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2011-2012 Academic Catalog

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Principal Course Distribution Requirement

Principal courses offer introductions to the breadth of disciplines in the College. They acquaint students with the subject matter in an area, with the types of questions that are asked about that subject matter, with the knowledge that has been developed and is now basic to the area, and with the methods and standards by which claims to truth are judged.

Students must complete courses in topical groups in three major divisions (humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences). For the B.A., three courses are required from each division, with no more than one course from any topical group. The B.G.S. requires two courses from each division, with no more than one from any topical group. To fulfill the requirement, a course must be designated as a principal course according to the codes listed below.

These are the major divisions, their topical subgroups, and the codes that identify them:

Humanities

  • HT: Historical studies
  • HL: Literature and the arts
  • HR: Philosophy and religion

Natural Sciences and Mathematics

  • NB: Biological sciences
  • NE: Earth sciences
  • NM: Mathematical sciences
  • NP: Physical science

Social Sciences

  • SC: Culture and society
  • SI: Individual behavior
  • SF: Public affairs

No course may fulfill both a principal course distribution requirement and a non-Western culture or second-level mathematics course requirement. Laboratory science courses designated as principal courses may fulfill both the laboratory science requirement and one of the distribution requirements. No free-standing laboratory course may by itself fulfill either the laboratory science requirement or a principal course requirement. Students should begin taking principal courses early in their academic careers. An honors equivalent of a principal course may fulfill a principal course requirement.

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Non-Western Culture Requirement

A non-Western culture course acquaints students with the culture, society, and values of a non-Western people, for example, from Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, or Africa. Students must complete one approved non-Western culture course.

One approved non-Western culture course is required. Occasionally courses with varying topics fulfill the non-Western culture course requirement. See the Schedule of Classes for details. These courses are coded NW.

View all approved non-Western culture courses »

Transfer and Earned Credit Course Codes

These codes are used to evaluate transfer credit and to determine which academic requirements a course meets.

  • H: Humanities
  • N: Natural Sciences and Mathematics
  • S: Social Sciences
  • W: World Civilization and Culture
  • U: Undesignated Elective Credit (course does not satisfy distribution requirement)

For current semester course offerings, see the Schedule of Classes »

