Department of Political Science
Leadership
J.D. Bowen, Ph.D.
Department chair
Matthew Nanes, Ph.D.
Graduate studies coordinator
Robert Cropf, Ph.D.
Co-coordinator of the Public and Social Policy Ph.D. program
Steven Rogers, Ph.D.
Undergraduate studies coordinator
Nori Katagiri, Ph.D.
International studies coordinator
Overview
Saint Louis University's Department of Political Science is home to outstanding faculty members and engaged and thoughtful students who are eager to serve in solidarity with others to address sources of injustice in the community and the world.
The discipline of political science provides analytical tools to better understand the structures of power that produce inequality and oppression and the knowledge to build systems more likely to heighten liberty. Through graduate and undergraduate programs in political science and international studies, SLU's department trains students to meet the challenges of public service, take active roles as citizens, and address critical issues in the world today. Faculty research examines questions of citizenship, representation, law, race and gender, urban and international development, national security, democratization and other topics vital to communities and countries worldwide.
The political science department's undergraduate and graduate programs provide students with an effective combination of knowledge, theory, and practical research and analytical skills to prepare them to contribute to society. Inspired by the Catholic-Jesuit heritage, the department is committed to cultivating students' abilities to think deeply, carefully and well about relations of power so that they can become engaged citizens who can grapple with some of the most important social justice problems of the time, from racism at home to war, persistent underdevelopment, and oppression abroad.
Our faculty members are passionate about teaching and mentoring students, and students get hands-on experience working with faculty engaged in cutting-edge research that addresses pressing national and international issues. SLU's location in the heart of St. Louis opens up opportunities for students to understand first-hand the challenges of American cities through field research and internships. SLU's campus in Madrid and many other study-abroad opportunities open up the rest of the world. Coursework and co-curricular experiences broaden students' perspectives and prepare them for careers beyond SLU.
Undergraduate
- Foreign Service, Minor
- Global and Local Social Justice, Minor
- International Studies, B.A.
- International Studies, Minor
- Political Journalism, Minor
- Political Science, B.A.
- Political Science, B.A. to Law, J.D. Accelerated Program
- Political Science, Bachelor's to M.A. Accelerated Program
- Political Science, Minor
- Political Science, Minor to M.A. Accelerated Program
- Russian Area Studies, Minor
Graduate
J.D. Bowen, Ph.D.
Ellen Carnaghan, Ph.D.
Robert Cropf, Ph.D.
Christopher Duncan, Ph.D.
Ali Fisunoglu, Ph.D.
Ruth Groff, Ph.D.
Morgan Hazelton, J.D., Ph.D.
Nori Katagiri, Ph.D.
Wynne Moskop, Ph.D.
Matthew Nanes, Ph.D.
Steven Rogers, Ph.D.
Emmanuel Uwalaka, Ph.D.
Kenneth Warren, Ph.D.
Professors Emeriti
Eloise Buker, Ph.D.
James Gilsinan, Ph.D.
Jean-Robert Leguey-Feilleux, Ph.D.
Timothy Lomperis, Ph.D.
Steven Puro, Ph.D.
POLS 1000 - Introduction to Politics
3 Credits
This course aims at familiarizing students with politics as understood by studying the political process(es), sorting out the nature of governments, understanding the functioning of institutions, distinguishing the different types of political systems and being aware of the changes brought with recent and contemporary social dynamics and technological breakthroughs. It further engages key political themes and issues such as the state, sovereignty, nationalism, ideology, constitutions and constitutionalism, representation, political parties and interest groups.
Attributes: Educ Political Science, International Studies, International Studies-General, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 1100 - Introduction to American Government
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to politics and government in the U.S. The course will focus primarily on political institutions (the rules and constraints placed upon political actors operating in the three branches of government) and mass behavior (how citizens behave and interpret the political world).
Attributes: Educ Political Science, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 1150 - American Political Systems
3 Credits
This course will provide you with an overview of the literature and theoretical concepts associated with political science as it relates to American politics. The intent is to provide you with a sample of key findings in the literature, as well as help you develop critical skills for evaluating research.
Attributes: Educ Political Science, UG Pol Sci American, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 1300 - Introduction to Law
0 or 3 Credits
The purpose of the course is to provide students an introduction to the law and legal principles.The structure of the court system, civil litigation and methods of alternative dispute resolution will be examined. Elements of the following areas of substantive law: torts, contracts, property, trusts and estates, corporations, family law, and criminal law and procedure will be examined.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective
POLS 1500 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
3 Credits
This course introduces students to the logic, method, and theoretical approaches of comparative politics. It examines the institutions of government in various kinds of political systems around the world, particularly liberal democratic systems in advanced industrial countries, post-communist regimes, and new democracies in developing countries. It also investigates the process of political change, particularly modernization, democratization, globalization, state-building, and pressures on welfare state.
Attributes: International Studies, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc
POLS 1510 - Politics of the Developing World
3 Credits
This course explores the political process at work in non-Western countries. We ask questions about why certain countries experience revolution, economic development, religious fundamentalism, stable democracy, ethnic conflict, famine, or effective judicial systems, among many topics. At an intuitive (and biological) level we know that there is something that makes the human inhabitants of the planet remarkably similar to one another. But at second glance, we are also incredibly diverse. In this class we will ponder this basic question of similarity and difference, and ask the following question: how do these similarities and differences impact the ways societies are governed?.
Attributes: Global Citizenship (CAS), Global Local Justice-Global, International Studies-Economy, International Studies-General, MLIC Elective, UG Pol Sci Comparative, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Identities in Context
POLS 1540 - Blood and Money: Ethnic War
3 Credits
This course investigates conflicts within existing states, especially conflicts that appear to be based in the primary collective identity and cultural and personal features of individuals. It examines conflicts in Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, and South Africa, and in other areas of the world.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), Global Local Justice-Global, International Studies, International Studies-War, MLIC Elective, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Identities in Context, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 1600 - Introduction to International Politics
3 Credits
In this class we study the nature of international politics through the use of analytical frameworks, theories, and perspectives. Issues we discuss include international security, international political economy, globalization, international institutions, bargaining, negotiations, history of international politics, political violence, transnational problems, great powers, human rights, international law, cybersecurity, and climate change.
Attributes: Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies-General, MLIC Elective, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 1700 - Foundations of Political Theory
3 Credits
This course introduces students to political theory through competing answers to such questions as 'What is the difference between brute force and legitimate authority?' or 'What are rights and where do they come from?' Thinkers regularly studied include Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Freshman or Sophomore.
Attributes: Educ Political Science, UG Pol Sci Thought, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 1930 - Special Topics
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 1980 - Independent Study
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2000 - Methods in Political Science
4 Credits
This is an introductory course on political science research design. Students will assess how research questions are posed, learn how to apply the scientific method to the study of politics, explore issues of measurement, and investigate the virtues of quantitative and qualitative methods. Theoretical and ethical concerns will guide our inquiries into empirical methods. Students will learn to use statistical software and analyze data as they hone their skills regarding research design.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1000 or 1 Course from POLS 1001-4999)
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Political Science.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Methods, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Quantitative Reasoning
POLS 2010 - Ethics and Politics
3 Credits
This course challenges students to explore the relationship between moral values and political choices. Focusing on contemporary political issues, problems, and policies, we examine how different political philosophies, including Catholic social justice principles, provide different frameworks for judging the consequences of our political choices.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Social Justice, Diversity in the US (A&S)
POLS 2100 - The American Constitution
3 Credits
This course explores basic themes in the American Constitution—popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and federalism—and the historical struggles between various government actors over the allocation of political power in the American constitutional system from the Constitutional Convention in 1789 to the recent conflict over terrorism and state power.
Attributes: Educ Political Science, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 2140 - The American Presidency
3 Credits
An examination of the institution of the presidency, and the ways the President marshals his political resources to provide leadership to American society. As the leader of the free world, the President embraces values and should provide moral leadership. This course compels students to think critically about the moral values the President is employing to guide his decisions and shape his leadership.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 2150 - Race and Politics
3 Credits
This course explores the dynamics of race and ethnicity in American political life. How has race shaped American political life? What role do political institutions play in constructing and maintaining racial categories? Can we use these institutions to overcome racial boundaries? Fulfills the A&S Diversity in the U.S. requirement.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Cycles Exclusn, Diversity in the US (A&S)
POLS 2200 - State and Local Politics
3 Credits
This course examines American state and local political institutions, politics, and policy. We will evaluate policy relating to housing and land use, income and economic inequality, morality, education, and social welfare. Each section will focus on issues of race, gender, representation, and access to government for historically underrepresented groups.
