The study of political science is designed to enable students to understand the nature of politics, public values, and the institutions and processes of politics in their various forms.
Students completing a major in political science will understand and be able to interrelate the leading theories, literature, and approaches in the subfields of American government, political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and public policy. Graduates can analyze and formulate effective argumentation in written and oral forms, with the ability to appreciate and accommodate diverse political ideas and to collect and critique information and ideas of others in support of original arguments. Graduates appreciate the knowledge and civic responsibilities required for effective participation in political life.
The political science major is often chosen by students preparing for a career in law. Students with this goal should consult with the department in selecting courses. See also Preprofessional Study.
Several internship options are available to the political science major, offering students the opportunity to experience practical application of the knowledge learned in academic courses.
Juniors and seniors can apply to a concurrent degree program and earn a B.A. in political science and an M.A. in political science in fewer semesters. Contact the Director of Graduate Education for more information.
Requirements for the Major:
For the purpose of defining undergraduate requirements in the Department of Political Science, the Department employs five subfields within the discipline, with the following courses in each:
I. Law, justice, and Political philosophy
| POL S 235 | Introduction to Ethics and Politics | 3 |
| POL S 319 | Law and Politics | 3 |
| POL S 320 | American Judicial Process | 3 |
| POL S 333 | Democracy and Diversity in America | 3 |
| POL S 339 | Liberty and Law in America | 3 |
| POL S 402 | Legal Analysis | 3 |
| POL S 419 | The Judiciary | 3 |
| POL S 420 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| POL S 421 | Constitutional Freedoms | 3 |
| POL S 430 | Foundations of Western Political Thought | 3 |
| POL S 431 | Modern Political Thought | 3 |
| POL S 480 | Ethics and Public Policy | 3 |
II. UNITED STATES ELECTIONS AND INSTITUTIONS
| POL S 215 | Introduction to American Government | 3 |
| POL S 306 | Public Opinion and Voting Behavior | 3 |
| POL S 310 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| POL S 318 | Campaigns and Elections | 3 |
| POL S 360 | American Institutions: Congress | 3 |
| POL S 361 | American Institutions: The Presidency | 3 |
| POL S 363 | American Institutions: Media | 3 |
| POL S 364 | Political Parties and Interest Groups | 3 |
| POL S 385 | Women in Politics | 3 |
| POL S 409 | Political Game Theory | 3 |
| POL S 413 | Intergovernmental Relations | 3 |
| POL S 460 | American Political Institutions | 3 |
III. Comparative Politics
| POL S 241 | Democracy and Dictatorship: Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POL S 305 | Comparative Political Behavior | 3 |
| POL S 340 | Politics of Developing Areas | 3 |
| POL S 342 | Chinese Politics | 3 |
| POL S 343 | Latin American Government and Politics | 3 |
| POL S 346 | European Politics | 3 |
| POL S 348 | British Government and Politics | 3 |
| POL S 349 | Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe | 3 |
| POL S 350 | Politics of the Middle East | 3 |
| POL S 370 | Religion and Politics | 3 |
IV. International CONFLICT AND COOPERATION
| POL S 251 | Introduction to International Politics | 3 |
| POL S 354 | War and the Politics of Humanitarianism | 3 |
| POL S 355 | War and Politics | 3 |
| POL S 356 | Theories of International Politics | 3 |
| POL S 357 | International Security Policy | 3 |
| POL S 358 | United States Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POL S 359 | Current Issues in American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POL S 381 | International Political Economy | 3 |
| POL S 422 | International Law | 3 |
| POL S 452 | Comparative Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POL S 453 | International Organization | 3 |
V. Public Policy and Administration
| POL S 335 | Science, Technology, and Public Policy | 3 |
| POL S 344 | Public Policy | 3 |
| POL S 353 | Immigration Policy | 3 |
| POL S 371 | Public Organizations and Leadership | 3 |
| POL S 383 | Environmental Politics and Policies | 3 |
| POL S 407 | Proseminar in Public Policy | 3 |
| POL S 442 | The Policy and Politics of Coastal Areas | 3 |
| POL S 475 | Management in the Public Sector | 3 |
| POL S 477 | Government, Business, and Society | 3 |
| POL S 487 | Electronic Democracy | 3 |
To complete the major in Political Science a student must earn 33 semester credits of courses in Political Science subject to the following conditions:
- Students must satisfactorily complete POL S 101 and POL S 301.
