Political Science
- Overview
- General Option for the B.A. Degree
- Legal Studies Option for the B.A. Degree
- National Security Option for the B.A. Degree
- Political Thought Option for the B. A. Degree
- Minors
- Regarding Double Majors
- Advising
- Internships
- Student Organizations
- Satisfactory Progress
- Study Abroad
- Honors
- Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PSCI)
Chair: Karen M. Hult
University Distinguished Professor: T. W. Luke
Edward S. Diggs Professor in the Social Sciences: E. Weisband
Professors: F. Debrix, K. M. Hult, I. A. Luciak, and C. L. Taylor
Associate Professors: C. Apodaca, P. Dixit, B. Koch, D. J. Milly, W. D. Moore, S. G. Nelson, I. Stivachtis, and L. Zanotti
Assistant Professors: P. C. Avey, G. Blouin-Genest, A. F. Brantley, R. C. Briggs, M. Caraccioli, C. Daggett, N. Goedert, R. Kalyan, J. P. Kelly, K. E. Kitchens, E. Jardine, C. Jewitt, L. P. Plotica, B. Pula, and A. J. Scerri
Visiting Assistant Professors: B. S. Faulkner and C. I. P. Thomas
Instructors: J. A. Hanratty
Emeritus Faculty: R.C. Rich, R.D. Shingles, and C.E. Walcott
Internship Director: C. I. P. Thomas (231-2855)
Web: www.psci.vt.edu
Overview
The department offers courses leading to degrees in Political Science and International Studies. These courses provide understanding of political systems, forms of government, international relations and other political processes throughout the world. Political science courses also offer preparation for careers in government, business, nonprofit/nongovernemnt organizations, law, politics, and education.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
General Option for the B.A. Degree
The general option encourages students to take courses in all of the subfields of political science, including political theory, comparative politics and government, U.S. politics and government, international relations, and research methodologies and methods. This permits students to describe, analyze, and evaluate governments, public policies, and political processes, systems, and behaviors, locally, nationally and globally. Students choosing this option pursue careers in government, nongovernmental organizations, business, education, law, policy analysis, and politics.
Legal Studies Option for the B.A. Degree
The Legal Studies option allows students to explore values, ideas, and reasoning linked to public law, its design, and its impact, preparing them for law school, graduate work in public policy fields, and a range of endeavors in and outside of governments. The option is not intended to be a pre-law program, although students hoping to attend law school may enroll for the option and may well benefit from its achievement.
National Security Option for the B.A. Degree
This option is intended to help students understand policy making in relation to the national security of the United States. Students are directed toward courses in foreign and military policy and the presidential and congressional branches of U.S. government.
Political Thought Option for the B. A. Degree
This option directs attention to courses in the department that focus upon political thought and to courses in other university departments that deal with ethical thought. This cross-disciplinary approach is designed to enable students to contextualize their study of political theory and ethics in a broad scholarly framework.
Minors
The requirements to earn a minor in Political Science or in National Security and Foreign Affairs can be found on the specific checksheets available on the University Registrar's website.
Students majoring or minoring in Political Science or in International Studies may not complete the National Security and Foreign Affairs minor.
Regarding Double Majors
The Department of Political Science offers majors in both Political Science and International Studies. Courses for the majors overlap significantly. Therefore, students may not pursue a major in Political Science and a major in International Studies simultaneously, nor major in one and minor in the other.
Advising
The department provides advisors to help students understand and meet degree requirements. Career counseling also is available in the department, as is advising for students interested in attending graduate or law school after graduation from Virginia Tech.
Internships
The department arranges academic credit for internships in state, local, and federal governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate settings. The department's internship program offers students a chance to gain career-related experience in a wide variety of organizations. Information on these opportunities can be obtained from the internship director.
Student Organizations
To provide opportunities for informal association of faculty and students, the department sponsors the Political Science Club; a chapter of Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law honor society; a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society in political science; and other student organizations such as Model United Nations. Information about these activities, as well as about any other aspect of the department, may be obtained from the department chair, advisors, or the department office.
Satisfactory Progress
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the Curriculum for Liberal Education (see Academics chapter in this catalog), toward the department's general education requirements, and toward the degree in Political Science.