Attributes: Educ Political Science, Global Local Justice-Domestic, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Foundation, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty- Introduction, Diversity in the US (A&S)
POLS 2220 - Urban Politics
3 Credits
This course offers an overview of the politics of American cities. It examines the economic, social, and political interaction of different individuals and institutions in an urban environment, provides basic knowledge of American cities. We further examine the interaction and conflict between cities and suburban areas.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Domestic, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Foundation, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Applied, Diversity in the US (A&S)
POLS 2230 - Mass Incarceration
3 Credits
This class is an introductory survey course on the topic of mass incarceration in the United States. The course addresses many of the issues connected to the more than tripling of the incarceration rate in America since the mid-1970s, particularly keeping an eye to developments in Missouri and the city of St. Louis. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the major debates and relevant scholarship on the carceral state and especially attuned to the political nature of these issues. (Offered as needed in even years)
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2300 - Public Administration
3 Credits
Theoretical and practical field of public administration. Focus on: 1. the development of public administration as an academic field; 2. organizational theory and society; 3. administrative principles; 4. public administration and public affairs; 5; morality and ethics in public administration; 6, the rule of law, democracy, and public administration; 7. future challenges.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Foundation, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 2350 - Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll: Morality Politics in the United States
3 Credits
Morality politics is defined as “the legal sanction of right and wrong.” This course offers an overview of morality politics and an examination of the historical foundations of legislating morality in the United States. This course examines the prohibition of alcohol, the war on drugs, capital punishment, and same-sex marriage.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2510 - European Politics
3 Credits
This class focuses on how European politics and the European Union evolved since the 1950s, on its present-day organization and functions, how the member countries interact with one another in making EU policies for jointly regulating their internal economies and societies as well as their external policies, and what options lie ahead for Europe's political leaders and citizens. While we cover the politics of Europe, we will also review many major theories and concepts from comparative politics and international relations.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, International Studies-Europe, MLIC Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Identities in Context
POLS 2520 - Introduction to African Politics
3 Credits
Study of governments and political processes in Africa. Examines salient themes such as the nature of African traditional heritage; the colonial experience; nationalism and independence; the challenge of nation-building; African political parties; the role of the military and contributions of different theories to the understanding of African politics.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), Global Local Justice-Global, International Studies, International Studies-Africa, MLIC Elective, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2530 - Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics
3 Credits
This course uses the experience of the Soviet Union and Russia to understand change in political and economic systems, from collapse of existing governments to the revolutionary reconstruction of society to growing autocracy. Past developments are used to illuminate political and economic changes occurring since the collapse of communism.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies, International Studies-Europe, MLIC Elective, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 2535 - Democracy and Authoritarianism
3 Credits
This course analyses authoritarianism and democracy as the most significant political systems in the post-Cold War order. The course analyses theoretical conceptualization of these political systems. Is authoritarianism different from dictatorship and totalitarianism? What are the different types of democracy? Examples from different countries help to answer these questions. The course also analyses whether economic development brings political democracy. Modernization theory suggests that democracy is more likely to emerge in a country that modernizes economically. The course attempts to understand the relationship between economic development and democratization. Additionally, the course provides an overview of democracies and authoritarian regimes in the world today. It analyzes the V-Dem project. This project from the University of Gothenburg code numerous indicators of democracy (V-Dem). Finally, the course provides an overview of the state of democracy today, such as what do we mean by democratic backsliding?.
Attributes: Global Citizenship (CAS), UG Pol Sci Comparative, UG Pol Sci Thought, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2550 - Political Systems of the Sub-Sahara
3 Credits
Examines governmental institutions and political processes. Emphasis is on traditional political systems, colonialism and the African experience, rise of nationalism, single-party systems, military regimes, and competitive party systems. The simple formulation of these themes presupposes comparisons among some the many cultures of Africa.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2560 - The Politics of Asia
3 Credits
Course examines the three waves of :1. Asia's traditional order and both its collapse and persistence in the face of the Western imperial onslaught, 2.The development of Asian nationalism out of this colonial legacy and 3.The subsequent clash between Marxist revolution and liberal democracy in Asia's quest for modernization.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies-Asia, International Studies-Economy, MLIC Elective, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Global Interdependence
POLS 2570 - Introduction to Latin American Politics
3 Credits
This course is intended to be a multi-disciplinary introduction to Latin America. It examines the cultural factors that provide a unique context in which Latin American nations develop and analyzes both the challenges and the opportunities for economic and political development in the region. The course concludes with an examination of four country case studies.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), Global Local Justice-Global, IAS - Iberian Studies, International Studies, International Studies-Latin Am, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Immigration
POLS 2590 - Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
3 Credits
This course examines the modern politics of the Middle East and North Africa, emphasizing the years 1945 to today. Students who complete each of the written assignments for this course will gain a stronger understanding of the system of contemporary knowledge production about the region.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), Global Local Justice-Global, International Studies, International Studies-Mid East, International Studies-War, MLIC Elective, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Identities in Context
POLS 2600 - Introduction to International Political Economy
3 Credits
Explores the interaction of economic and politics in global affairs by examining Realist, Liberalists, and Marxist approaches. Special emphasis is placed on the political and economic dimensions of the postwar international monetary, financial, and trading systems. Topics include, globalization, foreign departments, multinationals, international development, and regional economic organizations.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies, International Studies-Economy, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci International Relat, UG Pol Sci Policy Foundation, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2620 - Global Politics
3 Credits
This course analyzes the international dimensions of politics. It is divided into three parts. The first part offers a broad introduction to international relations theory. The second part of the course provides a historical approach. The third part concentrates on issues in international politics.
Attributes: World History, International Studies, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2640 - International Terrorism
3 Credits
Terrorism as a major problem of world affairs; identifies different types of terrorism and analyzes their complex causes; examines policies and techniques used to combat terrorism.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, International Studies, International Studies-War, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 2691 - Theory and Practice of Human Rights
3 Credits
This course critically examines the historical and intellectual evolution of human rights, different approaches and interpretations and contemporary practice. Particular topics include human rights in historical and intellectual contexts of emergence, modern slavery, human trafficking, the rights of children, gender-based violence, torture and immigration and the rights of refugees.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1000 or POLS 1600)
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, International Studies, International Studies-War, Law, Religion and Politics, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc
POLS 2700 - Fundamental Issues in Political Philosophy
3 Credits
Course introduces students to the subfield of political theory by examining fundamental issues in the history of political thought— such as the pursuit of human dignity, equity, justice, and other social, natural, and transcendent goods—through close reading of philosophical texts. Readings include Plato, Aristotle, and historical or contemporary thinkers in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Prerequisite(s): CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Theory, UG Pol Sci Thought, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Philosophy
POLS 2710 - Theories of Justice
3 Credits
This class exposes students to various ways political theorists have attempted to answer the question: “What is justice?” The course covers a variety of theories of justice, including utilitarian, liberal, feminist, and socialist perspectives. The course also applies theories of justice to actual political issues.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Theory, Law, Religion and Politics, UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, Urban Poverty - Social Justice, Diversity in the US (A&S)
POLS 2720 - American Anomaly: American Political Institutions in Comparative Perspective
3 Credits
This course investigates claims that U.S. institutions are anomalous by comparing executive, legislative, judicial, and party functions in the U.S. with those functions in selected parliamentary systems. The goal is to understand how institutions and the ideas and values embedded in them shape U.S. policies and practices.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2800X - Men and Masculinities
3 Credits
The course introduces research on men and masculinity, and gender more generally, and explores from a feminist perspective the personal and political issues this research – and the current state of our world – raise for men and women. Topics include socialization, college life, media, personal relations, politics, sports, and war.
Attributes: UUC:Aesthetics, Hist & Culture, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 2820 - American Foreign Policy
3 Credits
This course provides students with the background knowledge and conceptual tools for understanding contemporary US foreign policy. We discuss some of the most important foreign issues we face today, including security, economic, and cybersecurity policies, cybersecurity, relations with the United Nations and major powers in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. While the course covers materials for postwar American foreign policy, greater focus is placed on the post-Cold War era.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Identities in Context
POLS 2930 - Special Topics
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 2931 - Special Topics
1-4 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
POLS 2980 - Independent Study
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3100 - Judicial Politics
3 Credits
Organization and procedures of American federal and state courts. Factors affecting judges' rulings and interpretation of law. Topics may include: politics of judicial selection, case studies of major decisions or social issues, and scope of judicial authority to implement social change.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 3110 - American Political Movements
3 Credits
Periodically American politics breaks from its routine of interest group lobbying and elections; the disempowered find the courage to experiment with new forms of participation; and fundamental questions about power and democracy are posed. What is the source of these periodic upheavals in American politics? What do the successes and failures of social movements tell us about the possibilities for democratic and social reform in the U.S.? This course focuses on the struggles concerning labor and racial equality from antebellum U.S. to present day. We debate the merits of tactics, goals and ideologies of major American political movements. (Offered occasionally)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 3130 - Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
3 Credits
This course surveys the various constitutional protections that may be employed by individuals against the state under the U.S. Constitution, the long struggle for racial equality in America, and the application of equal protection principles to other protected classes. Fulfills the A&S Diversity in the U.S. requirement.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Elective, Law, Religion and Politics, UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, Urban Poverty - Cycles Exclusn, Diversity in the US (A&S)
POLS 3140 - Public Opinion and Mass Communication
3 Credits
Major media and processes through which political ideas are communicated; nature, techniques, effects of propaganda and other forms of political communication; relationship of publics opinions to policy-making. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: MLIC Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3150 - American Presidential Elections
3 Credits
Presidential nominating process and campaign; backgrounds of presidential candidates, interplay among candidates, issues, parties, interest groups, media and political strategies; considers presidential election reforms. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3160 - Campaigns and Elections
3 Credits
Elections decide who governs in the United States, but how do political elites and voters make decisions in these elections? And what are the implications of these decisions for our democracy? To answer these questions, students in this course will engage with political science research on campaigns and elections. Main topics include voter behavior, candidate decision-making, political parties and campaigns, and electoral institutions. Students will develop skills to critically analyze scholarly works through class discussions and writing assignments. Students will be expected to have previous experience with social science research designs, including hypothesis testing using statistics (e.g., regression analysis), such as those acquired in a social science research methods course.