- Students must complete at least 15 credits in one of the five subfields listed above (or, with departmental approval, an alternative, substantively related set of 15 POL S credits), with at least 3 credits in each of three additional subfields.
- Political Science courses in which a student has a grade of D+ or lower will not count for the major but can be counted as electives.
- At least 18 credits of Political Science courses must be numbered 300 or above.
- At least 9 credits of Political Science courses must be numbered 400 or above.
- No more than three credits of POL S 490, POL S 496, POL S 497, or POL S 499 (alone or in combination) can be used to fulfill any of these requirements.
- At least 15 credits of Political Science coursework must be earned at Iowa State University.
- Students must pass at least one Statistics course from among STAT 101, STAT 104, or STAT 226.
- According to the university-wide Communication Proficiency Grade Requirement, students must demonstrate their communication proficiency by earning a grade of C or better in ENGL 250.
- Advanced Communication Skills: Majors must earn at least a C in one course from among ENGL 302, ENGL 309, or ENGL 314.
The department offers a minor in political science that may be earned by completing 15 credits beyond the 100-level of coursework in political science, nine of which must be at the 300 level or above. A student minoring in Political Science normally will be expected to take at least 9 credits in Political Science coursework at Iowa State University. Only 3 credits of POL S 490, POL S 496, POL S 497, or POL S 499, alone or in combination, and only 2 credits of POL S 312, POL S 313, POL S 314, or POL S 315 may be included in the total of 15 credits required for the minor. All minors in the College of Liberal Arts and Science require a minimum of 6 credits in courses numbered 300 and above taken at ISU with a minimum grade of C. Credits earned in POL S 496, POL S 497, or POL S 499, or offered on a satisfactory/fail basis only, will not fulfill this requirement. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.
Political Science, B.A.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| POL S 101 | 3 | POL S 2511 | 3 |
| POL S 215 | 3 | Natural Science Choice | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Social Science Choice | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Humanities Choice | 3 |
| Natural Science Choice | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Social Science Choice | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| POL S 235 | 3 | POL S 2411 | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | Political Science Choice - 300/400 Level | 3 |
| Natural Science Choice | 2-3 | STAT 101, 104, or 2262 | 3-4 |
| Humanities Choice | 3 | Humanities Choice | 3 |
| Foreign Language/Elective | 3-4 | Foreign Language/Elective | 3-4 |
| 15 | 15-16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| POL S 301 | 3 | Political Science Choice - 400 Level | 3 |
| Political Science Choice - 300/400 Level | 3 | Humanities Choice | 3 |
| ENGL 314, 302, or 309 | 3 | Electives | 9 |
| U.S. Diversity Choice3 | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Political Science Choice - 400 Level | 3 | Political Science Choice - 400 Level | 3 |
| Electives | 12 | Electives | 11 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
Students in all ISU majors must complete a three-credit course in U.S. diversity and a three-credit course in international perspectives. Check (http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/courses/div-ip-guide.html) for a list of approved courses. Discuss with your adviser how the two courses that you select can be applied to your graduation plan. | |
LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 300/400 level. | |
| 1 | Meets international perspectives requirement. |
| 2 | STAT 101, 104, and 226 also meet LAS College math requirement. |
| 3 | May be cross-listed to fulfill other requirements. |
Graduate Study
The department offers work for a Master of Arts degree (MA) with a major in political science and minor for students in other departments. The department also offers work for a Graduate Certificate of Public Management and Policy (GCPMP) for those interested in an educational certificate program that requires less work than a full masters program. In addition, the Department of Political Science offers work for a Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA) and a joint Master of Arts/Juris Doctor (MA/JD) program with the Law School of Drake University. Information with detailed requirements for all graduate degrees may be obtained at the department’s web page at https://www.pols.iastate.edu/academics/graduate/
Master of Arts (MA)
This is a 30-credit masters degree that gives students the opportunity to explore the field of political science in order to pursue a PhD, go to law school, improve research skills, or understand politics better. The three concentration areas are American Politics, Global Politics, and Public Policy. Although it is not a formal concentration, some students have worked heavily in the area of political theory. Top students are eligible for graduate assistantships that make graduate study much more affordable and provide opportunities for assisting faculty with teaching and research. These are awarded on a merit basis. A thesis is required for this degree. The department also has a joint Master of Arts/Juris Doctor (MA/JD) program with the Law School of Drake University. Students wishing to pursue this joint degree must submit separate applications to Drake University and Iowa State University and be accepted by both institutions.