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POLS 651: Women and Politics in Latin America (3) S
This course examines the ways in which Latin American women have engaged in politics in the past two decades. Cases will draw from a variety of countries in Latin America. Students are expected to develop insights, through comparative analysis, into why women "do politics" in certain ways, the role of the State in women's politics, the (dis)advantages of various political strategies, and the ways in which political, economic, and social changes over time have affected women's political opportunities and interests. (Same as WGSS 651.) Prerequisite: Six hours of course work in Political Science and/or Women's Studies and/or Latin American Studies. LEC
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POLS 652: Politics in Europe (3) S
The study of the politics and government of Europe. Major countries are covered in depth, while smaller democracies are grouped according to political concepts. Prerequisite: POLS 150. LEC
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POLS 653: Gender, War, and Peace (3) S
This course explores ways in which militarization and warfare are gendered processes. We ask, what does war tell us about gender, and what does gender tell us about war? Though the majority of fighters are men, women are essential to war efforts. They also represent a high proportion of the casualties of war. Yet women are rarely examined in relation to war; thus we work to uncover women's experiences of war. We also look to women's contributions to the peace movement in terms of both theory and practice, asking: Is peace a feminist issue? Should feminists support women's access to combat positions or oppose the military? What if women ruled the world--would that end wars? Does militarized masculinity harm men more than benefit them? How do states mobilize citizens to war and how is the process gendered? (Same as WGSS 653.) Prerequisite: One of the following: POLS 150, POLS 151, POLS 170, POLS 171, WGSS 201, WGSS 202. LEC
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POLS 654: Politics and Government of Russia and the Central Eurasian States (3) SW
The collapse of the Soviet system and the problems of transforming a central planned authoritarian state into a free market democracy. The roles of ethnic and national tensions, economic decay, and cultural factors. Prerequisite: Eight hours in the social sciences and/or history, including POLS 150, or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 655: Politics of East-Central Europe (3) SW
This course analyzes Communist political theory in its application to the countries of East-Central Europe with consideration of their traditional backgrounds and their patterns of political, social, and economic developments. It constructs a theoretical model of the communist state and discusses its variations by description and comparison of the governments and political processes of Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, Rumania, and Yugoslavia. Prerequisite: POLS 150 and three hours in the social sciences or East European history, or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 656: Governments and Politics of East Asia (3) NW / S / W
A comparative examination of the contemporary political institutions, processes and ideas of China, Japan, and Korea. (Same as EALC 656.) Prerequisite: POLS 150 or a course in East Asian studies. LEC
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POLS 657: Government and Politics of Southeast Asia (3) NW / S / W
An evaluation of the traditional and contemporary political institutions, behavior and ideas of the countries of Southeast Asia. Prerequisite: POLS 150 or a course in Asian history or Southeast Asian history. LEC
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POLS 658: Theories of Politics in Latin America (3) SW
This course examines how political science can be used to explain the political dynamics of Latin America. The course will be devoted to understanding different theories about politics -- many of which have been devised by political scientists whose primary focus of study is not Latin America -- and examining their uses and limitations in understanding Latin America. Among the themes we will be examining are the relationships between economic growth, political culture, and democracy, the role of the military in politics, the political impact of new social movements (such as the women's movement and religious movements), theories of revolution, and understanding the prevalence of political corruption in the region. Along the way, we will analyze how political scientists attempt to develop hypotheses, gather data, and test theories. Prerequisite: POLS 150 or a social science course in Latin American topics. LEC
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POLS 659: Political Dynamics of Latin America (3) SW
Study of the institutions, processes, and special problems of selected Latin American countries. Prerequisite: POLS 150 or a course concerning Latin America in the social sciences or history. LEC
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POLS 660: The Politics and Problems of Developing Countries (3) NW / S / W
A focus on topics pertinent to all of the underdeveloped areas such as the role of the military, styles of political leadership, land tenure systems, the role of the middle sectors, the nature of bureaucracy, the activity of the students, and foreign policy attitudes. Prerequisite: One of the following: POLS 652, POLS 653, POLS 654, POLS 655, POLS 656, POLS 657, POLS 658, POLS 659. LEC
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POLS 661: Politics of the Middle East (3) NW / S / W
Survey of domestic and international political developments in the Middle East. Topics include: emergence of the modern nation-state, the role of Islam, leadership patterns, competing political ideologies, prospects for democratization, foreign policy relations, and regional conflicts. Prerequisite: Nine hours in political science, including POLS 150 and POLS 170 or their honors equivalents, or permission of instructor. LEC
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POLS 663: Protest and Revolution (3) S
An exploration of what happens when protesters challenge a state. The course focuses on the interactions and outcomes of dissident and state conflict. Topics include the relation between coercion and protest, strategy, violence, terrorism as adaption, civil war and regime transition. Prerequisite: POLS 150. LEC
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POLS 664: Middle East Politics, Honors (3) S