Prerequisite(s): CORE 1900
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Writing Intensive
POLS 3250 - American Politics and Film
3 Credits
Politics and Film considers the American movie industry's changing perspectives on U.S. political institutions and processes. Award winning cinema classics are analyzed both as art and as political communication within the context of their historical settings. Students research a particular work in terms of context, art, and political communication. Cross-listed with FSTD 3180.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3300 - U.S. Public Policy
3 Credits
This course will serve as an introduction to the U.S. public policy process including the questions of how values, institutions and political actors shape policy outcomes Enrollment requires Intro to American Government (POLS-1100) or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1100 or POLS 1150)
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Foundation, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3330 - Metropolitan Environment
3 Credits
An interdisciplinary course presenting the political, social, economic, education, and religious dimensions of metropolitan areas. Socio-demographic trends and methods for analyzing neighborhoods will be discussed. The political and governmental system with an emphasis on its state and local manifestations will be presented. These topics will be explored against the background of cultural diversity which exists in society.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Applied, Diversity in the US (A&S)
POLS 3340 - Foundations of Law
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to American law, focusing on the manner in which law has been used to organize American society. Several themes will be traced through the semester, including law’s role in encouraging innovation and regulating social relations, in part through the elaboration of legal disciplines like property, tort, contract, criminal law, tax, business associations, administrative law, environmental law, securities regulation, commercial law, immigration, and civil rights. Emphasis will also be placed on the origins and evolution of constitutional law, from the founding to the present. (Offered every Fall)
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3350 - Church and State
3 Credits
This interdisciplinary course considers the political implications of belief in the Church as a universal spiritual society with a visible institutional dimension. Beginning with the ancient world, in which the fusion of religious and political authority was the norm, the course surveys major periods in the history of church-state relations as one pole and then the other grew more dominant. The course concludes with an exploration of contemporary debates about the liberal democratic state, its foundations, and its proper relation to the Church in a society marked by religious pluralism. (Offered occasionally)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3500 - East Asian Political Economy
3 Credits
This course explores the politics and processes of economic development in the four Asian 'Tigers' -- Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. It examines competing explanations for their successful performance and emphasizes the role of government, the sociopolitical causes and consequences of development, and linkages with the international economy.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), Global Local Justice-Global, International Studies, International Studies-Asia, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3520 - Communism, Capitalism and Social Justice
3 Credits
This course examines the Marxist critique of capitalism, focusing on theoretical and practical solutions to the problems of politics in Marxist thinking. Students will investigate why real-world Communist systems largely failed to achieve the goals to which they were dedicated and will examine alternative models of social and economic organization.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), Global Local Justice-Global, Global Local Justice-Theory, UG Pol Sci Comparative, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Identities in Context, Urban Poverty - Social Justice, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 3530 - Comparative Revolutions
3 Credits
This course is a theoretical and historical examination of revolutions: their origins, development, and results, using examples of revolutions from around the world and integrating a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies-War, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Russian Area Studies, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, UUC:Global Interdependence, UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 3567 - Political Development in Contemporary Spain
3 Credits
A century of political reshuffling. Study of historical factors in the political development of Spain and their consequences in contemporary politics. Focus on the Second Republic, the Spanish Civil War, Franco, the Church and religion, the establishment of the new middle classes, the reign of King Juan Carlos I, the Spanish Armed Forces, and the emergence of democratic Spain.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1000 or POLS 1600)
Attributes: Cultural Diversity in the EU, Foreign Service Political Sci, IAS-Latin American Studies, International Studies, International Studies-Europe, UG Pol Sci Comparative, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc
POLS 3600 - Problems of Globalization
3 Credits
This course explores the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of globalization. It examines the following key question: What causes globalization? What are its effects? How can countries cope with these effects? Other topics examined include, state autonomy, the democratic deficit, the IMF and WTO, equity, cultural imperialism and social justice.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), Global Local Justice-Global, International Studies, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Immigration
POLS 3620 - International Organization and the Management of World Problems
3 Credits
Nature of the international legal system, application of international law; sources, major legal issues and how the system copes with them; state territory; nationality; jurisdiction; international agreements; state responsibility; international claims.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Local Justice-Global, International Studies, International Studies-Economy, International Studies-War, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Global Interdependence
POLS 3630 - International Security and Conflict Resolution
3 Credits
Course familiarizes students with theories of international security and conflict resolution: history of political and strategic ideas; main causes of war; classification of actors in conflicts; balance of power; mediation and strategies for avoiding conflict; role of intergovernmental bodies and new technologies. Case studies include past conflicts and contemporary unrest.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1000 or POLS 1600)
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, International Studies, International Studies-General, International Studies-War, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3640 - International Law
3 Credits
The course examines the nature of the international legal system, how the law is made and applied, and the challenges presented by global society. It studies the main components of this body of law such as jurisdiction, the law of the sea, law of treaties, settlement of disputes and the laws of war.
Attributes: International Studies, International Studies-War, Law, Religion and Politics, UG Pol Sci International Relat, UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3650 - International Relations of Africa
3 Credits
Examines the major goals and objectives which African states project and endeavor to attain in the international political and economic system. Impact of the international system on African states.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3710 - Ancient and Medieval Classics in Political Thought
3 Credits
This course traces the development of Western political thought from its beginnings in the Greek city-state to end of the Middle Ages. Thinkers addressed may include: Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas. Alternate years.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Theory, UG Pol Sci Thought, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3720 - Renaissance and Modern Political Theories
3 Credits
This course is a survey of modern political thought. Issues addressed include the rise of humanism, individualism, and liberalism; changing interpretations of natural law; constitutionalism and checking of absolutism; the Enlightenment. Among writers considered are Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Marx, Nietzche, and Mill. Alternate years.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Theory, UG Pol Sci Thought, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc
POLS 3740 - Capitalism, Racism, Patriarchy: Theorizing Structural Power
3 Credits
This advanced course in political theory teaches students to analyze systemic relations of power. We first address the idea of structural rather than individual power; then examine the logics of capitalism, racism and patriarchy; then consider the whole that they jointly comprise.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Theory, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Social Justice
POLS 3750 - The Modern Democratic State
3 Credits
Philosophy and theory of democratic government in the context of institutions and processes of nineteenth and twentieth century Western democratic systems; fundamental tenets of popular participation in the decision-making process.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1000 or POLS 1600)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3760 - The Politics of Pope Francis
3 Credits
This course examines Pope Francis’ distinctive approach to politics and governance, considering both his own exercise of leadership in Argentina and Rome and how he has articulated his political philosophy in articles, addresses, papal documents, and the like. At the heart of his thought stands the goal of reform. How does he understand the reform process, both of society and of the Church, and the substantive ends to which it is ordered? (Offered occasionally)
Attributes: Catholic Studies-Elective, Catholic Studies-English, Catholic Studies-History, Catholic Studies-Philosophy, Catholic Studies-Theology, Catholic Studies Program, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc
POLS 3770 - Feminist Theory: Gender Justice
3 Credits
Feminist Theory: Gender Justice examines the various ways of understanding gender by looking at a variety of theories and philosophical perspectives within feminist thought, especially as it is formed by political philosophy including liberal, radical, Marxist and postmodern feminism. Sub-field in political science is Political Thought.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Theory, UG Pol Sci Thought, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, UUC:Identities in Context, Diversity in the US (A&S), Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 3770X - Art and Politics: From Goya to the Cold War
3 Credits
This course is designed to think about art as social action and to address a related question: how do artistic practices and visual culture impact the political sphere? Students will be encouraged to critically engage with this question, and to examine various artistic responses to political events in order to consider the limitations of art, and/or its creative potential. The course begins with Romanticism, considered the first populist challenge to the status quo, and ends with the politically and artistically complex milieu of the Cultural Cold War.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*; Minimum Earned Credits of 60
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Art Produced After 1800, MLIC Elective, UUC:Collaborative Inquiry
POLS 3800X - The Structure of Poverty, Globally and Locally
3 Credits
This course examines the structural causes of poverty at the global and local levels from a multidisciplinary perspective. The course focuses on the social, political, and economic structures that produce and perpetuate poverty. The global dimension of the course focuses on developing countries, while the local dimension focuses especially in the St. Louis area.
Prerequisite(s): Minimum Earned Credits of 60; (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Elective, International Studies-Health, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Collaborative Inquiry, Urban Poverty - Applied, Urban Poverty - Social Justice, UUC:Reflection-in-Action, Diversity in the US (A&S), Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 3810 - Latin American-U.S. Relations
3 Credits
This course examines relations between the United States and the countries of Latin America. It focuses on both the history of US-Latin America relations as well as current issues. Topics range from economic relations and trade, security, drug trafficking, democracy and human rights, and the role of international organizations.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, MLIC Elective, UG Pol Sci Comparative, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci International Relat, Social Science Req (A&S), Urban Poverty - Immigration
POLS 3830 - The Cold War and its Legacy: Global Order After 1945
3 Credits
This course offers a broad survey of global historical events and major international conflicts since 1945 with a special focus on the Cold War. By covering the most essential political, economic and military events, particularly crises, and the key actors that shaped the contemporary world, we will be able to grasp the foundations for today's societies and political systems. This also includes brief examinations of the key ideologies and social phenomena of the second half of the 20th Century.
