Courses

Most countries confront a variety of common political problems, including how to gain popular support, what kinds of political institutions are most appropriate, and how to distribute burdens and benefits to different segments of the population. Concentrates on learning how to compare different political systems and provides illustrative examples from several countries in both the industrialized and nonindustrialized world. Approved for GT-SS1. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies.

Examines the development of Russian politics from the late Soviet period to the present. Topics covered include political culture, democratic transition, economic reform, and social problems in Russia. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies.

Stresses different perspectives on Latin American politics and understanding key political actors and processes. Country focus varies. Prereq., PSCI 2012, IAFS 1000, IAFS major, Latin American studies major, or instructor consent. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Examines ways Latin American women have engaged in politics and their participation in social movements, war, peace processes and elections. Focuses on why women "Do politics" in certain ways, the role of the State in women's politics, the (dis)advantages of various political strategies, and how political, economic and social changes have affected women's political opportunities and interests. Prereq., WMST 2000 or instructor consent. Recommended prereqs., WMST 2400, 2600, 3600 or 3730. Same as WMST 3650. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Studies and evaluates alternative theoretical frameworks for the analysis of revolution and political violence. Theoretical material is firmly couched in case situations, such as ethnic, class, colonial, urban, racial, and religious conflicts. Prereq., PSCI 1101, 2012, or IAFS 1000. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Surveys historical and contemporary forces shaping politics in Southeast Asia. Gives special attention to comparative political economy, including development strategies and transitions to democracy. Prereqs., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Analyzes post-independence and post-Cold War change in sub-Saharan Africa and provides intensive case studies of selected countries exemplifying each type with South Africa seen as a special case. Prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Presents theories on the interaction between policies and economics, economic models of politics, and familiarizes students with an approach that will prove useful in understanding current developments in both economics and politics. Explores relationships between financial markets, currency regimes, and politics with some special consideration of the behavioral foundations of political and economic developments. Prereq., PSCI 2012.

Examine the diverse political trajectories of four South Asian countries: India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Using a comparative lens, we will take into account historical, cultural, and economic, in addition to political, factors in deciphering this diversity of political paths. Prereqs., ASIA 1000, HIND 1011, HIST 1408, and PSCI 2012.

Comparatively analyzes development of the political systems and processes of European democracies. Emphasizes contemporary institutions, decision making patterns, and policy issues. Special attention to challenges of welfare systems. Prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Analyzes development theory, case studies in development strategies, and the problems and promises of development: specifically issues of gender, environment, labor, corruption and poverty. The primary focus is on explanations for variation in level of development over time and across countries. Prereq., PSCI 2012, ECON 2020, IAFS 1000, or one upper-division PSCI course. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

History of China's external relations and theories of foreign policy decision making. Explores two vital bilateral relations (Sino-U.S. and Sino-Japanese) and several key issues (like Taiwan) in China's 21st century foreign policy. Prereq., PSCI 2012. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Explores the politics of 20th century China to speculate on China's future in the 21st century. Begins with an extensive look at the political history of the People's Republic, before turning to social, cultural, economic, and political issues today. Concludes with an examination of Chinese foreign policy, with a focus on Sino-American relations. Prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Studies developments in the former Soviet satellites and Yugoslavia, their governmental organizations, and their relation to the former Soviet Union and the West. Prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Comparatively analyzes major urban systems in different political/economic settings and Third-World countries. Gives special attention to political and economic factors shaping urbanization processes and distinctive policy issues in these different settings. Recommended prereqs., PSCI 1101 and 3071. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Analyzes the causes and consequences of military intervention in politics, contrasting patterns of civil-military relations, and the problem of democratic control of the armed forces. Focuses on the Latin American military, with secondary attention to U.S. military. Prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000, and PSCI or ROTC major. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Explores the domestic politics of various Middle Eastern countries as well as the development and globalization of the region. Includes topics such as the ongoing prevalence of dictatorships, political Islamism, oil politics, economic growth and stagnation, and relations with the U.S. Prereq., PSCI 2012.

Analyzes ethnic identity as a factor in contemporary politics. Deals extensively with the role of ethnic groups in political mobilization, the development of national collective consciousness, nation building, and international relations. Explores the influence of religion, language, history, culture and class on ethnic group formation and behavior. Prereq., PSCI 2012. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Explores the development, functioning, focus and future of the European Union. Examines history, institutions, policies and politics as well as governance theories that have been developed to explain origins and evolution of the EU. Prereq., PSCI 2012.

Examines the politics of language. Topics covered include the primordial versus instrumental role of languages, the politics over minority language recognition, and the trade-offs surrounding the use of a lingua franca. Course will start with a regional focus on Asia then shift to the European Union and conclude in the United States. Prereq., PSCI 2012.

Exposes students to current issues in the political economy of development. Subjects range from globalization, democratization, and economic development. Specifically, the course explores the international and domestic determinants of economic development with special reference to currency markets, foreign direct investment, trade, and democratization. Prereqs., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000, ECON 2010 and 2020, and one upper-division PSCI course. Same as INVS 4302. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).

Studies several Latin American countries in some depth including history and contemporary politics. Teaches students to listen to and evaluate different sides of political controversies, and critically evaluate arguments. Prereqs., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000, and junior or senior standing. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).

Subjects chosen and arrangements made to suit needs of each student. Independent study is for upper-division students who have completed 9 credit hours of political science and who have an overall GPA of at least 3.00. Not more than 6 credit hours of independent study may be credited toward the minimum requirements in the political science major. Special independent study approval agreement form must be obtained from the department. May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours. Prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000.

Guides independent research on a topic of special interest. Arrangements made to suit needs of each student. Not a free option; must be approved by student's advisor and department chair. Does not count as a seminar. May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours. Same as PSCI 8902.

May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.