MA graduates have a broad substantive understanding of the political process and the academic study of politics. They also have in-depth knowledge of one or more subfields in political science. Graduates are skilled at conducting research and preparing thorough research summaries. They are able to identify and address complex political questions, taking into account related ethical, legal, economic, and social issues.
The prerequisites for major graduate work in the MA program normally are completion of at least 15 credits in political science, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), one year of a foreign language (equivalent to 8 semester hours), and a course in basic statistics (equivalent to STAT 101). If the basic statistics requirement has not been met, the student may remedy the deficiency by passing equivalent courses, for which no graduate credit will be received. During their program of study, all students are expected to complete STAT 587, POL S 502, and a thesis. Additional information including detailed graduation requirements can be found at https://www.pols.iastate.edu/academics/graduate/#ma
Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA)
The Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA) is a multi-disciplinary program designed to provide students with diverse backgrounds and interests the opportunity to obtain professional training in the emerging field of information assurance. The core of the MSIA program is built around a series of courses taught in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science that introduce students to software and hardware aspects of cryptography and computer security. The program also recognizes, however, that information assurance defined in terms of security, privacy, access, and reliability is not simply a technical problem but also involves important societal dimensions, including policy, education, ethics, and management. Recognizing that political science offers many potential intersections with information assurance (e.g., public sector management of information technology; forensics and computer crime; information technology policy and law; information technology and international relations; information warfare; etc.), students with interests in these areas are encouraged to select the Department of Political Science as their home department.
Students opting to pursue a MSIA degree through the Department of Political Science can expect to acquire skills and background knowledge relevant to a career in public policy or public sector management of information assurance technologies. The MSIA degree can also help prepare students who wish to go on to pursue a PhD in information politics and policy.
Students interested in the MSIA degree program should consider Political Science as a home department if their future career and/or educational interests lie in such areas as: institutional issues related to the Internet and information technologies; electronic government and electronic democracy; information technology, international security, and information warfare; information technology policy and law; and public administration and public sector management of information technology.
Admission requirements generally follow the same guidelines as the MA in Political Science. Degree requirements are specified by the MSIA program in cooperation with Political Science. More in-depth information on the program including detailed graduation requirements can be found at: https://www.pols.iastate.edu/academics/graduate/#msia
Master of Arts/Juris Doctorate Program (MA/JD)
The Drake Law School and the Department of Political Science at Iowa State University are co-sponsors of the Master of Arts/Juris Doctorate degree. This degree combines courses at both Iowa State University and the Drake Law School and follows most of the same requirements as a double degree. However, the student must have full admission to both schools. Detailed information for the MA/JD can be found at the ISU Political Science webpage as well as the Drake Law School website (under Joint Degree): http://www.law.drake.edu/.
The increasing attention being focused on the solution of social problems by state and federal governments has created a need for persons with advanced training in both law and political science. The Drake Law School and the ISU Department of Political Science jointly administer a MA/JD program to provide an opportunity for students at the Drake Law School to achieve, concurrently, a JD degree in law and a MA degree in political science, and for graduate students in political science at Iowa State University to achieve a degree in law.
Successful completion of this program will enable students at Drake Law School to receive both a JD and an MA degree within a three-year period, while graduate students in political science at Iowa State University will be able to transfer a substantial number of hours to the Drake Law School toward the fulfillment of the JD requirements in a similar amount of time. Additional information including detailed graduation requirements can be found at: https://www.pols.iastate.edu/academics/graduate/#majd
Minor
Students in other graduate programs may obtain a minor in political science by completing at least 9 credits of political science courses. Interested students should consult the Graduate College Handbook for additional information on graduate minors.
The Graduate Certificate of Public MANAGEMENT AND POLICY (GCPMP)
The Political Science Department offers a Graduate Certificate of Public Management and Policy (GCPMP). The GCPMP is a 15-credit certificate. Students who are interested in public management and policy, but unsure about committing to a full master's degree, can aim for the certificate knowing that those courses will also count toward a master's degree if they choose to continue on. Iowa State graduate students in other fields may want to pursue the certificate to improve their credentials on the job market if their interest overlaps with public management and policy. For example, doctoral students in higher education and education administration can earn all 9 of their "outside" credits in the GCPMP coursework, add the 6 more elective credits, and earn a GCPMP along with their PhD.