Satisfactory progress toward the B.A. in political science requires completion of PSCI 1014, 1024, and 2024 within the first 60 credit hours attempted. Students must also maintain an in-major GPA of 2.0 and must achieve a minimum grade of C in both PSCI 1014 and 1024.
Study Abroad
Virginia Tech offers a variety of study abroad programs.
Honors
Honors courses are offered in Political Science. Majors in the department also may be admitted into the University Honors Program. In this program, they may choose among a variety of honors diplomas. Several of these require a senior honors thesis written under the direction of a faculty member in the department.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PSCI)
1004 (IS 1004): NATIONS AND NATIONALITIES
Introduction to world and American ethnic and indigenous
cultures and to social constructions of human and group
identity, nationalism and extreme ethno-nationalism. History
of the political, economic, and cultural transition from
primordial communities to sovereign states. Introduction to
the rise of racism, sexism, ethnicism, classism, nativism,
and xenophobia in modern societies and episodes of mass
political violence including ethnic cleansing and genocide.
(3H,3C)
1014: INTRODUCTION TO UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Introduction to government and politics of the United States
the Constitution, and various institutional designs and
structures. Focus on political culture, interest groups,
political parties, and elections. Roles and
responsibilities of Congress, bureaucracy, Presidency,
and federal courts; Discussion of slected current policy
issues.
(3H,3C)
1014H: HONORS INTRODUCTION TO UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
(3H,3C)
1024 (IS 1024): INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Government and politics of selected countries in the world:
the necessity for government; the nature of politics and
governmental systems; specific types of political systems;
the effects and consequences of institutional designs;
linkages of people and governments through political
parties, interest groups, and social movements; current
political issues.
(3H,3C)
1024H: HONORS INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
(3H,3C)
1034 (IS 1034): INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
Introduces students to the fields of International Studies
and Political Science and their respective subfields.
Familiarizes students with the undergraduate programs in
International Studies and Political Science and emphasizes
student preparation for careers in the respective fields.
Focuses on inquiry, problem-solving, and integration of
ideas and experiences with a focus on International Studies
and Political Science. Familiarizes students with the basic
principles of the research and writing principles.
(3H,3C)
2014: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
Examines central themes involved in the practices of
normative political theory. Topics will include critical
review of the historical origins, established traditions,
and major themes in normative political thinking.
(3H,3C)
2024: RESEARCH METHODS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Introduction to research in political science; formulation
of theory, operationalization and measurement, gathering,
analysis and interpretation of data.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H, 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
2034 (GEOG 2034) (IS 2034): GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBAL CONFLICT
Geographical dimensions of global conflicts, international
âmanagementâ of conflicts, conflicts of differences,
historical, ideological, failed states and resources will be
examined. Background to conflicts, current status of
conflicts, different points of view in conflict. Topics in
the course will change as the geography of global
conflict changes.
(3H,3C)
2044 (FST 2044) (IS 2044): FOOD, WAR AND CONFLICT
Explores the history of food production and processing
relative to the commencement or continuation of conflict.
Examines why and how wars have been fought over
economic policies, food trade and control of food supplies.
Examines efforts to protect food and water supplies from
intentional contamination and acts of terrorism. Focus on
food products and teh preservation, processing and
distribution technologies that arose from war and conflict.
(3H,3C)
2054 (GEOG 2054) (IS 2054): INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS
An introduction to the prevalent methods and theories in the
study of world politics. Topics include: historical
context of contemporary world politics, global actors and
power relations, conflict and conflict resolution,
international law, and contemporary global issues.
(3H,3C)
2064 (GEOG 2064) (IS 2064): THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND WORLD POLITICS
An introduction to the interaction of politics and
economics, power and wealth, within the world political
economy. Topics include: the international financial system,
the dynamics and principles of trade, and the role of
transnational firms, as well as issues of environmental
protection, sustainable development, and the distribution
of wealth and power.