Attributes: World History, International Studies, International Studies-War, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3850X - Feminism in Action
3 Credits
This course addresses feminist activism on a wide range of issues (including domestic violence, rape, education, and health care), and in a variety of forms (including writing, theater, public protests and coalition building). It gives students the opportunity to study the scholarship of activism and to participate in feminist action.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Catholic Studies-Elective, Global Local Justice-Service, Service Learning, UUC:Dignity, Ethics & Just Soc, UUC:Reflection-in-Action, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 3880X - Violence Against Women
3 Credits
This course focuses on the causes, effects, and institutional responses to several types of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and sex trafficking. Includes examination of the psychological, legal, sociological, and political discourse surrounding these issues.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 3910 - Federal Government Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Interns serve in federal agencies or offices of elected officials, in Washington, DC or locally, and gain experience and insight into the functioning of the federal system. Students keep journals and write and essay relating their experiences to assigned readings or course work. Permission of instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action
POLS 3911 - State or Local Government Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Interns serve in state or local agencies or other government offices located in Jefferson City or in the St. Louis area. Students keep journals and write an essay relating their experiences to assigned readings or course work. At least one previous course in American Politics preferred.
Prerequisite(s): CORE 1500*; (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S)
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action
POLS 3912 - Public Service Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Students intern in a public service-oriented agency, non-profit or community organization in St. Louis or in another location. Students keep journals and write an essay relating their experiences to assigned readings or course work. Permission of the instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action
POLS 3913 - Atlas Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
In this internship, students collaborate to coordinate SLU’s Atlas Program. The goal of the program is to increase awareness of contemporary global injustices and educate students of the responsibilities of global citizenship. The internship is designed to empower students to become effective leaders of social change. Permission of Instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action
POLS 3914 - Foreign Service Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Interns serve in agencies or nongovernmental organizations concerned with the conduct of foreign relations abroad, in Washington or in St. Louis. Students keep journals and write an essay relating their experiences to assigned readings or course work. At least one previous course in International Relations preferred.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action
POLS 3915 - Legal Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Interns work in law firms, in the legal department of large corporations, or in public agencies involved in the judicial process. In selecting their internships, Political Science majors are guided by the faculty member directing this program. Ideal for students interested in a legal career.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action
POLS 3916 - Campaign Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Requirements: 1. A program of campaign activity approved by both the campaign organization and the Department of Political Science; 2. assigned preparatory reading on campaigning and a paper analyzing the participant's campaign experiences in the light of this reading. A journal and additional academic task selected by supervising Saint Louis University Political Science faculty (e.g. internship report or research project) are required. Permission of instructor required.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3917 - Research Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Students work with Political Science professor on professor’s research. Instructor’s permission required.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3918 - Overseas Fieldwork
1-6 Credits
Students work at overseas agency or organization. Students keep journals and write an essay relating their experiences to assigned readings or course work. Permission of instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action
POLS 3919 - Women Leaders Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Interns work with women in leadership positions in governmental or nongovernmental civic organizations, or collaborate on research projects related to women leaders in the public sector. Students keep journals and write and essay relating their experiences to assigned readings on gender justice and the role of women in public policy.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 3930 - Special Topics
3-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 3939 - Collaborative Inquiry
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Collaborative Inquiry Special Topics.
Prerequisite(s): CORE 1500*; (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); Minimum Earned Credits of 60
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: UUC:Collaborative Inquiry
POLS 3980 - Independent Study
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4120 - Civil Rights: A Moot Court Seminar
3 Credits
This course examines civil rights law in the U.S. since mid-20th century. Students serve as lawyers and justices and retry Supreme Court cases on school desegregation, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action, school busing, sex discrimination, and sexual orientation discrimination.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1100 or POLS 1150)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, UG Pol Sci Public Law Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4126 - Sexuality and the Law
3 Credits
This seminar explores how law and sexuality influence each other. We read decisions that give expression to ideas about human nature, social goods, normalcy and deviancy, socially constructive behavior, the relationships between private and public, and how gender, sexuality, disability, and race interact.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, UG Pol Sci Public Law Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4131 - Race, Class, and Punishment
3 Credits
There are currently over two million people behind bars in the United States, making up the largest prison system in the world. Racial minorities and the poor are disproportionately imprisoned, causing some to argue that the problem of mass incarceration is one of the greatest social injustices of our time. In this course we will analyze the role of race and class in explaining the rise of mass incarceration and debate different approaches to solving this social justice crisis. Students will explore larger questions about political institutions, policymaking, political culture, social movements and the history of American political development. (Offered.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1100 or POLS 1150); Minimum Earned Credits of 60
POLS 4140 - Political Parties
3 Credits
This course examines the role of political parties and interest groups in the US representative process, elections and governance.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1100 or POLS 1150)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4150 - Gender and Politics
3 Credits
This course examines the ways women shape and are shaped by American politics and public policy. We explore the history, approaches, findings, and controversy in research about women in American politics and political science from various theoretical and methodological approaches.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1100 or POLS 1150)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S), Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 4170 - Electoral Politics
3 Credits
Discussion of subjects central to American elections, including: campaign strategies and tactics; political parties; voter behavior; the influence of social and demographic groups; issue politics; election forecasting; differences between presidential, state, and local elections; and historical development of campaigns and elections.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; POLS 1150
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4171 - Law, Policy, Society
3 Credits
Law, Policy, Society examines the complexities and concerns in social science and legal understandings of the relationship between law and society. We will focus on law and legal processes and the relationship between law/courts and society.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1100 or POLS 1150)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, UG Pol Sci Public Law Seminar, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar
POLS 4300 - Law, Politics, and Regulatory Policy
3 Credits
This course studies regulatory behavior of governmental agencies through legal cases, focusing on how administrators uphold procedural due process while conducting regulatory business. Topics include: legal-administrative relations, rule-making, adjudication, administrative discretion, judicial review of agency actions, and administrative search and seizure.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1100, POLS 1150, POLS 1200, 1 Course from POLS 2100-2350, or 1 Course from POLS 3100-3410)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Public Law Elective, UG Pol Sci Public Law Seminar, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4325 - Public Sector Budgeting
3 Credits
This course focuses on budgeting at the federal, state and local levels of government as well as the economic and political aspects of budgeting. It also features an evaluation of Rock Hill, MO, budget and case-studies.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1100 or POLS 1150)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4340 - Issues in Public Policy
3 Credits
"Issues in Public Policy" focuses on how public policies are made, implemented, and evaluated in the context of the political system. Once the principles of public policy analysis are understood, students will select and analyze major public policy problem areas facing America.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4360 - Urban Economic Development
3 Credits
Urban areas are the chief engines of economic growth in many states. This is particularly true for regions that have experienced significant growth recently. This course provides an introduction to the theory, process, and practice of economic development policy with an emphasis on the economic revitalization of declining urban cores.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1150 or POLS 1100)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4500 - Russian Political Culture
3 Credits
This course examines the fundamental political beliefs and values of Russians, focusing on whether Russians today have the right attitudes to sustain democratic institutions. To understand what people think, we examine various kinds of sources: works of fiction, political philosophies, historical analyses, first-hand accounts, ethnographies, and quantitative public opinion studies.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (1 Course from POLS 1500-1599, 1 Course from POLS 2500-2599, 1 Course from POLS 3500-3599, POLS 2820, or POLS 3810); CORE 1900; Minimum Earned Credits of 60
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Local Justice-Global, UG Pol Sci Intl Affair Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Writing Intensive
POLS 4510 - Democratization
3 Credits
This course examines the process of developing new democratic systems, with particular focus on Eastern and Central Europe, theories of democratic transition, and interconnections between democratic and market systems.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; POLS 2820; CORE 1900
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Intl Affair Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Writing Intensive
POLS 4520 - Political Change
3 Credits
This course examines major theoretical approaches to understanding and explaining periods of political change, focusing mostly on Latin America. Attention is given to both long-term and immediate causal processes and their consequences. Topics include revolution, democratization, social mobilization, and protest.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; POLS 2820
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Local Justice-Global, UG Pol Sci Intl Affair Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4530 - Authoritarian Politics: Rigging Elections and Clinging to Power
3 Credits
Dictators face a variety of threats to their rule, from mass uprisings to disloyal bureaucrats. This course explores the ways in which dictators manage these threats. We learn that what often appears to be moves towards democracy, for instance holding elections or allowing mass protests, are often clever attempts by dictators to address threats and consolidate power. Students will engage with canonical and contemporary cutting-edge research on these topics.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; POLS 2820
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, UG Pol Sci Intl Affair Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4590 - Crisis of Leadership
3 Credits
The research seminar analyzes different perspectives on political leadership in light of recent global challenges. Students will explore institutional settings and domestic political conditions to understand the emergence of different type of leaders.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (0 Course from POLS 1500-1599, 0 Course from POLS 2500-2599, 0 Course from POLS 3500-3599, POLS 2820, or POLS 3810)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4610 - International Relations: Theory and Practice
3 Credits
Course addresses multiple IR theories. Part I critiques IR theories. Part II analyzes contemporary political, economic and cultural conflicts. Part III applies theories to conflict resolution. Students learn to evaluate conflicts, apply theory and predict solutions.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Senior.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, International Studies, International Studies-War, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4630 - The European Union: Politics and Political Economy
3 Credits
Reviews history of European integration and stages of EU's development. Addresses practical and theoretical aspects of governance, member-states, political economy issues, the implications of EU enlargement, and the US-EU relationship.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Senior.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity in the EU, Foreign Service Political Sci, International Studies, International Studies-Europe, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4650 - War, Peace, and Politics
3 Credits
Course topics include role of military and economic power in international politics, Clausewitz, Sun Tsu's Art of War, spread of nuclear weapons, terrorism, insurgency, rising powers like China, cyber security, conflicts between cultures and civilizations and U.S. grand strategy.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (1 Course from POLS 1600-1699, 1 Course from POLS 2600-2699, 1 Course from POLS 3600-3699, POLS 2820, or POLS 3810)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies, International Studies-War, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Intl Affair Seminar, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Social & Behavioral Sci
POLS 4662 - International Challenges
3 Credits
Course provides students with tools necessary for understanding key transformation in world order today, particularly a potential move from the Westphalian world to a different era. Students explore theories in International Relations and develop knowledge of contemporary case studies that illustrate state weakness, state fragility and state fragmentation.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, International Studies, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4670 - Politics of International Trade and Finance
3 Credits
The course conducts a broad survey of the field, focusing on the politics of substantive issues in international trade and finance. The first part of the course focuses on international trade, reviewing the rules, politics, institutions, and theories of trade and the major policy issues facing the global trading system. The second part focuses on the politics of international finance, explaining the actors and institutions that are involved in financial markets and financial relations, including foreign exchange, foreign direct investment, and foreign aid. It then examines the consequences of increasingly integrated markets and reviews the mechanisms behind systemic financial crises.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: International Studies-Economy, UG Pol Sci Intl Affair Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4692 - Theories of World Politics
3 Credits
An advanced field seminar of international relations. Students analyze some of the field's most important works. Topics include globalization, security studies, international organizations, and implications for US foreign policy.