Requirements for admission are a graduate school application, an essay stating purposes for study, college transcripts, the GRE (waived for those with five or more years of public or nonprofit sector experience), three letters of recommendation, and the TOEFL for international students. More information on the program including curricular requirements can be found at: https://www.pols.iastate.edu/academics/graduate/#gcpm/.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Introduction to the discipline and sub-fields of Political Science; analytical thinking and research skills relevant to political science.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Fundamentals of American democracy; constitutionalism; federalism; rights and duties of citizens; executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government; elections, public opinion, interest groups, and political parties.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Moral controversies surrounding political issues such as violence, deception, corruption, civil disobedience, democracy, justice, equality, and freedom. Political applications of classic and contemporary texts.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Interactions between governments and citizens in countries outside the US. Causes of democracy, dictatorship, and economic and social development.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Dynamics of interstate relations pertaining to nationalism, the nation state; peace and war; foreign policy making; the national interest; military capability and strategy; case studies of transnational issues, such as population, food, energy, and terrorism.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator; sophomore classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Sophomore classification or six credits in political science
Political attitudes and behaviors of citizens in democracies, both in the US and cross-nationally. Citizens' traits and their relationship to democracy.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science or sophomore classification
The formation of political opinions and attitudes, political participation, and voting behavior of the general public, and their influences on American politics; polling as a means of assessing public opinions and behaviors.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: 3 credits in political science
Role of state and local governments in the American federal system. Structures of participation: political parties, elections, interest groups. Major governmental institutions: legislative, executive, and judicial. Structure and functions of local governments.
(3-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 2 times. F.
Half-semester courses on selected topical issues in American government and politics.
A topic may not be taken more than once.
(1.5-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 2 times. Alt. S., offered irregularly.
Half-semester course on selected topical issues in theory and methods in political science.
A topic may not be taken more than once.
(1.5-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 2 times. F.S.
Half-semester course on selected topical issues in comparative politics.
A topic may not be taken more than once.
(1.5-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 2 times. F.S.
Half-semester course on selected topical issues in international relations.
A topic may not be taken more than once.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Methods and techniques of political campaigns in general elections. Supervised participation in candidate and political party campaign activities required.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: Sophomore standing; POL S 215 recommended
American judicial system and controversies spanning law and politics. Potential topics include statutory construction, judicial review, proper role of the judiciary, vagueness and ambiguity in law, competing constitutional philosophies, executive branch concerns, and relative power of different branches.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: POL S 215
An overview of the American judicial process. Emphasis on specific topics such as application of constitutional rights to the states (particularly the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments), mechanics of judicial opinions, constitutional philosophies of Supreme Court Justices, decisions of first impression, and the value and scope of precedent.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Sophomore classification.
Competing American conceptions of democracy as strategies for responding to the racial, religious, ethnic, gender, and economic diversity of America. Contemporary debates about topics such as immigration, affirmative action, multicultural education, religion, and minority representation.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Cross-listed with SOC). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: A course in political science or sociology
The relationship between politics and society with emphasis on American society. Discussion of theories of inequality, power, social movements, elites, ruling classes, democracy, and capitalism.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Examines the history and political dynamics of public science and technology policies. Examines differences in political and technological orientations. Assessment of the roles of politics, media, engineering, science, and private business in the formation public policies that put heavy reliance on or seek to advance science and technology.
(Cross-listed with CJ ST, PHIL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered irregularly.