Honors Version of POLS 661. Survey of domestic and international political developments in the Arab countries, Iran, Turkey, and Israel. Topics include state-society relations (e.g., forms of political organization, electoral politics, opposition movements, human rights, political Islam, gender), regional and international foreign relations, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Prerequisite: Nine hours of Political Science, including POLS 150/151 and POLS 170/171, and membership in the University Honors Program; or by permission of instructor. LEC
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POLS 665: Politics in Africa (3) NW / S
A survey of politics in Africa, focused on the countries of sub-Saharan or Black Africa. The course includes a historical discussion of precolonial Africa, colonization and the creation of contemporary states, and the politics of independence, before examining contemporary political systems and the forces influencing patterns of politics on the continent. (Same as AAAS 600.) Prerequisite: POLS 150 or AAAS 105 or AAAS 305 or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 666: Political Economy of East Asia (3) S
This course provides basic understanding of fiscal, monetarist, and trade politics; how governments in East Asia use them to pursue growth; the extent to which these governments follow or controvert economics to pursue growth; and how the performances of economies in East Asia relate to the U.S. and global economies. (Same as EALC 666.) Prerequisite: POLS 150. LEC
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POLS 667: Islam and Politics (3) NW / S
This course gives students a basic understanding of Islam and Islamic movements, explores the economic, social, political, and cultural context in which these movements take place, and examines the impact of Islam on politics in select countries. Issues such as compatibility of political Islam and democratic politics, political economy in Muslim societies, fundamentalism in Islam, gender relations, identity politics and questions on clash of civilizations are explored. (Same as SOC 640.) Prerequisite: A principal course in sociology, POLS 150, or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 668: Reform in Contemporary China (3) NW / H / W
Examines the epochal changes that have occurred in China from Deng Xiaoping's rise to power in 1978 to the present. Includes a focus on the historical background of the revolutionary period before examining the political and economic changes that spawned the 1989 "prodemocracy" movement at Tiananmen. The course includes an analysis of the events of the 1990s focusing on U.S.-China political and economic relations and the destabilizing effects of inflation, infrastructural reform, political and economic decentralization, and leadership succession. A previous course on China is helpful, but not mandatory. (Same as EALC 585.) LEC
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POLS 669: Topics in Comparative Politics: _____ (2-3) S
A study of selected contemporary problems of policy or politics affecting several countries. Course is repeatable for different topics. Prerequisite: POLS 150. LEC
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POLS 670: United States Foreign Policy (3) S
An evaluation of the formulation of United States foreign policy in the post-World War II period. Economic, military, and diplomatic dimensions of policy; internal and external influences on policy; theories of foreign policy decision-making. Prerequisite: Nine hours of political science, including POLS 170. LEC
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POLS 671: International Cooperation (3) S
An examination of the gains possible from international cooperation and the barriers to achieving cooperation. Theoretical perspectives on international cooperation will be explored along with cases such as trade, the environment, arms control, and the European community. Prerequisite: POLS 170 or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 672: International Political Economy (3) S
Structural theories of the international political economy provide the framework for a consideration of the nature of hegemony, the management problem of multinational corporations, the role of international regimes and organizations, development, and dependency. Prerequisite: Nine hours of political science, including POLS 170. LEC
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POLS 673: International Organization (3) S
International organizations are examined with special emphasis devoted to the United Nations. A central theme of the course rests upon the question of whether strengthened international organization offers the only alternative to further world wars. Prerequisite: POLS 170 and three additional hours of political science. LEC
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POLS 674: International Ethics (3) H
This course reviews how philosophical perspectives elucidate the role ethics plays in foreign policy. It covers human rights doctrines, issues of economic and political justice, just war theory (jus ad bellum) and just conduct of war (jus en bello) and humanitarian intervention. Prerequisite: POLS 170 or POLS 171. LEC
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POLS 675: Russian Foreign Policy (3) SW
Examination of the history of Soviet and Russian foreign policy and current issues of foreign policy in the Post-Soviet era. Analysis of foreign policy making in Russia and the other Post-Soviet states. Emphasis on the changed nature of international security problems after the cold war and on the role of foreign policy in economic development. Prerequisite: Eight hours in the social sciences or history, including either POLS 170 or a course in Russian history. LEC
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POLS 676: International Relations of Asia (3) SW
An intensive study of the problems of ideological conflict, diplomatic relations, strategic arrangements, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange in East and Southeast Asia with special emphasis upon the roles of major world powers. (Same as EALC 676.) Prerequisite: POLS 170 or a course in East Asian studies. LEC
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POLS 677: U.S. National Security Policy (3) S
An investigation into (1) how security policy is made; (2) the evolution of changing assumptions, strategies and goals since 1945; and (3) the present policy and its alternatives. Prerequisite: Six hours of political science, including POLS 170. LEC
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POLS 678: Chinese Foreign Policy (3) SW
In-depth examination of China's changing policies toward other countries with special emphasis on policy-making process, negotiating behavior, military strategy, economic relations, and cultural diplomacy. (Same as EALC 678.) Prerequisite: POLS 170 or a course in East Asian studies. LEC
