Political Science


Political Science 1103 (formerly R050): The Individual, Race, and American Political Life
3 credit hours

A focus on the relationship between individuals and the government and society in the United States, with comparisons with Japan. This course investigates what role the government has played in the formation of racial tension and in its resolution in favor of equality and democracy. It explores the ways in which the exclusion and incorporation of various groups in American society have been affected by race and class. It compares the American experience with race to the Japanese experience and highlights the differences and similarities.



Political Science 1101 (formerly C051): The American Political System
3 credit hours

An introduction to the American political system, focusing on the values, institutions, and processes of politics and government in the United States. The course introduces the concepts and techniques of political science.



Political Science 1201 (formerly C052): Foreign Governments and Politics
3 credit hours

A two-part course that seeks to equip students with the basic analytical tools of comparative politics to understand the workings of governments and politics within a comparative context. The first part defines the operational/analytical concepts of comparative politics. The second part applies the theoretical concepts to country studies to highlight the similarities and differences in their political systems. The countries highlighted include authoritarian types of political systems in the developed and developing world.



Political Science 1301 (formerly C053): International Politics
3 credit hours

An examination of contending theories on how nations act within an international framework rather than a tour de force of current international events. The course examines a whole range of theoretical approaches, such as historical analysis, systems theory, power and realists theory, Marxist theory, international integration theories, decision making, and other approaches. It involves a midterm and a final exam and an oral presentation from each student.



Political Science 2496 (formerly W101): Introduction to Political Philosophy
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: English 1002 or equivalent

A reading of selected works by several classical and modern political philosophers, such as Aristotle, Hobbes, and Marx, and a study of their relevance to contemporary political issues. This is a capstone political science major writing course.



Political Science 0103: Evidence, Proof, and Knowledge: An Introduction to Research Methods
3 credit hours

An introduction to using the scientific method to understand and explain political behavior. Includes formulating and testing hypotheses, clarifying concepts, observing and measuring political phenomena, developing research designs, collecting and analyzing data, and evaluating theories.



Political Science 3101 (formerly 0105): The American Presidency
3 credit hours

An exploration of the evolution of the presidency, from its constitutional underpinnings to some of its extra-constitutional features today. After an introduction to the historical context, examination is made of contemporary presidential roles and of the dynamic process of electing the president.



Political Science 3102 (formerly 0110): The Legislative Process
3 credit hours

An investigation and comparison of the legislatures of the United States and Japan and several other Asian countries. All of these legislatures will be evaluated with respect to their powers, processes, and politics.



Political Science 3103 (formerly 0115): The American Supreme Court
3 credit hours

An examination of judicial policy making in the America's highest court. Judicial decision making is investigated, with an emphasis on the dynamic quality of constitutional interpretation.



Political Science 3111 (formerly 0125): Media and the Political Process
3 credit hours

A look at the relationship between the mass media and American politics. The government regulation of the mass media, the media coverage of public affairs, the political effects of entertainment programming, and the uses and influence of the media in the election process are examined. The course covers both the print and broadcast media and requires a research project.



Political Science 3112 (formerly 0126): Public Opinion and Propaganda
3 credit hours

A study of the development of public opinion, the practice of propaganda, the psychology of private opinions and interpersonal communications, the effects of mass media, the public manifestation of private opinions, and the formation of policy.



Political Science 3113 (formerly 0127): Campaigns, Elections, and the Media
3 credit hours

An investigation of the role of elections in contemporary American society. Special attention to parties and mass media as participants in campaigns and to factors affecting voting behavior of the mass public and the linkages voting provides between the public and policy formation.



Political Science 2211 (formerly 0201): Democracy in Europe
3 credit hours

An exploration of the institutions established in Western European nations to preserve social stability, produce economic prosperity, and guarantee democracy that asks whether these goals are complementary or contradictory. This is a country-by-country examination of postwar political developments in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Sweden. Emphasis is on the political problems of the present. Accordingly, the course closes with an examination of the European integration process and of the sweeping changes in Eastern Europe affecting all of Europe.



Political Science 2212 (formerly 0211): Eastern Europe, Russia, and the West
3 credit hours

A focus on the politics of the countries of Eastern Europe, with an emphasis on the political history and evolution in the era of communist rule and on the progress toward developing democracy and a viable alternative to both plan and market in the post-communist era. The restructuring of post-cold war political economies in east and west is considered. Attention is also given to the international situation of East European countries and to the changing nature of east-west relations and their place in the larger European and global context. The theoretical implications of the end of history theses are challenged and projections are made about the future world order.



Political Science 2201 (formerly 0215): Comparative Politics: Developing Nations
3 credit hours

A description and analysis of political patterns in the Third World. This course provides an overview of and analyzes domestic political trends within the context of the global system and reviews current trends.



Political Science 0230: Comparative Political Systems of Southeast Asia
3 credit hours

A comprehensive understanding is intended of the contemporary political systems of the 10 Southeast Asian nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The political structure of each country is analyzed in the context of its particular history, geography, economy, cultures, and political institutions.



Political Science 3251 (formerly 0236): China: Politics and Revolution
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Asian Studies 3251)

A survey of contemporary Chinese government and politics and of the political history of China in the twentieth century. Emphasis is on the evolution of the political system and on political culture through successive periods of reform and repression.