(3H,3C)
2074: LAW AND POLITICS
Explores the roles of law and legal institutions within the
United States. Focuses on structures and procedures of
government from a constitutional perspective; the politics
of law-making and law-enforcement by legislative, executive,
and judicial institutions; and relationships between law and
society.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
2084 (IS 2084): THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO GLOBAL ORDER
Examines the evolution of the inter-state system and focuses
on the political, economic, societal and technological
processes that shape the relations among states and
people. Investigates topics such as the role of religion,
culture and civilizations in world affairs; the
globalization of teh European system and teh question of
human equality; the impact of colonialism and post-
colonialism on the question of justice and rights; and the
effects of imperialism, capitalism and globalization on
world order.
(3H,3C)
2134 (GEOG 2134) (IS 2134): GEOG OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
Geographical dimensions of the global economy since World
War II. Globalization and the emergence of a new
international division of labor. The relative decline of
the United States and the growth of Japan, East Asia and the
European Union. Changing geographies of foreign direct
investment location. Places and regions in geo-economic
discourse. Population and resources issues in the early
twenty-first century.
(3H,3C)
2894 (ECON 2894) (PHIL 2894): INTRODUCTION PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, AND ECONOMICS
Integrated study of philosophy, politics, and economics.
Trains students to make decisions that are not only
economically sound, but also socially, ethically, and
politically informed. Topics included: models of human
nature, rational choice theory, social cooperation,
distributive justice, markets, and democracy.
(3H,3C)
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3004 (IS 3004): PROFESSIONALISM AND CAREERS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Designed to teach students how to synthesize skills and
information learned in their Political Science and
International Studies classes. Exploration of various career
options, graduate school options, and proper procedures for
seeking and applying for employment and graduate
school. Introduction to professionalism in the workplace
and professional development in the area of political
science and international studies. Junior Standing.
(3H,3C)
3015,3016 (PHIL 3015, 3016): POLITICAL THEORY
Analysis of the fundamental ideas in the history of
political theory. 3015: The thought and ethical
implications of philosophers from the ancient Greeks to
early modern times. Analysis of writings from Plato
through medieval theorists to those of the Seventeenth
Century. 3016: The thought and ethical implications
of philosophers from the late Seventeenth Century to
the present. Analysis of key concepts in the thought
of theorists from the early modern period until the
present.
Pre: 2014.
(3H,3C)
3034 (GEOG 3034) (IS 3034): THE CIA: ITS CAPABILITIES IN TODAYâS GEO-POLITICAL WORLD
Role of the discipline of geography in the origins,
procedures, and history of CIA. Role of the CIA
in providing national intelligence at both strategic and
operational levels. Origins and changes to the CIA since
WWII. Capabilities to support both policy-makers and
national security entities. Case studies illustrating the
CIAâs operations in different regions of the world.
(3H,3C)
3104 (IS 3104): SECURITY STUDIES: THEORIES AND CONCEPTS
Introduces the various theoretical approaches to security.
Examines key concepts in the field of Security Studies,
such as uncertainty, polarity, war, coercion, terrorism,
intelligence, genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic
conflict, and human security.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3114 (IS 3114): GLOBAL SECURITY
Explores various theoretical approaches to security and
discusses traditional and non-traditional security issues.
Focuses on global, international and regional security
challenges and examines alternative strategic and
tactical solutions for addressing them.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3115,3116 (IS 3115, 3116): SELECTED WORLD PROBLEMS
Selected world problems and how they affect various
countries. Each semester, a topic will be chosen.
(3H,3C)
3125-3126 (IS 3125-3126): INTELLIGENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY
Introduces students to the field of Intelligence Studies.
Focuses on the structure, role and capabilities fo the U.S.
intelligence community and investigates the relationship
between intelligence and national security strategy.
Addresses topics pertaining to data collection and
intelligence analysis, covert operations and
counterintelligence. 3125: Intelligence and National
Security. 3126: The Intelligence Process.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 3125; IS 3125 or PSCI 3125 for 3126.
(3H,3C)
3134 (IS 3134): GLOBAL CONFLICT AND WAR
Focuses on the causes, legal and moral contstraints,
impacts, and consequences of conflict and war. Explores
historical and contemporary cases of conflict and war and
investigates the role of state and non-state actors in these
conflicts. Examines the impact of technology, religion,
culture and identity on the present and future of war.