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POLS 679: International Conflict (3) S
Examination of the historical and theoretical issues surrounding the sources and control of international conflict. Topics will include political and anthropological theories of conflict, the role of force in the international system, international law and just war approaches, nuclear conflict, arms control, and nonviolent alternatives to conflict. Prerequisite: Nine hours of political science, including POLS 170; POLS 306 is recommended. LEC
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POLS 680: International Relations in Political Philosophy (3) S
A consideration of classical and modern theories of the international system, such as the writing of Thucydides, Machiavelli, twentieth-century realists, and others. Topics include, theories of the state, the role of ethics and normative judgments in the world order, the nature and use of power, the relationship between domestic and international politics. Prerequisite: POLS 301, or (for non-majors) completion of the Western Civilization requirement, or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 681: Comparative Foreign Policy (3) S
An examination of theories that seek to explain the foreign policy behavior and decision making processes of states in international relations and a survey of past and present foreign policies of several states in Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. Prerequisite: Nine hours of political science, including POLS 150 and POLS 170. LEC
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POLS 683: International Mediation, Honors (3) S
This seminar examines the theories about, research on, and the practice of international mediation and other forms of non-militarized third party intervention used to address interstate, intrastate, and nonstate disputes. Specific topics include how mediation differs from other forms of non-militarized peace-building and conflict resolution; the conditions for mediation success (and how 'success' is defined; third party involvement after protracted civil conflict; the role of third parties in the implementation of peace agreements; the relationship between mediation, peace-building, and international law; and proactive conflict management. Prerequisite: Nine hours of political science, including POLS 170/171 and membership in the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor. LEC
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POLS 684: International Law: The State and the Individual (3) S
International law has assumed an increasingly significant role in international life. This course will examine major law including (but not limited to): the changing status and role of the state; rights of minorities and self-determination; the environment; and human rights. The course will examine the central questions and the relevant international legal principles associated with each issue. Prerequisite: Six hours of Political Science, including POLS 170. LEC
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POLS 685: International Law: Laws of Armed Conflicts (3) S
This course examines the principles, roles, and functions of international law in the conduct of war. As the course reviews the development and application of the basic rules of armed conflict, several current issues and conflicts are addressed including: the legitimate use of force; the proper definitions of combatants and civilians; actions that constitute war crimes, the legality of new weapons technology, and, if the laws of armed conflict apply to the current "war on terrorism." Prerequisite: Six hours of Political Science, including POLS 170. LEC
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POLS 689: Topics in International Relations: (2-3)
A study of selected problems in international relations. Course is repeatable for different topics. Prerequisite: POLS 170. LEC
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POLS 701: Political Theory (3) S
This course is intended to introduce graduate and advanced undergraduate students to the kinds of activities engaged in by political theorists. Thus the course focuses on several approaches to doing political theory, such as interpreting the work of great political philosophers, clarifying political concepts, organizing and integrating political ideas, evaluating political practices, and creating new political perspectives. The course focuses on historical and contemporary treatments of both epistemological issues (the possibility and grounds for political knowledge) and selected substantive issues (e.g., the legitimacy of the state, the merits and limitations of democracy, the requirements of justice, and the nature and importance of ideologies). LEC
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POLS 703: Social Choice and Game Theory (3)
A survey of the political economic approach to individual and collective choice behavior called "rational choice." The course focuses on models of voting systems and other political institutions as seen from a game theoretic perspective. Prerequisite: Nine hours of political science or admission into the M.A. or Ph.D. LEC
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POLS 705: Research Design for Political Science (3)
Introduction to the discipline of political science, the philosophy of science, research design, and data acquisition. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 706: Research Methods I (3)
An introduction to quantitative research methods in political science, including probability theory and statistical analysis, as well as background material required for these methods. Computer applications for research and statistical analysis accompany these topics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, POLS 705, or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 707: Research Methods II (3)
This course covers basic techniques for multivariate analysis, focusing on multiple regression. Topics include interpretation of regression statistics, diagnostics for common problems, dummy variables, instrumental variables, basic time series methods including adjustment for autocorrelated error, logistic models, and nonlinear modeling; additional techniques may be covered at the discretion of the instructor. Prerequisite: POLS 706. LEC
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POLS 708: Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (3)