Political Science 3252 (formerly 0238): East Asia and the United States
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Asian Studies 3252)

An introduction to international relations among the countries of the Pacific rim. A major focus is on their political, strategic, and economic relations with the United States. Attention is also paid to domestic factors affecting their foreign relations.



Political Science 3201 (formerly 0241): Nationalism, Ethnicity, and Politics
3 credit hours

A look at the formation, historical evolution, and future of the nation-state as social movement and political agenda. Demands for ethnic autonomy and independence are described, such as in Japan, Russia, the former Yugoslavia, and other countries. The politics of identity are discussed in the context of contemporary conflict and ethnic confrontation and tension, along with a presentation of social science theory and debate on the nature of nationalism by several key scholars, such as Anderson, Hobsbowm, Gellner, Breuilly, and Smith.



Political Science 0250: Foreign Policy Analysis
3 credit hours

An examination into how foreign policy is made by the governments of nation-states and into what determines the distinctive foreign policies of such states as the United States, Russia, China, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and others.



Political Science 2341 (formerly 0251): Current U.S. Foreign Relations
3 credit hours

A description, analyses, and evaluation of contemporary U.S. foreign relations. The course looks in particular at the origins, development, and decline of the cold war, the emergence and status of detente, and relations with major allies (western Europe and Japan) and the developing countries.



Political Science 2351 (formerly 0254): Japan in a Changing World
3 credit hours

(Cross-Listings: Asian Studies 2351)

An examination and analysis of the key elements that contribute to Japan's behavior in the global arena. The development of Japan's interaction with foreign powers, the psychological underpinnings of its diplomacy, and the creation of Tokyo's worldview will be discussed.



Political Science 2311 (formerly 0260): Post-Cold War Security
3 credit hours

An examination of the debate over the changing meaning of security and the contemporary international security environment. Topics include the nature of security, the international environment, postmodern terrorism, information warfare, global economic instability, the persistence of American hegemony, quasi-states, and the possible demise of the nation-state.



Political Science 2321 (formerly 0261): Politics of the Global Economy
3 credit hours

A study of competing explanations for the evolution and operation of the international political economy from the origins of the industrial era in the late eighteenth century through the information economy of the twenty-first century. The course focuses on four functional areas: international trade in goods and services, the management of currency exchange and international monetary policy, the pattern and flow of investment capital, and the pattern and structure of global production.



Political Science 3396 (formerly W262): The International Legal Order
3 credit hours

A study of the historical development of international law in its relation to the evolution of the world political system. Includes an analysis of issues of the contemporary world order, such as warfare, political and economic development, human rights, and the environment.



Political Science 2331 (formerly 0263): International Organization
3 credit hours

A consideration of the development and current roles of regional and universal international organizations, with an emphasis on the United Nations. The major international conflicts of recent decades will also be examined, in the organizational context.



Political Science 2301 (formerly 0264): Theories of War and Peace
3 credit hours

An exploration of the problem of war and peace from both empirical and theoretical perspectives. Sources of war and peace studied include the balance of power, deterrence, arms races, misperception, hegemony, nationalism, international institutions, democracy, law, and economic interdependence.



Political Science 0265: International Environmental Policy
3 credit hours

An examination of international negotiations and agreements on environmental problems and a comparison of domestic environmental policy making among selected countries. Special attention is given to negotiations on atmospheric and oceanic policies, the international regulation of nuclear materials, and the environmental aspects of international trade agreements.



Political Science 2441 (formerly 0276): Democracy, Capitalism, and Socialism
3 credit hours

An examination of some of the major political ideologies dominant in the twentieth century and of the tensions and points of convergence between and among them.



Political Science 4210 (formerly 0310): Seminar in Comparative Politics
3 credit hours

An examination of a topic of contemporary interest in comparative politics.



Political Science 4210 (formerly 0310): Seminar in Comparative Politics: The Culture of Capitalism and Global Problems
3 credit hours

A look at how, over the past 400-600 years a culture and society, originating for the most part in Europe and dedicated to the idea of trade as the ultimate source of well-being, began to expand to all parts of the globe. In many ways it is the most successful culture and society the world has ever seen, its technology, wealth, and power monuments to its success; but accompanying its expansion have been problems-growing social and economic inequality, environmental destruction, mass starvation, and social unrest. Most members of this society and culture perceive these problems as distant from themselves or as challenges for them to meet. However, there is the possibility that these problems, which threaten to negate everything this culture has accomplished, are intrinsic to the culture itself. That is the possibility explored in this class.



Political Science 4320 (formerly 0316): Seminar in International Politics
3 credit hours

An examination of a topic of contemporary interest in international politics.



Political Science 4581 (formerly 0371): Cooperative Education Project in Political Science I
3 credit hours

A work experience opportunity for political science majors relating to their academic training. Note, juniors and seniors with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 are accepted into this course subject to approval by the departmental major adviser.



Political Science 4681 (formerly 0372): Cooperative Education Project in Political Science II
3 credit hours

A work experience opportunity for political science majors relating to their academic training. Note, juniors and seniors with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 are accepted into this course subject to approval by the departmental major adviser.



Political Science 4781 (formerly 0373): Cooperative Education Project in Political Science III
3 credit hours

A work experience opportunity for political science majors relating to their academic training. Note, juniors and seniors with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 are accepted into this course subject to approval by the departmental major adviser.



Note:
Please note: the information contained in these course descriptions is subject to change, and individual courses may be added or deleted as necessary. If you wish to know what specific courses are being offered in a given term, please see the current course schedule.