PSCI-100 World Politics (3 credits)

Introduction to theory and practice of comparative politics as well as political science. Focuses on political behavior, political system, political process, and world politics. Fall, spring.

PSCI-143 American National Government & Politics (3 credits)

Provides a broad overview of the institutional arrangement of the American political system, its constitutional and traditional underpinnings, and the ways in which various political actors operate within it. Encourages critical analysis of political information and active citizens participation in our democratic system. Fall, spring.

PSCI-160 Introduction to International Relations (3 credits)

Introduction to the theory and practice of sovereignty, conflict and cooperation, foreign policy, political economic relations, development, and international environmental issues. Fall, spring.

PSCI-190 Topics in Politics (3 credits)

Subjects offered because of unique relevance to events or developments in political science or in the world of politics. Specific topics announced in the annual schedule. May be repeated.

PSCI-290 Topics in Politics (3 credits)

Subjects offered because of unique relevance to events or developments in political science or in the world of politics. Specific topics announced in the annual schedule. May be repeated. Fall, spring.

PSCI-312 Political Parties and Elections (3 credits)

Study of institutional political parties, nominations, campaigns, elections, and their influence on policy making.

PSCI-313 Congress & Legislative Process (3 credits)

Examines the organization and function of the United States Congress and the legislative process. Special attention paid to presidential and congressional interaction and its effect on policy.

PSCI-318 Research Methods in Political Science (3 credits)

Introduction to research design and methods with some emphasis on statistical analysis. Junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor.

PSCI-320 Comparative Politics Seminar (3 credits)

Examines the historical development and trends of comparative politics and explores major theories involving the political system, state and society, political culture, rational choice, Institutionalism, political economy, development, democracy, and democratic transitions.

PSCI-326 Women & American Politics (3 credits)

Examines the expanding involvement and the distinctive contributions of women in contemporary American politics as voters, candidates, and officeholders. Includes an overview of the first and second waves of feminist activism in American political history, as well as an exploration of selected public policy issues of particular concern to women.

PSCI-343 Politics & the Media (3 credits)

Analysis of the media's impact upon the political process, institutions, and the individual. Exploration of the role played by communication, principally through the mass media, in the conduct of government and the making of public policy.

PSCI-344 Political Opinion & Political Behavior (3 credits)

Examines the formation and measure of public attitudes and opinions and their effect on contemporary American politics.

PSCI-345 Constitutional Law: the American Constitution (3 credits)

Reviews judicial decisions and interpretations which have contributed to the growth and development of the United States Constitution in such areas as the federal system, intergovernmental relations, presidential powers, government functions, and civil rights.

PSCI-349 State & Local Government (3 credits)

Study of the institutions, organization, and politics of state and local governments. Attention given to intergovernmental relations.

PSCI-360 Politics of the Middle East (3 credits)

Examines specific historical trends and contemporary issues facing the people and governments of the Middle East spanning from Libya to Iran and from Turkey to the Southern Arabian Peninsula.

PSCI-361 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 credits)

Introduction to the U.S. foreign policy making process that surveys areas of foreign affairs. Makes comparisons between United States and other developed as well as developing nations. Emphasis on economic, environmental, and security and defense policy. Institutional factors considered include the interaction between the presidency, congress, bureaucracy, and public opinion.

PSCI-362 International Security (3 credits)

What are the key international security challenges in the world today, and how can they be resolved? This course surveys the major actors in international security, why they threaten one another, and the strategies they use to alleviate those threats; and it goes on to examine issues including war and peace, nuclear weapons, civil war, terrorism, and cyber warfare.

PSCI-363 International Law & Organization (3 credits)

Examination of international organizations on questions of military security, the environment, the global economy, economic development, and human rights. The United Nations, regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and multinational corporations will be addressed in the context of international law. Considers theoretical and political foundations of international law as well as contemporary application and enforcement.

PSCI-369 Terrorism and Counterterrorism (3 credits)

What is terrorism? Why do groups adopt terrorism? How can terrorism best be fought? This course examines in detail the causes and history of terrorism, counterterrorism strategies and challenges, and ethical questions involved in both terrorism and counterterrorism.

PSCI-376 Historical and Contempory Political Thought (3 credits)

Examines historical and contemporary political thought in terms of thematic continuities and discontinuities from classical Greek thought to contemporary theoretical works. Particular attention given to earlier works in terms of their relevance to current political problems.

PSCI-380 Latin American Politics (3 credits)

Examines concepts and theoretical arguments concerning civilizations, history, cultures, religions, social classes, economic development, and democratization in Latin America.

PSCI-390 Topics in Politics (3 credits)

Subjects offered because of relevance to events or developments in political science or in the world of politics. Specific topics announced in the annual schedule. May be repeated.

PSCI-435 Human Rights Seminar (3 credits)

This course serves as a survey of the complexities of international human rights in an era of increasing globalization. Students will be exposed to theoretical foundations in various civilizations and cultures as well as the evolution of human rights, the legal instruments, and the global, regional, and national mechanisms that exist to promote and protect these rights.

PSCI-440 Environmental Law & Policy (3 credits)

Examines role of politics, economics, and culture in the formation of domestic and international environmental policies and laws. Focuses, in an era of increasing globalization, on ecosystems, population, energy, biodiversity, and the legal complexities of environmental regulatory and administrative systems.

PSCI-459 Asian Politics (3 credits)

Examines the impact of history, culture, government structures, and economic change on political processes in Asian countries. Primary attention paid to China, Japan, and Korea followed by other Asian countries.

PSCI-461 Politics of the Global Economy (3 credits)

Analysis of the political aspects of global economic relations. Areas of focus include globalization and interdependence, trade policy, international finance, development assistance, multinational corporations, energy and natural resources, and the role of international organizations.

PSCI-489 European Politics (3 credits)

Examines the historical patterns of social, economic, and religious conflict; structures of citizen representation in interest groups and political parties; electoral systems; constitutional relationships between executive, legislature, and judiciary; economic and foreign policies; and current problems of national identity in European countries.

PSCI-490 Topics in Politics (3 credits)

Subjects offered because of relevance to events or developments in political science or in the world of politics. Specific topics announced in the annual schedule. May be repeated. Fall, spring.

PSCI-493 Readings in Political Science (1-3 credits)

A planned program of reading and research under the direction of a member of the faculty. May be repeated for credit. Fall, spring.

PSCI-495 Senior Seminar in Political Science (3 credits)

Capstone educational experience in political science offers students an opportunity to use their substantive and methodological training in preparing a significant paper and sharing the intellectual experience with other members of the seminar. Fall.

PSCI-499 Public Policy Internship (1-16 credits)

Supervised field experience or internship in a political campaign, the state legislature, the United States Congress, the courts or an agency of the criminal justice system, or in an administrative setting. Candidates maintain a diary or log of experiences and prepare a paper either reporting on some aspect of their experiential education or reporting a particular research project. Fall, spring.

PSCI-H385 Modern British Politics (3 credits)

Better understand the issues which matter to any society today. Course enhances ability to make balanced and informed views on apparently complex issues by considering the social, economic, ethical, and political aspects of many controversial issues in Britain, including education, health, Northern Ireland, Europe, housing, race relations, and prisons. Fall, spring.