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1600 or POLS 2600); (POLS 2000 or POLS 4010)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, International Studies-War, UG Pol Sci Intl Affair Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4710 - Citizenship and Social Difference
3 Credits
This course will attempt to integrate the insights from feminist theory, critical race theory, and disability studies into an analysis of what it means to be an American citizen.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1700, POLS 2700, POLS 3710, POLS 3720, or POLS 3770)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), Diversity in the US (A&S)
POLS 4730 - Seminar: Contemporary Political Ideologies
3 Credits
Development of modern political ideologies from mid-nineteenth century to present. Course focuses on ideas and social-political contexts associated with ideologies such as liberalism, Marxism, feminism, green politics, and liberation theology. Students consider the ramifications of viewing the world through particular ideological lenses.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1700, POLS 2700, POLS 3710, POLS 3720, or POLS 3770)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Foreign Service Political Sci, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4740 - Marx's CAPITAL
3 Credits
Marx's CAPITAL is a seminal work of social philosophy and political economy, providing the foundation for any number of fields of 20th century inquiry--including critical theory and cultural theory. The upper-level seminar consists of a very close reading of Volume 1.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1700, POLS 2700, POLS 3710, POLS 3720, or POLS 3770)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Global Local Justice-Theory, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4750 - American Political Thought
3 Credits
From 1765 to the present. Eighteenth century consensus, nationalism versus sectionalism, nineteenth century reform movements, pragmatism and progressivism, current liberalism and conservatism. Cross-listed with WGST 4750.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000; (POLS 1700, POLS 2700, POLS 3710, POLS 3720, or POLS 3770)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4840 - Global Health Politics and Policy
3 Credits
This course examines how power relations, ideology, ethics, values determine choices made about how to confront health issues. Using case studies, students become familiar with the political roles of individuals, institutions, political leaders, and societies relative to health policy.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2000
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Junior or Senior.
Attributes: BHS-Social Sciences, Global Local Justice-Global, International Studies, International Studies-Health, UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Intl Affair Seminar, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4850 - Politics of the Future
3 Credits
This is a Collaborative Inquiry course which bridges normative and empirical analysis of the world through the lens of politics, both in the US and globally. We will explore a variety of issues that will define the future (demographic change, technology, the environment, economic transformation, etc) in order to understand possible future trajectories for our society.
POLS 4860X - Global & Transnational Feminism
3 Credits
This course offers an advanced survey of the field of theory and political activism referred to as transnational feminism. Students are introduced to the history of feminist work in international political and economic forums, as well as to on-going feminist efforts in the context of current social movements around the globe.
Attributes: Global Citizenship (CAS), International Studies-Arts, UUC:Global Interdependence, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 4910 - Political Science Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Student work in political science relevant area, such as on research projects with professor, with research governmental agencies, legislators, or legal institutions. For advanced students. Permission of instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a minimum score of S); CORE 1500*
* Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), UUC:Reflection-in-Action
POLS 4930 - Special Topics
3-4 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4960 - Senior Research
3 Credits
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4980 - Advanced Independent Study
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Students examine a topic of their own choosing and write a substantial paper under the direction of a professor. Permission of the instructor is required.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4990 - Research Design
3 Credits
An independent research project under a project director and a faculty committee in any of the subfields of Political Science. A requirement for students in the Political Science Honors Thesis Program, which is designed for students with a strong record in political science courses who want to apply to graduate school or top law schools. Permission of the Honors Thesis Program director and project director required. Counts as one 4000-level seminar.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a classification of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Political Science.
Attributes: UG Pol Sci Policy Elective, UG Pol Sci Policy Seminar, Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 4991 - Political Science Honors Thesis
1-6 Credits
An undergraduate thesis written in any of the subfields of Political Science under the direction of a Political Science faculty member. For members of the Political Science honors Program only. A requirement for this program. Permission from the Department Chair and Thesis Director required.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
POLS 5010 - Cultural Methods: Gender, Politics, and Power
3 Credits
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 5020 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods
3 Credits
This course focuses on the application of qualitative and quantitative methods in political science. Topics examined in this course include survey design, experimental design, focus groups, field research, case study analysis, interview techniques, analysis of variance, linear regression, and in introduction to non-linear models.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Methods
POLS 5100 - Seminar in American Politics
3 Credits
This is a graduate seminar in American Politics. It is designed to provide an overview of the literature and theoretical concepts associated with political science as it relates to American government and politics. The topics we cover include campaigns and elections, mass behavior, public opinion, institutions of government, and policymaking.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Amer Poli Foundat, Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5130 - Race, Class, and Punishment
3 Credits
There are currently over two million people behind bars in the United States, making up the largest prison system in the world. Racial minorities and the poor are disproportionately imprisoned, causing some to argue that the problem of mass incarceration is one of the greatest social injustices of our time. In this course we will analyze the role of race and class in explaining the rise of mass incarceration and debate different approaches to solving this social justice crisis. Students will explore larger questions about political institutions, policymaking, political culture, social movements and the history of American political development.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5131 - Race, Class, and Punishment
3 Credits
In the United States, racial minorities and the poor are disproportionately imprisoned, causing some to argue that the problem of mass incarceration is one of the greatest social injustices of our time. In this course we will analyze the role of race and class in explaining the rise of mass incarceration and debate different approaches to solving this social justice crisis. Students will explore larger questions about political institutions, policymaking, political culture, social movements and the history of American political development.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5140 - Political Parties
3 Credits
Though the Constitution is largely silent about them, political parties and interest groups perform indispensable functions in modern democracies. Despite their importance, these institutions are often misunderstood by the public and there is a deep ambivalence toward these political organizations. In this course we will pursue a detailed understanding of parties and organized interests in America – how and why parties and organized interests form, what they do, and what we might want them to do.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5150 - Gender and American Politics
3 Credits
This course examines the ways in which women shape, and are shaped by, American politics and public policy. We explore the history, approaches, findings and controversy in research about women in American politics and political science from a range of theoretical and methodological approaches.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5170 - Electoral Politics
3 Credits
Discussion of subjects central to American elections, including: campaign strategies and tactics; political parties; voter behavior; the influence of social and demographic groups; issue politics; election forecasting; differences between presidential, state, and local elections; and historical development of campaigns and elections.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5171 - Law, Policy, Society
3 Credits
This class examines the complexities and concerns inherent in social science and legal understanding of the relationship between law and society. The class will focus on (1) the dynamics and development of law and legal processes and (2) the relationship between law/courts and society.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5300 - Law and Regulatory Policy
3 Credits
This course studies regulatory behavior of governmental agencies through legal cases, focusing on how administrators uphold procedural due process while conducting regulatory business. Topics include: legal-administrative relations, rule-making, adjudication, administrative discretion, judicial review of agency actions, and administrative search and seizure. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5310 - Issues in U.S. Public Administration
3 Credits
This course examines the implementation of government policy in the US, focusing on the historical evolution of government policies, programs, and behavior of officials and current issues. Issues include: privatization, quotas, affirmative action, whistle-blowing.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Policy Foundation
POLS 5320 - Environmental Politics and Policy-Making
3 Credits
This course investigates why governments make environmental laws; the competing values that influence environmental policy; and the institutions, processes and political actors that shape the creation and implementation of environmental laws in the U.S. We also consider the U.S. role in global efforts to address climate change.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5325 - Public Sector Budgeting
3 Credits
Public budgeting at all levels of government; economic and political aspects of budgeting. Features an in-class budget simulation.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5330 - Public Sector Economics
3 Credits
This course introduces the economics of the public sector. Topics include: public goods, externalities, revenues and expenditures, taxation, and the economics of certain public policies like Social Security, Medicare, and welfare programs.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5350 - Issues in Public Policy
3 Credits
"Issues in Public Policy" focuses first on how public policies are evaluated, examining the different approaches used by professionals to analyze the costs and benefits of various public policies. Once the principles of public policy analysis are understood, students will select and analyze major public policy problem areas facing America. Offered as Needed / Periodically.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Policy Foundation
POLS 5360 - Urban Economic Development
3 Credits
This course on community economic development policy will focus on three issues: (1) theories of economic development; (2) methodological choices for the scale for community economic development (e.g., neighborhood, street, and block); and (3) best practices and evidence based approaches to community economic development. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5500 - Russian Political Culture
3 Credits
This course examines the fundamental political beliefs and values of Russians, focusing on whether Russians today have the right attitudes to sustain democratic institutions. To understand what people think, we examine various kinds of sources: works of fiction, political philosophies, historical analyses, first-hand accounts, ethnographies, and quantitative public opinion studies.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5510 - Democratization
3 Credits
This course examines the nature of democracy and the recent trend toward democratic reform, focusing especially on the experiences of Central Europe and Latin America. The course also examines the relationship between political and economic reform and between democratic and market systems.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5520 - Political Change