An examination of qualitative research approaches frequently employed within political science. Topics may include the use of case studies, archival and documentary research, content analysis, interviewing and focus group techniques, ethnographic fieldwork, narrative and discourse analysis, and others. The course will examine the strengths and limitations of these methods in relation to major research traditions such as culturalist approaches, historical institutionalism, rational choice, and constructivism. Prerequisite: POLS 705 and either graduate standing or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 709: Topics in Political Theory: ______ (3)
At the discretion of the instructor, this course will select one or more important areas of political theory for in-depth analysis. Prerequisite: Six hours in Political Theory. LEC
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POLS 710: American Public Philosophies (3)
Surveys scholarly attempts to describe and analyze critically the changing public philosophies that have dominated American society and politics. Liberalism, republicanism, ascriptivism, and pluralism are examples of such public philosophies. Also considered are some philosophies that are important but have not dominated American politics. Transcendentalism, populism, communitarianism, racial nationalism, and religious fundamentalism are examples of such philosophies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of the instructor. SEM
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POLS 711: The Psychological Base of Political Behavior (3)
Examination of the relations between psychological mechanisms and social milieu factors and individual political behavior. Particular attention is devoted to understanding the development of politically relevant psychological traits and dispositions, and to the methodology employed in studying the socio-psychological factors which underlie individual political behavior. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of political science and consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 712: The Electoral Process (3)
A study of the characteristics of voting behavior and the influences upon such behavior in the United States. Emphasis is placed upon relevant research findings concerning partisanship and participation in politics, and on the methodology employed in the study of political behavior. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of political science and consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 713: Law and Society (3)
A study of the province and function of law in the context of relevant social, economic, and political factors. The impact of these factors on the law will be illustrated through readings and discussions of selected case histories. Emphasis will be placed upon law as a social phenomenon rather than upon its technical aspects. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of political science and permission of instructor for undergraduates. LEC
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POLS 716: Political Behavior (3)
A seminar for students interested in understanding the public opinion, voting, and other forms of political participation. This course will include a discussion of the formation, measurement of political attitudes as well as an examination of protest and other forms of extra-legal participation. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 719: Topics in the American Political Institutions: _____ (3)
A seminar to be offered as occasion demands, dealing with, but not limited to special topics in the presidency, congress, and judicial processes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 720: The Scope of Public Policy (3)
Introductory graduate course in the examination of public policy making. Considers institutions, basic theoretical frameworks, and standard methods, and places policy-making within a broad political context. Emphasizes American examples, but relevant comparative material is employed. Prerequisite: Twelve hours of political science. LEC
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POLS 722: Intergovernmental Relations (3)
A survey of characteristic legal, political, and administrative relationships among different units of American government, with particular emphasis upon the role of state agencies. Prerequisite: Nine hours of political science. LEC
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POLS 726: Public Policy in Comparative Perspective (3)
This seminar examines the application of policy theory in regional and comparative contexts. Much of the research examined focuses on comparative public policy, but select weeks focus on specific regions of the world. A key goal is to help students understand which theories of policy may be best suited for universal application. LEC
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POLS 754: Politics and Government of Russia and the Central Eurasian States (3)
The collapse of the Soviet system and the problems of transforming a central planned authoritarian state into a free market democracy. The roles of ethnic and national tensions, economic decay, and cultural factors. Prerequisite: Eight hours in the social sciences and/or history, including POLS 150, or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 758: Revolutionary Politics of Latin America (3)
Primarily a comparative analysis of the Mexican, Bolivian, and Cuban revolutions within a framework of theories of revolutions. Some attention also to revolutionary political groupings and conditions in other Latin American countries. Prerequisite: POLS 150 or a course concerning Latin America in the social sciences or history. LEC
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POLS 774: International Law (3)
Study of topics in international law, relating these closely to the dynamics of international relations. Special emphasis will be given to regulating force, resolving disputes, the law of the sea, human rights, and emerging problem areas such as the environment, outer space, the oceanic seabed, and genocide. Prerequisite: Six hours of courses in international relations including POLS 170 and/or relevant courses in the social sciences and modern history. LEC
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POLS 789: Topics in International Relations: _____ (2-3)
A study of selected problems in international relations. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. RSH
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POLS 810: American Politics (3)
A survey and critical examination of recent theoretical developments and research focusing on national institutions, electoral behavior, and policy-making processes. Emphasis is given to conceptualizing and analyzing the changing nature of the American political system. LEC
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POLS 812: Political Psychology (3)
