Courses

Introduces the field of international relations, with general survey of the theories, histories, and problems of historical and contemporary relations among state and nonstate actors. Approved for GT-SS1. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies.

Analyzes employment, or the threat of employing force, in securing American interests in the post-Cold War world. Gives special attention to utilities claimed for nuclear weapons, and alternatively, to weapons control and disarmament. Prereq., PSCI 2223.

Analyzes the various theoretical and policy challenges facing the post-Cold War world, with an emphasis on examining alternative conceptions of and approaches to such challenges. Prereq., PSCI 2223. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Examines foundations, assumptions, objectives, dynamics, and methods of U.S. foreign policy since WWII. Gives special attention to domestic and external problems of adapting U.S. policy to the changing world environment. Prereq., PSCI 2223. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: United States context. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Presents alternate theoretical frameworks for the explanation of international processes. Applies theories of conflict behavior and social organization to problems of war and peace. Prereq., PSCI 2223. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Analyzes international organizations to determine whether they are an effective instrument for achieving peace and security and for the promotion of human welfare. Prereq., PSCI 2223. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Investigates the body of law that regulates relations between nation states and provides a framework for the solving of common problems. Explores its nature and effectiveness as well as its adaptability to a changing environment. Prereq., PSCI 2223. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Analyzes issues at the intersection of international politics and international economics. Utilizes theories and concepts from both economics and political science to understand issues in trade, finance, development and migration. Prereq., PSCI 2223.

Covers European and Atlantic regionalism. Discusses such communities as the Council of Europe, NATO, EFTA, and OECD, and provides a detailed examination of the European Union. Looks at theories of integration, problems of partnership and interdependence, rival nationalisms and strategic doctrines, and problems of the post-Cold War era. Prereq., PSCI 2223.

Explores the evolution of warfare and origins of terrorism. Ideological and identity differences have come to the forefront of violent political conflicts while the emerging doctrine of warfare has placed civilians in the middle of modern conflicts. Tracks potential changes in the means of and reasons for fighting, roles of civilians and media, and rules of war. Prereq., PSCI 2223. Recommended prereq., PSCI 3193. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) only.

Aims to help students think about the future of the world in a systematic way. Focuses on alternative projections and policies dealing with major problems. Prereq., PSCI 2223 and junior or senior standing. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).

Studies the principal issues confronting humanity that affect stability and survivability and their economic, social, and political implications. Prereq., PSCI 2012 or 2223. Prerequisites: Restricted to students with 87-180 credits (Senior, Fifth Year Senior) Political Science (PSCI), International Affairs (IAFS) or Environmental Studies (ENVS) majors only.

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 average 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 2223.

Independent research in 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 8903.

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

Reviews salient literature on international relations, and subsequent presentation and critical discussion of analytical studies. Allows students wide latitude in substantive and methodological approaches. Emphasizes changing trends and efforts to understand the bases for cooperation and conflict. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required.

Examines sources of foreign policy in terms of international pressures, economic interests, bureaucratic politics, cognitive process, public opinion, elections, congress, and presidential leadership. Examines uses and limitations of economic statecraft, military intervention, and current foreign policy issues. Recommended prereq., PSCI 7013.

Studies selected problems concerning administration and operation of public international organizations, including the United Nations and its specialized agencies. Considers decision making, executive leadership, internal organization, personnel policies, coordination of activities, and financing. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Provides systematic treatment of theories, concepts, and data addressing the conditions and processes of international conflict, violence, and stability, with attention to historical and contemporary cases. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required.

Introduces graduate students to concepts, theories, and data used to study the global system from a political-economic framework. Examines world systems analysis, regime change theory, and dependency theory with respect to operation of the exchange and power relationship within the contemporary world system. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Surveys historical, theoretical, and empirical analyses of violent conflict behavior, including causes and consequences of riots, terrorism, revolution, international war, and intervention. Restricted to graduate students or instructor consent required. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Not a free option; must be approved by the student's advisor and program chair. Does not count as seminar. Not more than 6 hours of independent study may be credited toward PhD degree in political science. Special independent study approval agreement form must be completed by student and signed by faculty advisor. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.

Provides an opportunity for independent research in a topic of special interest. Arrangements are made to suit the needs of each particular 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 6903.

All doctoral students must register for not fewer than 30 hours of dissertation credit as part of the requirements for the degree. For a detailed discussion of doctoral dissertation credit, refer to the Graduate School section.