Prereq: Sophomore status
Competing conceptions of liberty in American political thought. Debates about how liberty should be protected by the law, in fields such as health care, drugs, property, speech, religion, and sex.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Economic and political development as they relate to the political process of developing states. Impact of social and technological change on political systems of developing areas.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Legacies of Imperial China, the origins of the Chinese Civil War, and the causes and consequences of the reform era. Issues of contemporary China, including economic transformation, the structure of the Party/state, the environment, the media and other topics.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with US LS). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Political institutions, processes, and contemporary issues. Selected countries examined intensively to illustrate generalizations. Role of parties, military, church, human rights, women, environmental issues, interest groups, ideology, and globalization.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
How agendas come to be set in public policy, theories describing the policy-making process, forces molding policy choices and the impact of such choices.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Comparative study of political institutions of Europe and the European Union; emphasis on parties, elections, and governmental structures. Substance and process of public policies in selected problem areas.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Nation-states of Central and Eastern Europe. Comparison of European communist systems and the revolutionary conflict leading to the dissolution of communist Europe. Political analysis of post-communist Russian and Eastern European nation-states and their economic, cultural and social variations.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Introduction to the Middle East as a region and to issues of political importance to the Middle East and its place in the world. Topics covered include political Islam, regional conflicts and alliances, local leaders, political economy, democracy, and human rights.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Political, economic, and social factors that affect immigration policy. Systematic analysis and implications of different types of immigration policies in countries sending and receiving immigrants. Policies regarding incorporation of migrants into, and effects of migrants on, American society.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Cross-listed with ANTHR). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: POL S 235, POL S 251, Anthr 210, or ANTHR 230
Humanitarianism as a system of thought and a system of intervention in conflict and post-conflict situations. Role of humanitarian organizations and actors in addressing human suffering caused by conflict or war. Military action as a form of humanitarian intervention.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: None
Theoretical relationship among politics, strategy, and war. Evolution of war, the relationship between technology and conflict, and the changing causes and nature of global violence.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Introduction to essential theoretical concepts and approaches, both classical and contemporary on world politics including realism, empiricism, liberalism, and postpositivism; for example, war and conflict, peace and cooperation, political economy, crisis decision-making, systemic theory, dependence and interdependence.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Major theoretical approaches in security policy: strategy and deterrence, game theory, bargaining theory, compellence, coercive diplomacy, and crisis diplomacy. Illustration of these approaches through historical and contemporary cases.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: POL S 215 or POL S 251, or HIST 467 or HIST 470 or HIST 471
U.S. foreign policy since World War II with emphasis on changing American values in foreign policy, the role of the President, Congress, and the bureaucracy in policy making, and a survey of current foreign policy issues and problems.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: POL S 215, POL S 251, or POL S 358
Examination of contemporary U.S. foreign policy issues (e.g., U.S. policy in the Middle East; defense budgeting in the post-Cold War era; conventional and nuclear arms control policy). The course will explore alternate methods to analyze policy, survey the evolution of each issue, and discuss different policy alternatives.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: POL S 215
Theory and practice of representation and deliberation in the legislative branch of the republic; operations of Congress in terms of its committees, leadership, legislative and oversight processes, partisan politics, electoral campaigns, service to local and special electoral campaigns, service to local and special interests, and interactions with the President.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: POL S 215
Creation and historical development of the office of chief executive; character and behavior of past chief executives; selection and control; powers, roles, functions; executive staff; relations with Congress, press, public opinion.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Sophomore standing
Influence of mass media organizations, forms, techniques, and technologies on the practices and expectations of American politics. Role of media in the political process, including promoting or discouraging political participation. Politics of traditional journalism, devices of propaganda, effects of campaign advertising, and media spectacles.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: POL S 215; sophomore classification
Nature of political parties and interest groups, their relation to each other, and their effects on American politics. Topics include party identification, party organization and mobilization, factionalism, lobbying, campaign contributions and financing, and the effects of special interests on public law.
(Cross-listed with RELIG). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Sophomore classification.
The interaction of religion and politics in the U.S. from both an historical and contemporary perspective, as well as the role of religion in politics internationally.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Sophomore classification
A survey of the historic and contemporary administrative realities that contribute to the unique challenges of public governance at the administrative and managerial levels of international, national, state, and local government. This introductory course explores the essential issues and competencies involved in the efficient, effective, and ethical provision of public goods and services. Critical topics addressed in the course include crisis management, intergovernmental relations, social equity, public-private partnerships, and privatization.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Theoretical perspectives on international political economy. Exploration of specific issues such as the changing international trade regime, international finance, exchange rates and monetary policy, and development under conditions of globalization.
(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. SS.
Prereq: sophomore classification
Major ideologies' relations to conservation and ecology. Processes, participants, and institutions involved in state, national, and global environmental policymaking. Case studies of environmental controversies and proposals for policy reform.
(Cross-listed with WGS). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Entry and participation of women in politics in the United States and other countries. Contemporary issues and strategies for change through the political process.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
(Cross-listed with HIST, WGS). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Evolution of the role and office of the First Lady in U.S. history, including her political activism, social impact, and international influence. Analysis of the authority, intersectionality, and agency of First Ladies in the aggregate and exploration of how individual First Ladies have interpreted and adapted this unique public position.
Cr. R. F.S.SS.
Taken in conjunction with 300- or 400-level Political Science courses.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor.
Supervised study in an aspect of discipline while traveling or located in a foreign country.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator; junior classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing work period.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Junior classification
Introduction to the style of legal analysis traditionally used in American law schools to teach law and prepare for legal practice. Case briefing, legal citation, application of legal doctrines, and adversarial argument.