(3H,3C)
3135-3136 (IS 3135-3136): STRATEGIES FOR MODERN WARFARE
3135: Analyzes the theory and practice of conventional
warfare and investigates how strategic thought has
influenced and shaped modern warfare. 3136: Examines the
theory and practice of irregular warfare and focuses on the
theory and practice of counterinsurgency and
counterterrorism.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 3135; IS 3135 or PSCI 3135 for 3136.
(3H,3C)
3144 (IS 3144): GLOBAL GOVERNANCE & PUBLIC POLICY
Examines the norms, institutions, practices and processes
developed by the international community to address global
problems such as poverty, pandemics, global warming,
displaced persons and transnational crim. Utilizes theories
of decision- and policy-making and investigates the role of
states, international governmental and non-governmental
organizations, coalitions and corporations in global public
policy-making.
Pre: (IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054), (IS 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064).
(3H,3C)
3154 (IS 3154): TOPICS IN GLOBAL PUBLIC POLICIES
Examines in depth selected global public policies pertaining
to health, energy, development, education, refugees or
labor. May be repeated with different content for a maximum
of nine (9) credits.
Pre: (IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054), (IS 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064).
(3H,3C)
3165,3166 (IS 3165, 3166): GLOBAL ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE & POLICY
3165: International Trade - Focuses on the operations of
global and regional international organizations such as the
World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Union (EU), the
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD),
the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) and the
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and examines
their policies and regulations. 3166: International Finance-
Focuses on the operations of global and regional
international organizations such as the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, the European Union (EU),
the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) and examines their policies and regulations.
Pre: IS 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064.
(3H,3C)
3175,3176 (IS 3175, 3176): GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
3175: The Politics of Development - Examines issues and
politics of the developing world and investigates the forces
that promote or cut off economic development in low-income
countries. Discusses development issues in various world
regions. 3176: Economic Development - Emphasizes economic
development and focuses on domestic and international
policies aiming at addressing poverty in the developing
world.
Pre: (IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054), (IS 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064).
(3H,3C)
3184 (IS 3184): HUMAN SECURITY
Introduces the field of human security and examines the
conceptual, theoretical and methodological issues
surrounding it. Identifies the relevant human security
actors, expolores the tools of human security, and discusses
the application of human security. Investigates the
implications of human security and discusses its future.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3194 (IS 3194): NUCLEAR STRATEGY & POLITICS
Examines the fundamentals of nuclear strategy and
investigates the politics associated with the acquisition
and proliferation of nuclear weapons. Focuses on nuclear
doctrines and policies and explores international efforts
associated with nuclear arms control and disarmament.
Analyzes the nuclear postures of various nuclear states.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3214: POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Levels and types of political participation; reasons for
participation; who participates and why; effects of
political activity on political processes.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H or 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3224: PUBLIC OPINION
Sources and distribution of public opinion; measurement of
public opinion; relationships between public opinion and
public policy; institutions linking public opinion to
government decisions.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H or 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3234: VOTING AND ELECTIONS
Voting, elections, and support for political parties and
party leaders in the United States and other Western
democracies; impact of economic conditions on political
support and patterns of realignment and dealignment.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H or 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3244 (COMM 3244): POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
Distribution of political information; elite-mass
communication; alternative models of political
communication; communication and telecommunications policy.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H or 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3254 (COMM 3254): MEDIA AND POLITICS
Explore the role of the mass media in contemporary
American politics by examining the development of media as
sources of social and political influence. Study of news
organizations, their coverage of electoral and issue
campaigns, and their impact on candidates and voters.
Includes the role of new technologies in campaigns.
Pre: Junior Standing.
(3H,3C)
3255,3256: THE POLITICS OF RACE, ETHNICITY AND GENDER
Studies the status and political behavior of selected
political minorities. 3255: compares African-, Mexican-
and Native-Americans. 3256: examines diverse political
responses to traditional gender roles, current gender
issues, and the unique gender problems facing people of
color.
Pre: 1014 or 1024.