3 Credits
This course is designed to familiarize students with major theoretical approaches to understanding and explaining periods of political change. Political change involves understanding both the long-term causal processes and their consequences and the more immediate causes and consequences of political change.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5530 - Authoritarian Politics: Rigging Elections and Clinging to Power
3 Credits
This course explores the conceptual utility of authoritarianism. We begin by examining the literature on concepts. We then explore the classics in the field. The heart of our inquiry explores the transitions literature, sub-types of authoritarianism and contemporary cultural, economic and institutional approaches to the study of authoritarianism.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5550 - Politics of Economic Development
3 Credits
This course undertakes an advanced study of the development of the modern state and of how states interact with various other forms of political community as well as with markets and other states. Students examine how ongoing processes of economic globalization have rendered the concept of “the state” problematic.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5590 - Crisis of Leadership
3 Credits
This course analyzes different perspectives on political leadership. It is designed as a research seminar in which we explore institutional settings and domestic political conditions that help us to understand the emergence of different types of leaders. Students examine current leadership crises through debates, simulation, and research. (Offered: Annually in the Fall)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5610 - International Relations: Theory & Practice
3 Credits
This course explores key theoretical traditions in international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, feminism, and postcolonialism. It also investigates methodological and epistemological controversies. Students stage debates about events such as the Peace of Westphalia, the decision to go to war in Iraq, and struggles for equality and emancipation. (Offered: Annually in the Spring)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5630 - The European Union: Politics and Political Economy
3 Credits
This course aims to explain the origins of the European Union, how it came to include its Member States, how external policies have been shaped and its direction in coming years. Through debates and discussions, students will also develop their own understanding of the European project and its challenges. (Offered every Spring)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5650 - War, Peace, and Politics
3 Credits
This is a graduate-level survey course in the field of international security. The course is designed to provide the student with the background and conceptual tools for understanding international security. The topics include causes of war and peace, cyber security, roles of nuclear weapons in international security, regular war and irregular war, terrorism, insurgency, and American grand strategy. Offered as needed.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5661 - Shifting Trends in Regional and Interregional Politics
3 Credits
Course provides students with tools needed for understanding contemporary regional and inter-regional issues and ongoing transformations in the international system. While conflicts and international crises are part of the world's evolution, regional and inter-regional dynamics have developed specific trends in recent years as American hegemony has begun to decline.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5662 - International Contemporary Challenges
3 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Course provides students with tools necessary for understanding key transformation in world order today, particularly a potential move from the Westphalian world to a different era. Students explore theories in International Relations and develop knowledge of contemporary case studies that illustrate state weakness, state fragility and state fragmentation.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5663 - Key Contemporary Crises
3 Credits
The course will explore a variety of genres of crisis – systemic crises and global restructurings, institutional crises of effectiveness, crises of economic and global governance, crises of leadership, political crises of representation, crises of the nation-state, natural disasters– and look to provide students with the necessary concepts, methods and critical thinking abilities to be able to analyze such wide-ranging current and future challenges. (Offered every Fall)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5664 - International Political Economy in Times of Crisis
3 Credits
Course examines the connections between financial markets and their regulatory environments in both contemporary and historical perspectives. The first part of the course introduces basic arguments and concepts on how financial markets work and the regulatory politics that affect them. The second part focuses on the recent history of financial crises, and the third part, on causes of and reactions to the financial crisis of 2008. This includes consideration of the last worldwide financial and economic crisis, its management, and whether a policy of “austerity” is either compatible with or sustainable under democratic politics. (Offered every Spring)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5665 - Historical Perspectives on Crisis: The 30 Years' European Crisis
3 Credits
In the first half of the twentieth century, Europe was rocked by a 30 years' crisis characterized by the end of "traditional" society and the violent irruption of "mass" society. The course will examine the experience of the 30 Years' crisis and the forces that unleashed its unprecedented violence. It explores the causes and impact of the world wars, the relation between revolution and civil war, the Great Depression, the rise of new revolutionary and counter-revolutionary ideologies (Bolshevism, fascism and Nazism), the "decline" of Europe, as well as politicized artistic representations of the crisis, such as Dadaism and Surrealism.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5670 - Politics of International Trade and Finance
3 Credits
The course conducts a broad survey of the field, focusing on the politics of substantive issues in international trade and finance. The first part of the course focuses on international trade, reviewing the rules, politics, institutions, and theories of trade and the major policy issues facing the global trading system. The second part focuses on the politics of international finance, explaining the actors and institutions that are involved in financial markets and financial relations, including foreign exchange, foreign direct investment, and foreign aid. It then examines the consequences of increasingly integrated markets and reviews the mechanisms behind systemic financial crises.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5690 - Theories of World Politics
3 Credits
An advanced field seminar of international relations. Students analyze some of the field's most important works. Topics include globalization, security studies, international organizations, and implications for US foreign policy.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5700 - Historical Western Political Thought
3 Credits
Students in this course will engage in close reading and careful discussion of canonical texts in the history of Western social and political philosophy, so as to acquire a solid foundation for further work in political theory, political science, other social sciences and/or the humanities. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective
POLS 5710 - Citizenship and Social Difference
3 Credits
This course will examine several aspects of the embodied nature of citizenship. Looking specifically at the interplay between citizenship (identity, legal status, and practice) and socially constructed identities predicated upon perceived bodily differences (gender, race, disability), we will examine the following preliminary questions: Historically, how and why has the American state denied women, people of color, and people with disabilities citizenship status? Should civil, social, and political rights, which are contingent upon citizenship status, be universal rights, or group-differentiated rights? How should we expand/amend conventional definitions of citizenship and political participation to account for the lived experiences of women, people of color, and people with disabilities? How do social constructed and maintained inequalities- via sexism, racism, and ableism- influence the practice of citizenship? This course will attempt to integrate insights from feminist theory, critical race theory, and disability studies into an analysis of what it means to be an American.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, THCE - Constructive Theology
POLS 5730 - Contemporary Political Ideologies
3 Credits
Development of modern political ideologies from mid-nineteenth century to present. Course focuses on ideas and social-political contexts associated with ideologies such as liberalism, Marxism, feminism, green politics, and liberation theology. Students consider the ramifications of viewing the world through particular ideological lenses.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Foundatio
POLS 5740 - Marx's Capital
3 Credits
This class is devoted to the close reading of Volume 1 of Marx's CAPITAL, leading to an understanding of Marx's analysis of capitalism. Students with a background in political theory or philosophy will find that training to be helpful, but the course does not presuppose previous reading of the text.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Foundatio
POLS 5750 - American Political Thought: Meanings of Citizenship
3 Credits
Course examines ideas, institutions, and practices that have influenced the different meanings of citizenship experienced by different groups of Americans since the founding era. Readings include traditional sources in American political thought as well as writings of and about women, African Americans, Native Americans, other racial and ethnic groups, and poor people. Offered every year.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Foundatio
POLS 5760X - Feminist Theories
3 Credits
This course examines developments in feminist thought at the turn of the twenty-first century, highlighting core concepts and tensions accompanying the growth of the field of women’s studies. Using an intersectional range of theoretical texts and cultural criticism, it explores both historical and recent perspectives on gender, sexuality.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 5770X - Feminist Epistemologies
3 Credits
Examination of how feminist scholarship has recontextualized epistemological issues in the philosophy of science, eco-feminism, hermeneutics, mysticism, and phenomenology. Students will write and present papers to demonstrate their integration of feminist theory and feminist epistemological issues within their major fields of study.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 5840 - Global Health Politics & Policy
3-6 Credits
Course offers students political and analytical insights into the understanding of health policy issues in the U.S. and developing world. It examines how power relations and values affect choices on health issues. Of particular interest in this course will be the AIDS and Ebola pandemics in Africa.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5850 - Policy Evaluation and Assessment
3 Credits
This course will provide students with an understanding of the complexity and scope of policy evaluation and analysis. Students will become familiar with the concepts, methods, and applications of evaluation research. Students will also develop a toolkit to design traditional and cutting-edge evaluation methodology and analysis. Cross-listed with WGST 5050.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5910 - Graduate Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Interns work in government agencies/offices, nonprofit organizations, or interest groups under the guidance of a preceptor from the sponsoring organization and under a course director from the political science department who develop a graduate level professional experience following department internship guidelines. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5911 - Graduate Capstone Internship
3-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Interns work in government agencies/offices, non profit organizations, or interest groups under similar conditions to POLS 5910. In addition, interns prepare either a Policy Recommendation Paper, formal Grant Proposal, or Professional Quality Paper as specified in department capstone guidelines. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5913 - Field Service
1-6 Credits
Field experience by the student as community organizer, research assistant or administrative intern with a voluntary association, community organization or public or private agency. A paper evaluating the field experience is required. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5930 - Special Topics
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5951 - MPA Special Study for Exams
0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
POLS 5960 - MPA Capstone