A critical examination of the principal areas in current literature in political psychology, including psychological perspectives on mass political behavior, elite decision making, and international relations. Attention will be given to articulating and evaluating theories, constructing research questions and programs, and comparing methodologies. LEC
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POLS 820: Policy Formulation and Adoption (3)
Survey of the literature on the institutional, socioeconomic, and political forces influencing the formulation and adoption of public policy, as well as policy change, at all levels of government. Topics include problem definition, agenda setting, and the methods of decision-making. This is a research seminar so students will be required to conduct an original research project. LEC
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POLS 821: Policy Implementation and Analysis (3)
An overview of the policy implementation process and the analysis of public policy. The course covers a variety of theories and methods related to the study of the implementation process, policy evaluation, policy analysis, and policy change and learning. Substantive policy areas covered include environmental regulation, education, criminal justice, public safety, and health care. LEC
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POLS 824: Public Policy and Administration (3)
An exploration of the ways in which public policy is made in the United States, focusing on the role of the administrator at each stage of the policy process: formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Various theories of policy-making and their applications to specific areas of public policy will be examined. LEC
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POLS 825: Public Policy and Urban Administration (3)
An examination of policy development, implementation, and evaluation in the local government context. Various theories of the policy process and their application to municipal government are examined. (Same as PUAD 825.) LEC
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POLS 830: Advanced Research Methods for Public Policy (3)
Research seminar organized around advanced quantitative and qualitative method skills for research on American and comparative politics and public policy. The course will combine advanced statistical estimation procedures (e.g., hazard analysis, event history analysis, hierarchical "contextual effects" models) with methods for the collection and integration of data. This course is intended to facilitate research efforts of students in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, and public policy. The course is open to Ph.D. students from other departments who have completed a course in intermediate regression analysis. Prerequisite: POLS 707 or similar graduate level course. LEC
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POLS 849: Law, Courts, and Public Policy (3)
This course provides an overview of the role of law, litigation, and courts in the public policy process, with an emphasis on bureaucratic institutions. The course covers the main theories and empirical research on the policy effects of litigation and intervention, with a particular focus on civil rights in the areas of employment, policing, welfare, prisons, and environmental policy. (Same as PUAD 849.) Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. LEC
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POLS 850: Introduction to Comparative Politics (3)
This course provides a graduate level introduction to the field of Comparative Politics. Among topics it will survey are: the history and development of the field; classic works and major founding concerns of the field; methodological and epistemological debates; competing paradigms which had characterized Comparative Politics (structural-functionalism, culturalists, state-centrists, institutionalists, rational choice, and other); theory building and the role of area studies. LEC
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POLS 851: Comparative Institutions and Government (3)
This course provides a survey of the subfield of political institutions within Comparative Politics. Among the topics it will cover are: identifying regime types (democracy vs. non-democracy); comparative electoral systems; party systems; presidential vs. parliamentary systems; comparative legislatures; constitutional engineering and democratic transitions, and others. Prerequisite: POLS 850. LEC
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POLS 852: Comparative Political Economy (3)
This course provides a survey of some of the major works, research traditions, and current debates in the subfield of comparative political economy. This includes such topics as: The political economy of development and underdevelopment; dependency and world systems theory; the relationship between economic development and democracy; capitalist development and democracy; the political economy of dual transitions; the political economy of privatization and structural adjustment; comparative welfare states; and comparative labor-business-government relations. Prerequisite: POLS 850. LEC
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POLS 853: Comparative Social Politics (3)
This course provides a survey of some major research traditions and current debates in the subfield of political sociology. This includes such topic as: culture and politics; elites, social structures, and politics; the politics of cultural pluralism and ethnonationalism; social movements and protest; gender and politics; state-society relation; and religion and politics. Prerequisite: POLS 850. LEC
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POLS 870: International Relations (3)
Critical evaluation of the major approaches to international relations and their application to conflict and conflict resolution, foreign policy, and international political economy. LEC
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POLS 878: Conducting and Analyzing Fieldwork in Developing Countries (3)
An introduction to fieldwork and surveys conducted in developing and non-democratic countries. The course covers the challenges of conducting interviews and surveys in these countries. The intent is to develop the research skills necessary for data collection and fieldwork as well as evaluating an analyzing survey data collected by other researchers in developing countries. Prerequisite: POLS 705 or equivalent or consent of the instructor. SEM
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POLS 888: Contemporary China Studies (3)
