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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
Examines Latin American politics with particular focus on women's participation in social movements, war, revolution, and elections. Compares women's and men's politics and activism and examines changing gender and sexuality policies, gender relations, and the differential impact of political, economic, and social changes on men and women. Recommended prereq., WMST 2600 or PSCI 3032. Same as WMST 3650. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 1101, 2012, or IAFS 1000. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) 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. Recommeded 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012 or IAFS 1000.
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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
Studies developments in the former Soviet satellites and Yugoslavia, their governmental organizations, and their relation to the former Soviet Union and the West. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies.
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. Recommended 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) 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. Recommended 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012. Same as INVS 4302. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: contemporary societies. Requisites: 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. Recommended prereq., PSCI 2012. Requisites: 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. Recommended 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.
Examines West European politics in terms of general theories of comparative politics, including institutional, behavioral and political economy approaches. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Discusses current literature on comparative politics including theoretical and methodological issues. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours for different topics. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Covers domestic political and economic development in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, as well as interactions with the global economy. Includes defining, explaining, and prescribing policies for successful development, and comparing the experiences of developing and industrialized countries. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