(Dual-listed with POL S 507). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Six credits in political science or graduate standing
An overview of the major theoretical approaches and empirical methods relevant to the study of public policy. Emphasis is placed on agenda setting, policy formation, policy sustainability, and policy analysis. Seminal writings by leading scholars will be reviewed. Leading quantitative and qualitative methodological tools for analyzing policy are presented.
(Dual-listed with POL S 509). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ECON 101
Application of economics to political science in the study of nonmarket decision-making. Behavior of bureaucrats, elected officials, and voters. Market failure, collective action, representative democracies, direct democracies, logrolling, voter paradoxes, and game theory.
(Dual-listed with POL S 513). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in POL S
Theories and practices of the American federal system. Politics and policy making among federal, state, and local governments.
(Cross-listed with SP CM). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: SP CM 212
Backgrounds of candidates for state and national elections; selected speeches and issues; persuasive strategies and techniques of individual speakers.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: POL S 320
Judicial review, federal common law, judicial confirmation, strict construction of the Constitution, and qualifications to serving on Courts; judicial activism and the infusion of politics into courts.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: POL S 215; junior classification
Development of the United States Constitution through judicial action; influence of public law and judicial interpretations upon American government and society.
(Dual-listed with POL S 530). (Cross-listed with CL ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science, philosophy, or European history
Study of original texts in political thought ranging from the classical period to the renaissance. Topics such as justice, freedom, virtue, the allocation of political power, the meaning of democracy, human nature, and natural law.
(Dual-listed with POL S 531). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science, philosophy, or European history
Study of original texts in political thought ranging from the Reformation to the French Revolution and its aftermath. Topics such as justice, freedom, rights, democracy, toleration, property, power, skepticism, and normative views of international politics.
(Dual-listed with POL S 542). (Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. SS.
Exploration of political implications of coastal policy. Issues include: "Carrying capacity," zoning, regulation of human development activities, trade-offs between conservation and jobs, the quality of coastal lifestyle, ways in which citizens participate in policy for coastal areas.
(Dual-listed with POL S 552). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered irregularly.
Prereq: POL S 251
Theoretical approaches to understanding foreign policy making and behavior through case studies of selected nations.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Dual-listed with POL S 553). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: POL S 251
Sources of international order in a variety of substantive areas such as international security, international trade and finance, the environment, and human rights: distribution of power, institutions, international law, and norms.
(Dual-listed with POL S 560). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in American government
Examination of policy-making and governance in a separation of powers system. Interaction between the chief executive, the legislature, administrative agencies, and the public. How political and legal forces affect policy makers and are reflected in public policies and programs.
(Dual-listed with POL S 575). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: POL S 371
Literature and research on organizational behavior and management theory with emphasis on applied aspects of managing contemporary public-sector organizations. Distinctions between public and private organizations, leadership, productivity, employee motivation, organizational structure, and organizational change.
(Dual-listed with POL S 577). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 6 credits of POL S
Diverse perspectives on the changing roles and relationships of business, government, and society for more effective policy decisions on corporate affairs. The changing economy; transformation of workplace and community conditions; consumerism; social responsibilities of businesses; economic policies and regulations; politics in the business-government relationship.
(Dual-listed with POL S 580). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Study of decision making approaches and application to case studies. Topics such as the different roles of public officials, proper scope and use of administrative discretion, and the admissibility of religious, political, and philosophical commitments in governmental decision making.
(Dual-listed with POL S 587). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Sophomore standing
Impact of computers and the Internet on politics and policy. Positive and negative effects of information technology (IT) on selected topics such as hacking, cybercrime, cyberterrorism, cyberwarfare, privacy, civic participation, the sense of community, virtual cities, interest group behavior, viral media, campaigns, elections, and voting.