(3H,3C)
3264: INTEREST GROUPS
Formation, structure, activities, and regulation of interest
groups; comparison of American interest groups with those
in other countries; evaluation of interest groups as
participants in the political process.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H or 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3274: POLITICAL PARTIES
Development, organization, activities, and personnel of
political parties; citizensâ partisan attitudes and
behavior; origins, characteristics, stability, and changes
of party systems.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H or 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3314: CONGRESS
Congressional structure; organization and procedure;
characteristics of members of Congress; Congressional
elections; decision-making and external influences;
change and reform.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3324: THE PRESIDENCY
Election, institutionalization, staffing, relations with
Congress, and the bureaucracy; initiation and implementation
of public policy.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3334: JUDICIAL PROCESS
Structure and functions of American legal institutions;
participants in the process, impact of legal institutions
on society.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3344 (UAP 3344): GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES
Critical examination of major global environmental problems
(e.g., global warming, atmospheric ozone depletion, acid
rain, tropical deforestation, toxic waste) with emphasis
on their social, economic, political, ethical, and
policy implications and solutions. Pre: Completion of
Area 4 of University Core.
(3H,3C)
3354: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: STRUCTURES AND RELATIONSHIPS
Power and authority of president, Congress, and courts;
division of powers between states and federal government.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3364: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS
Civil rights and liberties; rights of criminal defendants;
competing conceptions of constitutional rights.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3414 (UAP 3434): PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The role and context of public administration in the
contemporary United States, administrative organization
and decision-making, public finance, human resources
administration, and program implementation.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3424: STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Institutions, functions, and policies of state, county,
and municipal governments in the U.S.; issues confronting
these governments in the federal system.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3434: URBAN POLITICS
Basic concepts of urban politics; governmental structures,
policy processes, and political conflicts in U.S. cities,
policy options for coping with urban problems.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3444 (UAP 3444): ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND POLICY
The legal context of the exercise of discretion by public
administrators in the United States. Adjudication and rule-
making; access to administrative processes and information;
legislative and judicial control of administration.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3514: LATIN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Introduction to the political systems of Latin American
countries, including legislative-executive relations,
interest groups, political parties, electoral systems,
political violence, and socio-political development.
Pre: 1014H or 1024.
(3H,3C)
3515,3516: EUROPEAN POLITICAL SYSTEMS
The government and politics of selected European states and
of the European Union. 3515: normally includes the United
Kingdom. 3516: normally includes Germany and Hungary.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3524: POLITICS OF POST-COMMUNIST SYSTEMS
Institutions, party structures, political economy, elite
politics, ethnic conflicts, leadership dynamics, and mass
political behavior in Russia and other post-communist
political systems.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3534: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Survey of major concepts and themes in the study of African
politics and development: analyses of the state, political
institutions, social forces, democratization, sustainable
development, issues of contemporary African politics.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3544 (JUD 3544) (RLCL 3544): THE STATE OF ISRAEL: A POLITICAL HISTORY
This course provides a survey on the political history of
the State of Israel and highlights major themes uniquely
characterizing the specific events surrounding its
establishment and its first 50 years of existence.
Additionally, the course will add a comparative dimension
by using the political history of Israel as a case study to
discuss major themes in political science such as democracy,
government, political economy, etc.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H or JUD 2134.
(3H,3C)
3554: COMPARATIVE POLITICAL ECONOMY
Economic policies and collective choice processes of
pre-industrial, industrializing, and advanced industrial
states; problems and crises of industrial development,
economic distribution, and technological transfer in the
transition from an agrarian to advanced industrial society.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3564: VIOLENT POLITICAL CHANGE
Historical origins, political processes, and institutional
outcomes of violent political change, rising from mass
protest movements, revolutionary organization, military
coups, and radical political parties.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3574: GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF JAPAN
Introduction to governmental institutions, patterns of
political organization and behavior, and key policies of the
Japanese political system.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3584: GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICS OF ASIA
Introduction to governmental institutions, political
behavior, and social and economic policy approaches of China
and other selected countries in the Asian region.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3615-3616 (IS 3615-3616): INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Structure and development of the modern international
system; theories of international politics; international
law; international organizations.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 or PSCI 2064 or IS 2064 or GEOG 2064 for 3615;
2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054 or PSCI 2064 or IS 2064 or GEOG 2064 for 3616.