0-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Student selects a project examining an issue of importance to St. Louis, the region, or the nation, conducts independent research, and works with an adviser and committee to produce and present the capstone project to the committee. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5970 - Research Topics in Political Science
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Students embark on a course of individual study on a course not available in the regular curriculum in an area of faculty expertise. Schedule and workload are to be determined by the faculty instructor in accordance with the mutually agreed upon pedagogical objectives of the course. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5980 - Graduate Independent Study in Political Science
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Students embark on a course of individual study on a course not available in the regular curriculum in an area of faculty expertise. Schedule and workload are to be determined by the faculty instructor in accordance with the mutually agreed upon pedagogical objectives of the course.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5990 - Thesis Research
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
For students completing an MA thesis. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 6310 - Policy Process
3 Credits
This course deals with various inputs into the US policy-making process. Particular attention is focused on the impact of legislative law, administrative rule, and judicial order.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Policy Foundation
POLS 6320 - Organization Theory & Behavior
3 Credits
This course will provide a general focus on theories that provide insights into organizational life. Emphasis is given to public bureaucracies. Topics include motivational theory, management behavior and policy evaluation.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 6330 - Public Finance Theory
3 Credits
This course examines the public finance functions of governments: stabilization, allocation, and distribution. Topics include the elements of an effective tax structure, in-depth analysis of revenue sources. Discussion is focused on theories of political economy, including classical, Marxist, Keynesian, neo-classical and new institutional economics.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 6930 - Special Topics
1-3 Credits
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 6980 - Graduate Independent Study in Political Science
1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5010 - Cultural Methods: Gender, Politics, and Power
3 Credits
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 5020 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods
3 Credits
This course focuses on the application of qualitative and quantitative methods in political science. Topics examined in this course include survey design, experimental design, focus groups, field research, case study analysis, interview techniques, analysis of variance, linear regression, and in introduction to non-linear models.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Methods
POLS 5100 - Seminar in American Politics
3 Credits
This is a graduate seminar in American Politics. It is designed to provide an overview of the literature and theoretical concepts associated with political science as it relates to American government and politics. The topics we cover include campaigns and elections, mass behavior, public opinion, institutions of government, and policymaking.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Amer Poli Foundat, Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5130 - Race, Class, and Punishment
3 Credits
There are currently over two million people behind bars in the United States, making up the largest prison system in the world. Racial minorities and the poor are disproportionately imprisoned, causing some to argue that the problem of mass incarceration is one of the greatest social injustices of our time. In this course we will analyze the role of race and class in explaining the rise of mass incarceration and debate different approaches to solving this social justice crisis. Students will explore larger questions about political institutions, policymaking, political culture, social movements and the history of American political development.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5131 - Race, Class, and Punishment
3 Credits
In the United States, racial minorities and the poor are disproportionately imprisoned, causing some to argue that the problem of mass incarceration is one of the greatest social injustices of our time. In this course we will analyze the role of race and class in explaining the rise of mass incarceration and debate different approaches to solving this social justice crisis. Students will explore larger questions about political institutions, policymaking, political culture, social movements and the history of American political development.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5140 - Political Parties
3 Credits
Though the Constitution is largely silent about them, political parties and interest groups perform indispensable functions in modern democracies. Despite their importance, these institutions are often misunderstood by the public and there is a deep ambivalence toward these political organizations. In this course we will pursue a detailed understanding of parties and organized interests in America – how and why parties and organized interests form, what they do, and what we might want them to do.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5150 - Gender and American Politics
3 Credits
This course examines the ways in which women shape, and are shaped by, American politics and public policy. We explore the history, approaches, findings and controversy in research about women in American politics and political science from a range of theoretical and methodological approaches.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5170 - Electoral Politics
3 Credits
Discussion of subjects central to American elections, including: campaign strategies and tactics; political parties; voter behavior; the influence of social and demographic groups; issue politics; election forecasting; differences between presidential, state, and local elections; and historical development of campaigns and elections.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5171 - Law, Policy, Society
3 Credits
This class examines the complexities and concerns inherent in social science and legal understanding of the relationship between law and society. The class will focus on (1) the dynamics and development of law and legal processes and (2) the relationship between law/courts and society.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5300 - Law and Regulatory Policy
3 Credits
This course studies regulatory behavior of governmental agencies through legal cases, focusing on how administrators uphold procedural due process while conducting regulatory business. Topics include: legal-administrative relations, rule-making, adjudication, administrative discretion, judicial review of agency actions, and administrative search and seizure. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5310 - Issues in U.S. Public Administration
3 Credits
This course examines the implementation of government policy in the US, focusing on the historical evolution of government policies, programs, and behavior of officials and current issues. Issues include: privatization, quotas, affirmative action, whistle-blowing.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Policy Foundation
POLS 5320 - Environmental Politics and Policy-Making
3 Credits
This course investigates why governments make environmental laws; the competing values that influence environmental policy; and the institutions, processes and political actors that shape the creation and implementation of environmental laws in the U.S. We also consider the U.S. role in global efforts to address climate change.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5325 - Public Sector Budgeting
3 Credits
Public budgeting at all levels of government; economic and political aspects of budgeting. Features an in-class budget simulation.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5330 - Public Sector Economics
3 Credits
This course introduces the economics of the public sector. Topics include: public goods, externalities, revenues and expenditures, taxation, and the economics of certain public policies like Social Security, Medicare, and welfare programs.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5350 - Issues in Public Policy
3 Credits
"Issues in Public Policy" focuses first on how public policies are evaluated, examining the different approaches used by professionals to analyze the costs and benefits of various public policies. Once the principles of public policy analysis are understood, students will select and analyze major public policy problem areas facing America. Offered as Needed / Periodically.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Policy Foundation
POLS 5360 - Urban Economic Development
3 Credits
This course on community economic development policy will focus on three issues: (1) theories of economic development; (2) methodological choices for the scale for community economic development (e.g., neighborhood, street, and block); and (3) best practices and evidence based approaches to community economic development. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5500 - Russian Political Culture
3 Credits
This course examines the fundamental political beliefs and values of Russians, focusing on whether Russians today have the right attitudes to sustain democratic institutions. To understand what people think, we examine various kinds of sources: works of fiction, political philosophies, historical analyses, first-hand accounts, ethnographies, and quantitative public opinion studies.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5510 - Democratization
3 Credits
This course examines the nature of democracy and the recent trend toward democratic reform, focusing especially on the experiences of Central Europe and Latin America. The course also examines the relationship between political and economic reform and between democratic and market systems.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5520 - Political Change
3 Credits
This course is designed to familiarize students with major theoretical approaches to understanding and explaining periods of political change. Political change involves understanding both the long-term causal processes and their consequences and the more immediate causes and consequences of political change.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5530 - Authoritarian Politics: Rigging Elections and Clinging to Power
3 Credits
This course explores the conceptual utility of authoritarianism. We begin by examining the literature on concepts. We then explore the classics in the field. The heart of our inquiry explores the transitions literature, sub-types of authoritarianism and contemporary cultural, economic and institutional approaches to the study of authoritarianism.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5550 - Politics of Economic Development
3 Credits
This course undertakes an advanced study of the development of the modern state and of how states interact with various other forms of political community as well as with markets and other states. Students examine how ongoing processes of economic globalization have rendered the concept of “the state” problematic.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5590 - Crisis of Leadership
3 Credits
This course analyzes different perspectives on political leadership. It is designed as a research seminar in which we explore institutional settings and domestic political conditions that help us to understand the emergence of different types of leaders. Students examine current leadership crises through debates, simulation, and research. (Offered: Annually in the Fall)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5610 - International Relations: Theory & Practice
3 Credits
This course explores key theoretical traditions in international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, feminism, and postcolonialism. It also investigates methodological and epistemological controversies. Students stage debates about events such as the Peace of Westphalia, the decision to go to war in Iraq, and struggles for equality and emancipation. (Offered: Annually in the Spring)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5630 - The European Union: Politics and Political Economy
3 Credits
This course aims to explain the origins of the European Union, how it came to include its Member States, how external policies have been shaped and its direction in coming years. Through debates and discussions, students will also develop their own understanding of the European project and its challenges. (Offered every Spring)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5650 - War, Peace, and Politics
3 Credits
This is a graduate-level survey course in the field of international security. The course is designed to provide the student with the background and conceptual tools for understanding international security. The topics include causes of war and peace, cyber security, roles of nuclear weapons in international security, regular war and irregular war, terrorism, insurgency, and American grand strategy. Offered as needed.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5661 - Shifting Trends in Regional and Interregional Politics