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Special studies in the political institutions, processes and policies of American, foreign, and international governments. Also, studies in traditional and behavioral political theory. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
No more than 9 credits of Pol S 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Special studies in the political institutions, processes and policies of American, foreign, and international governments. Also, studies in traditional and behavioral political theory. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
No more than 9 credits of Pol S 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Special studies in the political institutions, processes and policies of American, foreign, and international governments. Also, studies in traditional and behavioral political theory. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
No more than 9 credits of Pol S 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Special studies in the political institutions, processes and policies of American, foreign, and international governments. Also, studies in traditional and behavioral political theory. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
No more than 9 credits of Pol S 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Special studies in the political institutions, processes and policies of American, foreign, and international governments. Also, studies in traditional and behavioral political theory. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
No more than 9 credits of Pol S 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 1-2. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Extra study for any 300-Special studies in the political institutions, processes and policies of American, foreign, and international governments. Also, studies in traditional and behavioral political theory. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
No more than 9 credits of Pol S 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Special studies in the political institutions, processes and policies of American, foreign, and international governments. Also, studies in traditional and behavioral political theory. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
No more than 9 credits of Pol S 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 3.
Prereq: 21 credits of POL S and permission of instructor
Written under the supervision of a Political Science faculty advisor.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 12 credits in political science and permission of instructor
Undergraduate teaching experience through assisting an instructor with an introductory course in political science. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 12 credits in political science and permission of instructor
Undergraduate research experience through assisting on a scholarly project with an instructor in political science. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator; senior classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
Cr. arr. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science; junior or senior classification; and permission of internship coordinator
Work experience with a specific nongovernmental or governmental agency at the local, state, national, or international level, combined with academic work under faculty supervision. Use of credit in Pol S major and minor is limited. See Undergraduate Study for information.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Scope and methods of political science. Introduction to theoretical approaches and analytical reasoning in political science. Relationship of theory and data. Research design.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science or graduate standing
Overview of major theoretical and empirical works in the study of international politics and foreign policy. Realism, liberalism, and constructivism; conflict, alliances, and international economic relations.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science or graduate standing
Foundations of comparative politics, the study of different political regimes. Political behavior, development, causes and consequences of democracy and authoritarianism. Contrasting research methods and designs.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science or graduate standing
Major theories and research on American government and politics. Modern democratic theory, institutional performance, and mass political behavior. Research methodologies including normative theory, behavioralism, and rational choice analysis.
(Dual-listed with POL S 407). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Six credits in political science or graduate standing
An overview of the major theoretical approaches and empirical methods relevant to the study of public policy. Emphasis is placed on agenda setting, policy formation, policy sustainability, and policy analysis. Seminal writings by leading scholars will be reviewed. Leading quantitative and qualitative methodological tools for analyzing policy are presented.
(Dual-listed with POL S 409). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ECON 101
Application of economics to political science in the study of nonmarket decision-making. Behavior of bureaucrats, elected officials, and voters. Market failure, collective action, representative democracies, direct democracies, logrolling, voter paradoxes, and game theory.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: POL S 310
Comparative analysis of state political systems. Role of interest groups, political parties, legislatures, courts, and governors in state politics. Possible determinants of public policy outputs at the state level.
(Dual-listed with POL S 413). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in POL S
Theories and practices of the American federal system. Politics and policy making among federal, state, and local governments.
(Cross-listed with BRT). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Evaluation of the biorenewables field as it relates to the areas of law and policy. Primary emphasis on the following topics: concerns that motivated the development and expansion of the biorenewables field, a history of the interactions between biorenewable pathways. U.S. law and policy and controversies that have arisen from these interactions and their effects.
(Cross-listed with BRT). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Evaluation of the international biorenewables field as it relates to the areas of law and policy. Primary emphasis on the following topics: concerns that motivated the development and expansion of the field by adopting countries, a history of the interactions between biorenewable pathways. Law and policy in adopting countries and international controversies that have arisen from these interactions and their effects.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in Political Science or graduate standing
An in-depth survey of the theoretical, empirical, and methodological works concerning mass political behavior in the United States. Substantive topics include political attitudes and ideologies, public opinion and voting behavior, and political psychology. Methods for studying mass behavior include survey research and experimental approaches.
(Dual-listed with POL S 430). (Cross-listed with CL ST). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science, philosophy, or European history
Study of original texts in political thought ranging from the classical period to the renaissance. Topics such as justice, freedom, virtue, the allocation of political power, the meaning of democracy, human nature, and natural law.
(Dual-listed with POL S 431). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science, philosophy, or European history
Study of original texts in political thought ranging from the Reformation to the French Revolution and its aftermath. Topics such as justice, freedom, rights, democracy, toleration, property, power, skepticism, and normative views of international politics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Legal and policy context of E-government development. Legal and regulatory policies on information management in governments, public policies that use information technologies to address economic and social concerns, and impacts on citizens and governmental organizations.