(3H,3C)
3624 (IS 3624): FOREIGN POLICY AND DIPLOMACY
Focuses on actors, issues, and processes pertaining to
foreign policy formulation and implementation. Examines
theoretical and historical perspectives on foreign policy
analysis. Investigates the national security, foreign
policy, and diplomacy nexus. Discusses types of diplomacy
and diplomatic methods.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3625,3626 (IS 3625, 3626): US-RUSSIA FOREIGN POLICIES
3625: Formulation of American foreign policy; roles of the
President, Congress, press, public, and bureaucracy; central
themes, issues, and problems of American diplomacy; 3626:
Development and operational practices of Russian foreign
policy decision-making in the international environment;
party and state political institutions; Marxist-Leninist
ideology.
Pre: 1024 or 1024H.
(3H,3C)
3634 (IS 3634): HUMAN RIGHTS: GLOBAL ISSUES
Identification, articulation and clarification of the
relationship between human rights and other
contemporary international phenomena, issues, events,
and processes that affect human rights. Detailed
consideration of the diverse traditions and cultural
interpretations of human rights.
Pre: 1024 or 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3684 (AINS 3684): INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND WORLD POLITICS
A survey of the historical and contemporary struggles of
indigenous peoples throughout the world. Examines the
dynamics of colonialism (internal and external), identity
construction, gender, cultural integrity, and the ongoing
global indigenous rights discourse. In addition to covering
broad global processes/theoretical approaches,
comparative case studies of particular indigenous groups,
such as the Maasai (Kenya, Tanzania) and Mayans (Mexico,
Guatemala, Belize), are used to highlight the global,
regional and intra-community diversity among contemporary
indigenous peoples.
(3H,3C)
3704 (IS 3704): NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY
Focuses on the causes of war and the conditions of peace.
Examines the logic, levels, and outcomes of strategy and
investigates the impact of international law and politics on
the use of force. Explores contemporary strategic
theory and discusses current issues in grand strategy.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3714 (UAP 3714): THE U. S. POLICY PROCESS
Description and analysis of the processes and institutions
involved in the making and implementation of public policy
in the United States, with a primary focus on domestic and
economic policy. Empirical and normative models of the
process of public policy making in the U.S.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3724: POVERTY AND WELFARE POLICY
Public policies regarding the poor, impact of current
policies; future policy options.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3734 (IS 3734): NATIONAL SECURITY
Post-1945 strategic problems, policies, and security
commitments of major participants in international politics,
especially the United States and Russia; effects
of security policies on international and domestic
political economies.
Pre: 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3735-3736 (IS 3735-3736): NATIONAL SECURITY POLICIES
Investigates the purposes, contexts and processes of
national security policymaking both in the United States and
in other states around the world. 3735: Focuses on Homeland
Security. 3736: Focuses on Defense Policy.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 3735; IS 3735 or PSCI 3735 for 3736.
(3H,3C)
3744 (UAP 3744): PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS
Methods and approaches used in the analysis and evaluation
of public policy; strengths and limitations of various
analytic tools; normative issues in the practice of policy
analysis.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3754: AMERICAN POLITICAL THEORY
American political theory from the pre-Revolutionary era to
the present. American contribution to the understanding of
freedom, equality, political community, constitutionalism,
political dissent, and the welfare state.
Pre: 1014 or 1014H.
(3H,3C)
3764: CONTEMPORARY DEMOCRATIC THEORY
History and critiques of classical theories of democracy;
contradictions within and contemporary problems facing
democracy; future of democracy according to conservative,
liberal, and radical theoretical perspectives.
Pre: 2014, (3015 or 3016).
(3H,3C)
3774 (UAP 3774): MARXIAN POLITICAL ANALYSIS
Contemporary uses of Marxian concepts and theories to study
the world economy, business structure, current social
issues, modern ethical values, and alienation.
Pre: 2014, (3016 or 3554).
(3H,3C)
3784: ORIGINS OF THE STATE
Theories of the origins of politics and government; evidence
of state formation in prehistoric societies; political
behavior in contemporary pre-literate societies as precursor
to state formation.