This course will review and analyze the current literature on China's social and political development, including a wide range of topics within political science. There is a rich body of literature within each topic such as civil society in China, legal reform, political culture, nationalism, gender issues, ethnicity, political behavior, elections, economic development, and inequality. This course will introduce key literature within each topic focusing on the debates among China scholars as well as how these debates fit in the general field of political science. (Same as EALC 888 and POLS 888.) Prerequisite: POLS 668 or permission of the instructor. LEC
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POLS 898: Non-Thesis Research (1)
Research course used to fulfill continuous enrollment requirement for master's degree students. Hours cannot count toward degree. Must be graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. RSH
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POLS 899: Thesis (1-6)
Enrollment for writing thesis for master's degrees. THE
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POLS 905: Complex Adaptive Systems, Agent-Based Modeling and Computer Simulation (3)
This seminar addresses the rapidly growing science of complex systems. Topics addressed include political, economic, ecological, and biological systems. Includes a survey of the theory of complexity and computer models that are used to study complex adaptive systems. The main focus is on agent-based models, but attention is also given to traditional cellular automata. Methods of designing, programming, and interpreting results of agent-based models are addressed. Students who have no formal training in computer programming are welcome in the course, but they should expect to do some extra work on fundamentals of programming. A preparatory course in Java, C++, Objective-C, or another object-oriented language would significantly facilitate the student's research effort. SEM
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POLS 906: Advanced Regression (3)
Covers topics appropriate for a second course in regression analysis. The content will vary according to the interest of the instructor and students, but will generally include such topics as multiple imputation of missing data, the generalized linear model (GLM), and specialized models for longitudinal data. The course will include a review of the principles of maximum likelihood estimation and applications of matrix algebra and differential calculus in statistical applications. LEC
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POLS 907: Research Methods in International Studies (3)
This course focuses on quantitative methods of research relevant to international relations and comparative politics. Topics will vary with the instructor and student interests, but may include time series analysis, classification algorithms, computer programming and computational modeling, simulation, event data and content analysis, and dynamic models. Prerequisite: POLS 707. LEC
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POLS 908: Individual and Collective Choice (3)
This course surveys rational choice theories of politics as they are applied to decisions by individuals and groups. Models of individual behavior are drawn primarily from economics and decision theory. The primary approaches to collective choice are social choice theory and game theory. Prerequisite: POLS 707. LEC
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POLS 909: Topics in Methodology (3)
An intensive seminar in a method (or a variety of relevant methods) of theoretical or empirical research designed for Ph.D. students only. Emphasis is on deepening the understanding and ability to use advanced methods of analysis. Prerequisite: Admission to the Ph.D. program. RSH
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POLS 910: Research Seminar in American Government (2-3)
A faculty and advanced graduate student collegial research experience focusing on American politics, policy-making and administration, with faculty and students engaged in the production of scholarly research articles, books and conference papers. Topics will be chosen by individual students with consent of the seminar professor. LEC
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POLS 911: The U.S. Congress (3)
This seminar employs various theoretical and methodological perspectives to explore the burgeoning post-1960 literature on Congress. Traditional subjects such as committees, parties, and elections are examined through applications of formal models, behavioral analyses, and participant observation. LEC
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POLS 912: Elections and Voting Behavior (3)
A research seminar for students interested in theoretical and empirical approaches to the behavior of candidates, voters and contributors in campaigns and elections. The impact of campaign laws and other institutional influences will also be examined. LEC
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POLS 913: State and Local Politics (3)
Research seminar on various aspects of state and local government, such as reformed institutions, fiscal stress, citizen participation, and various policy problems. LEC
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POLS 914: Political Behavior (3)
Survey of various approaches to the analysis of political behavior, including an evaluation of each approach in terms of its utility in building empirically-based political theory. Examples of the application of the various approaches will focus upon the American political process. LEC
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POLS 915: American Political Parties (3)
A survey of the theories and research findings dealing with political parties in American politics, including third and minor parties. Topics to be covered include the development and evolution of the party system, the nature of party organization and the recruitment of party activists, the role of parties in the electoral process, the impact of parties upon public policy, and party reform. LEC
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POLS 916: Group Politics (3)
The focus of this course is upon the theories and research findings dealing with political groups in American politics, including protest groups, movements, as well as conventional interest groups. Topics to be covered include group mobilization and maintenance, group involvement in the political party and electoral processes, methods and strengths of group influence, and the impact of political groups on the policy process. LEC
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POLS 917: The Presidency (3)