3 Credits
Course provides students with tools needed for understanding contemporary regional and inter-regional issues and ongoing transformations in the international system. While conflicts and international crises are part of the world's evolution, regional and inter-regional dynamics have developed specific trends in recent years as American hegemony has begun to decline.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5662 - International Contemporary Challenges
3 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Course provides students with tools necessary for understanding key transformation in world order today, particularly a potential move from the Westphalian world to a different era. Students explore theories in International Relations and develop knowledge of contemporary case studies that illustrate state weakness, state fragility and state fragmentation.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5663 - Key Contemporary Crises
3 Credits
The course will explore a variety of genres of crisis – systemic crises and global restructurings, institutional crises of effectiveness, crises of economic and global governance, crises of leadership, political crises of representation, crises of the nation-state, natural disasters– and look to provide students with the necessary concepts, methods and critical thinking abilities to be able to analyze such wide-ranging current and future challenges. (Offered every Fall)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5664 - International Political Economy in Times of Crisis
3 Credits
Course examines the connections between financial markets and their regulatory environments in both contemporary and historical perspectives. The first part of the course introduces basic arguments and concepts on how financial markets work and the regulatory politics that affect them. The second part focuses on the recent history of financial crises, and the third part, on causes of and reactions to the financial crisis of 2008. This includes consideration of the last worldwide financial and economic crisis, its management, and whether a policy of “austerity” is either compatible with or sustainable under democratic politics. (Offered every Spring)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5665 - Historical Perspectives on Crisis: The 30 Years' European Crisis
3 Credits
In the first half of the twentieth century, Europe was rocked by a 30 years' crisis characterized by the end of "traditional" society and the violent irruption of "mass" society. The course will examine the experience of the 30 Years' crisis and the forces that unleashed its unprecedented violence. It explores the causes and impact of the world wars, the relation between revolution and civil war, the Great Depression, the rise of new revolutionary and counter-revolutionary ideologies (Bolshevism, fascism and Nazism), the "decline" of Europe, as well as politicized artistic representations of the crisis, such as Dadaism and Surrealism.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5670 - Politics of International Trade and Finance
3 Credits
The course conducts a broad survey of the field, focusing on the politics of substantive issues in international trade and finance. The first part of the course focuses on international trade, reviewing the rules, politics, institutions, and theories of trade and the major policy issues facing the global trading system. The second part focuses on the politics of international finance, explaining the actors and institutions that are involved in financial markets and financial relations, including foreign exchange, foreign direct investment, and foreign aid. It then examines the consequences of increasingly integrated markets and reviews the mechanisms behind systemic financial crises.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5690 - Theories of World Politics
3 Credits
An advanced field seminar of international relations. Students analyze some of the field's most important works. Topics include globalization, security studies, international organizations, and implications for US foreign policy.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5700 - Historical Western Political Thought
3 Credits
Students in this course will engage in close reading and careful discussion of canonical texts in the history of Western social and political philosophy, so as to acquire a solid foundation for further work in political theory, political science, other social sciences and/or the humanities. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective
POLS 5710 - Citizenship and Social Difference
3 Credits
This course will examine several aspects of the embodied nature of citizenship. Looking specifically at the interplay between citizenship (identity, legal status, and practice) and socially constructed identities predicated upon perceived bodily differences (gender, race, disability), we will examine the following preliminary questions: Historically, how and why has the American state denied women, people of color, and people with disabilities citizenship status? Should civil, social, and political rights, which are contingent upon citizenship status, be universal rights, or group-differentiated rights? How should we expand/amend conventional definitions of citizenship and political participation to account for the lived experiences of women, people of color, and people with disabilities? How do social constructed and maintained inequalities- via sexism, racism, and ableism- influence the practice of citizenship? This course will attempt to integrate insights from feminist theory, critical race theory, and disability studies into an analysis of what it means to be an American.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, THCE - Constructive Theology
POLS 5730 - Contemporary Political Ideologies
3 Credits
Development of modern political ideologies from mid-nineteenth century to present. Course focuses on ideas and social-political contexts associated with ideologies such as liberalism, Marxism, feminism, green politics, and liberation theology. Students consider the ramifications of viewing the world through particular ideological lenses.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Foundatio
POLS 5740 - Marx's Capital
3 Credits
This class is devoted to the close reading of Volume 1 of Marx's CAPITAL, leading to an understanding of Marx's analysis of capitalism. Students with a background in political theory or philosophy will find that training to be helpful, but the course does not presuppose previous reading of the text.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Foundatio
POLS 5750 - American Political Thought: Meanings of Citizenship
3 Credits
Course examines ideas, institutions, and practices that have influenced the different meanings of citizenship experienced by different groups of Americans since the founding era. Readings include traditional sources in American political thought as well as writings of and about women, African Americans, Native Americans, other racial and ethnic groups, and poor people. Offered every year.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci American Politics, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Foundatio
POLS 5760X - Feminist Theories
3 Credits
This course examines developments in feminist thought at the turn of the twenty-first century, highlighting core concepts and tensions accompanying the growth of the field of women’s studies. Using an intersectional range of theoretical texts and cultural criticism, it explores both historical and recent perspectives on gender, sexuality.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Thought Elective, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 5770X - Feminist Epistemologies
3 Credits
Examination of how feminist scholarship has recontextualized epistemological issues in the philosophy of science, eco-feminism, hermeneutics, mysticism, and phenomenology. Students will write and present papers to demonstrate their integration of feminist theory and feminist epistemological issues within their major fields of study.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective, Women's & Gender Studies
POLS 5840 - Global Health Politics & Policy
3-6 Credits
Course offers students political and analytical insights into the understanding of health policy issues in the U.S. and developing world. It examines how power relations and values affect choices on health issues. Of particular interest in this course will be the AIDS and Ebola pandemics in Africa.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Comparative, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci International Rel
POLS 5850 - Policy Evaluation and Assessment
3 Credits
This course will provide students with an understanding of the complexity and scope of policy evaluation and analysis. Students will become familiar with the concepts, methods, and applications of evaluation research. Students will also develop a toolkit to design traditional and cutting-edge evaluation methodology and analysis. Cross-listed with WGST 5050.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5910 - Graduate Internship
1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Interns work in government agencies/offices, nonprofit organizations, or interest groups under the guidance of a preceptor from the sponsoring organization and under a course director from the political science department who develop a graduate level professional experience following department internship guidelines. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5911 - Graduate Capstone Internship
3-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Interns work in government agencies/offices, non profit organizations, or interest groups under similar conditions to POLS 5910. In addition, interns prepare either a Policy Recommendation Paper, formal Grant Proposal, or Professional Quality Paper as specified in department capstone guidelines. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5913 - Field Service
1-6 Credits
Field experience by the student as community organizer, research assistant or administrative intern with a voluntary association, community organization or public or private agency. A paper evaluating the field experience is required. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5930 - Special Topics
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5951 - MPA Special Study for Exams
0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
POLS 5960 - MPA Capstone
0-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Student selects a project examining an issue of importance to St. Louis, the region, or the nation, conducts independent research, and works with an adviser and committee to produce and present the capstone project to the committee. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5970 - Research Topics in Political Science
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Students embark on a course of individual study on a course not available in the regular curriculum in an area of faculty expertise. Schedule and workload are to be determined by the faculty instructor in accordance with the mutually agreed upon pedagogical objectives of the course. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5980 - Graduate Independent Study in Political Science
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Students embark on a course of individual study on a course not available in the regular curriculum in an area of faculty expertise. Schedule and workload are to be determined by the faculty instructor in accordance with the mutually agreed upon pedagogical objectives of the course.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 5990 - Thesis Research
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
For students completing an MA thesis. (Offered every Fall, Spring and Summer)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 6310 - Policy Process
3 Credits
This course deals with various inputs into the US policy-making process. Particular attention is focused on the impact of legislative law, administrative rule, and judicial order.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective, Grad Pol Sci Policy Foundation
POLS 6320 - Organization Theory & Behavior
3 Credits
This course will provide a general focus on theories that provide insights into organizational life. Emphasis is given to public bureaucracies. Topics include motivational theory, management behavior and policy evaluation.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 6330 - Public Finance Theory
3 Credits
This course examines the public finance functions of governments: stabilization, allocation, and distribution. Topics include the elements of an effective tax structure, in-depth analysis of revenue sources. Discussion is focused on theories of political economy, including classical, Marxist, Keynesian, neo-classical and new institutional economics.
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Policy Elective, Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 6930 - Special Topics
1-3 Credits
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
POLS 6980 - Graduate Independent Study in Political Science
1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Attributes: Grad Pol Sci Elective
PSP 6930 - Special Topics
3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
PSP 6980 - Graduate Independent Study in Public and Social Policy
1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
PSP 6990 - Dissertation Research
0-12 Credits (Repeatable for credit)