(Cross-listed with PHIL). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits of philosophy or political science
Examination of theories of justice proposed by contemporary political philosophers. Analysis of the philosophical foundations of perspectives such as liberalism, libertarianism, communitarianism, socialism, feminism. Normative assessments of socio-political institutions.
(Dual-listed with POL S 442). (Cross-listed with C DEV). (3-0) Cr. 3. SS.
Exploration of political implications of coastal policy. Issues include: "Carrying capacity," zoning, regulation of human development activities, tradeoffs between conservation and jobs, the quality of coastal lifestyle, and ways in which citizens participate in policy for coastal areas.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
How, why and to what effect governments deal with substantive policy problems differently. Environmental factors, ideologies, cultures, domestic policy making processes, and interest groups.
(Dual-listed with POL S 452). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered irregularly.
Prereq: POL S 251
Theoretical approaches to understanding foreign policy making and behavior through case studies of selected nations.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Dual-listed with POL S 453). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: POL S 251
Sources of international order in a variety of substantive areas such as international security, international trade and finance, the environment, and human rights: distribution of power, institutions, international law, and norms.
(Dual-listed with POL S 460). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in American government
Examination of policy-making and governance in a separation of powers system. Interaction between the chief executive, the legislature, administrative agencies, and the public. How political and legal forces affect policy makers and are reflected in public policies and programs.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Social, political, intellectual, and environmental factors contributing to the historical development and central issues of American Public Administration. Exploration of classic and contemporary texts of public administration emphasizing constitutional and civic roles of public servants, administrative responsibility in democratic governance and justice, and essential frameworks to identify managerial skills, perspectives, and resources for effective, equitable public service.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Discussion of contemporary issues and perspectives shaping the policy development and management of national and international nonprofit organizations. Topics include an historic overview of nonprofit and philanthropic perspectives; exploration of nonprofit organization roles in public service provision; review of the legal framework influencing nonprofit governance; and consideration of capacity building issues such as strategic planning, board development, fundraising, human resources, and volunteer management.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Major theories of administrative organization, including motivations of administrators and organizations, comparisons of organizational arrangements, factors affecting organizational arrangements, and formal and informal decision-making structures.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Fiscal role of government in a mixed economy; evaluation of sources of public revenue and credit; administrative, political, and institutional aspects of the budget and the budgetary process; alternative budget formats; skills required to analyze public revenue and spending. Spreadsheet use required.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification
History and development of high-performance personnel administration in the public and nonprofit sectors regarding strategic planning, employee rights and responsibilities, performance assessment, collective bargaining, and civil-service systems. Basic competencies in the essential human resource management tools in recruitment, retention, employee development, compensation, discipline, and conflict resolution.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: Graduate classification or 6 credits of political science
Integration, application, and utilization of public administration and public policy concepts in the interpretation of results and effectiveness of public programs and the prediction of consequences for policymakers and administrators.
(Dual-listed with POL S 475). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: POL S 371
Literature and research on organizational behavior and management theory with emphasis on applied aspects of managing contemporary public-sector organizations. Distinctions between public and private organizations, leadership, productivity, employee motivation, organizational structure, and organizational change.
(Dual-listed with POL S 477). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 6 credits of POL S
Diverse perspectives on the changing roles and relationships of business, government, and society for more effective policy decisions on corporate affairs. The changing economy; transformation of workplace and community conditions; consumerism; social responsibilities of businesses; economic policies and regulations; politics in the business-government relationship.
(Dual-listed with POL S 480). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Study of decision making approaches and application to case studies. Topics such as the different roles of public officials, proper scope and use of administrative discretion, and the admissibility of religious, political, and philosophical commitments in governmental decision making.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 6 credits in political science
Policy and politics surrounding trade, exchange-rate, and finance. Role of international actors in economic development; international organizations such as the World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World bank; globalization.
(Dual-listed with POL S 487). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Sophomore standing
Impact of computers and the Internet on politics and policy. Positive and negative effects of information technology (IT) on selected topics such as hacking, cybercrime, cyberterrorism, cyberwarfare, privacy, civic participation, the sense of community, virtual cities, interest group behavior, viral media, campaigns, elections, and voting.
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 2-5. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, written permission of instructor
Cr. 3-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science, permission of the instructor
Supervised internship with administrative agencies, legislative organizations, judicial branch offices, and nonprofit groups.
Cr. arr.
Courses for graduate students:
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science
(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: 15 credits in political science
Cr. arr. Repeatable.