An advanced research seminar for students interested in theoretical and empirical approaches to the American presidency. This seminar will examine the powers and organizations of the White House through a study of the literature. LEC
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POLS 919: Topics in U.S. Government and Politics: _____ (2-3)
A seminar to be offered as occasion demands, dealing with, but not limited to, bureaucracy, legislative policy, federalism, and special problems in U.S. politics. LEC
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POLS 920: Policy Analysis Research Seminar (3)
Research seminar designed to apply public policy theory and policy analysis methods to evaluate the impact of public policies. Students will be required to design and conduct an original research project with the intention of presenting the work at a professional conference or publishing the work in a professional journal. LEC
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POLS 921: Public Law (3)
This seminar is designed to initiate the advanced graduate student to research in judicial and jury behavior. Requirements include mastery of literature on the psychological foundations of legal judgment and research designed to test propositions derived from this literature. LEC
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POLS 929: Topics in Public Policy: _____ (1-3)
Study of selected topics in public policy. LEC
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POLS 940: Teaching Political Science (1)
A discussion of teaching methods and approaches. Students are expected to develop a personal teaching portfolio that describes their outlook on teaching political science and provides sample teaching materials. This course must be taken by all graduate teaching assistants and assistant instructors during the first year of their appointment. Grades are issued on a pass/fail basis. LEC
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POLS 950: Research Seminar in International Studies (2-3)
A faculty and advanced graduate student collegial research experience, focusing on comparative politics, area studies, and international relations, with faculty and students engaged in the production of scholarly research articles, books, and conference papers. Topics will be chosen by individual students with consent of the seminar professor. RSH
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POLS 951: Mobilization (3)
A study of how politicians, interest group leaders, and dissident leaders exhort citizens to act in or preclude them from acting in politics. LEC
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POLS 952: Comparative Electoral and Party Systems (3)
This research seminar addresses the major theoretical and empirical issues in the study of electoral and party systems. In addition to evaluating the classic works of Arrow, Duverger, Lipset and Rokkan, Rae, and Taagepera and Shugart, students will assess contemporary work on electoral and party systems that has evolved from this source material. The course will address the design and reform of electoral systems, institutional rules and the strategic environment they create for political actors, the role of institutional and social factors in the development of political party systems, and the role of election administration. Students will develop and present original research papers related to these topics. Prerequisite: POLS 850. LEC
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POLS 953: Comparative Legislatures (3)
This research seminar addresses the major theoretical and empirical issues in the study of legislatures. Students will discuss the design of institutions, government formation, accountability, legislative process and role of committees, agenda setting, elections and parties, and representation. The course will familiarize students with the core debates in legislative studies, extend knowledge of regional variation in the design and function of representative institutions, develop skills in the analysis of legislative records, and enhance professional socialization. Prerequisite: POLS 810, POLS 850, or consent of instructor. SEM
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POLS 954: Politics in Post-Soviet States (3)
In-depth study of the politics of Russia, Ukraine, and the other Post-Soviet states. Focus on the problems of transforming a centrally planned authoritarian system to a free market democracy. LEC
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POLS 955: Politics of Advanced Industrial Societies (3)
Theory and research on the patterns of behavior that characterize the politics of North America, Europe, and developed regions of Asia. Topics include corporatism and alternative forms of interest intermediation, economic theories of socialization and electoral choice, and the role of the state; its finances, adaptation, and the problem of power and legitimacy. Prerequisite: POLS 850 or permission of instructor. LEC
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POLS 956: The Governments and Politics of Asia (2-3)
A research seminar on selected subjects and issues in the governments and politics of selected Asian countries. The particular focus each year will depend upon the instructor. LEC
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POLS 959: Topics in Comparative Politics: _____ (1-3)
Study of selective topics in comparative government and politics. LEC
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POLS 960: Politics of Developing Countries (2-3)
0 LEC
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POLS 961: The Politics of Culturally Plural Societies (3)
This is an advanced graduate seminar on the comparative study of politics in countries characterized by sub-cultural cleavages, including ethnicity, language, religion and race. The course will first survey and critique competing theoretical explanations for different patterns of conflict or peaceful cohabitation among such groups in a variety of world regions. Students will then examine the utility of these theories in individual in-depth research papers which will be presented in class and critiqued by seminar participants. LEC
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POLS 970: Foreign Policy Analysis (3)
Designed to acquaint students with the principal theories, approaches and types of empirical analysis generally employed to explain and interpret the creation and implementation of foreign policy. Topics include rational actor models, collective and bureaucratic processes, societal influences, cognitive and psychological factors, and comparative foreign policy. Prerequisite: POLS 870. An undergraduate United States foreign policy class is recommended. LEC
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