry has transformed the nature and conduct of world
politics. Emphasis is placed on theoretical and analytical
perspectives, including deterrence theory, bargaining, and game
theory. Attention is also given to the implications stemming from
both the vertical and horizontal proliferation of nuclear
weapons.
Return to top of page
SPECIAL UNDEGRADUATE OFFERINGS
Opportunities for
independent study and research are available to majors in political Science
with prior departmental approval. Such courses may not be counted toward
departmental distribution requirements and no more than two such courses
may be counted toward overall major or minor requirements
PLSC 4102, 4202, 4302 Directed Readings
PLSC 4301, 4401, 4402, 4403, 4404 Washington Term.
Intensive study of national political institutions. Includes
a four-hour research project (4401), a four-hour internship (4402), and an
eight-hour seminar (4403 & 4404). Prerequisites: Two
courses in political science, at least one at the upper level, that are
relevant to the selected program.
PLSC 4304 Departmental Seminar: Scope and Methods of Political
Science
PLSC 4306 Internship in Political Science
PLSC 4307 Departmental Distinction Thesis
Return to top of page