Pre: 2014, (3015 or 3016).
(3H,3C)
3794 (IS 3794): TERRORISM AND COUNTERTERRORISM
Examines approaches to the categorizations and
causes of terrorism and discusses national and
regional understanding of terrorism. Explores official
and popular understandings of terrorism over time and across
regions and investigates how social actors legitimate their
use of violence. Focuses on the development of useful
counterterrorism policies and utilizes case studies in
terrorism and counterterrorism to emphasize the link
between theory and practice.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4024 (IS 4024): SEMINAR IN DIPLOMACY AND SECURITY
In-depth analysis of selected topics in diplomacy, strategy,
and national security including issues pertaining to
international conflict and cooperation; dimensions of
national power; objectives of national policy and
implementation of national strategy; diplomatic
negotiations; and conflict resolution. Senior Standing.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
4034 (IS 4034): TOPICS IN DIPLOMACY LAB
Examines the fundamentals of policy analysis and formulation
and emphasizes research and writing on topics pertaining to
diplomacy, security, and foreign policy. Focuses on policy
analysis and evaluation and concentrates on policy design.
Emphasizes preparation and presentation of policy reports.
May be taken three times for credit with different policy
topics. Pre: Junior Standing.
(3H,3C)
4054 (IS 4054): SEMINAR IN GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
Examines theoretical and historical approaches to global
political economy and assesses their practical implications.
Focuses on issue areas such as production, trade, money,
finance and investment and analyzes their implications for
the global economic and political order. Investigates
issues pertaining to economies of development and in
transition. Senior Standing.
Pre: IS 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064.
(3H,3C)
4064 (IS 4064): SEMINAR IN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
Examines how economic and political forces interact in the
developing world, discusses the history of these
interactions from the pre-colonial period to the present and
explores how colonialism shaped the developing worldâs
economic and political trajectories. Utilizes case studies,
historical analysis and development economies to better
understand the economic and political condition of countries
in the developing world. Senior Standing.
(3H,3C)
4214: SENIOR SEMINAR IN POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
Political behavior: socialization, voting, opinion formation
and expression, decision-making in government, as explained
by personality, rationality, culture, class, and
institutional roles. Topics vary from semester to semester
as announced. Must have senior standing.
Pre: 3214 or 3224 or 3234 or 3244 or 3264 or 3274.
(3H,3C)
4314: SENIOR SEMINAR IN POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
Selected topics in political institutions, including
decision-making, types and structures of political
institutions, internal and external influences on
institutional behavior. Topics vary from semester to
semester. Must have senior standing.
X-grade allowed.
Pre: 3314 or 3324 or 3334 or 3515 or 3516 or 3524.
(3H,3C)
4324: SENIOR SEMINAR IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
Cases, law review articles, and related materials containing
describing, or commenting on major decisions of
the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics vary from semester to
semester as announced. Must have senior standing.
Pre: 3354 or 3364.
(3H,3C)
4414: SENIOR SEMINAR IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Selected topics in public administration, including
norms of practice, government personnel, administrative
process, administrative law, privatizing, and contracting.
Topics vary from semester to semester as announced.
Must have senior standing.
Pre: 3414 or 3424 or 3444.
(3H,3C)
4514: SENIOR SEMINAR IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS
Selected topics in the comparative analysis of political
behavior, processes, and institutions; cross-national
institutional and aggregate data analysis. Topics vary
from semester to semester as announced. Must have
senior standing.
Pre: 3515 or 3516 or 3524 or 3554 or 3564 or 3514 or 3534 or 3544 or 3574 or 3584.
(3H,3C)
4614 (IS 4614): SENIOR SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Selected topics in international relations, including
objectives of national policy, dimensions and components
of national power, comparative diplomacy, international
conflict and cooperation, instruments for conflict
resolution. Topics vary from semester to semester as
announced. Must have senior standing and any two of
the prerequisites.
Pre: 3615 or 3616 or 3625 or 3626 or 3734.
(3H,3C)
4624 (UAP 4624): THE WASHINGTON SEMESTER: SEMINAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY
This seminar is the integrative forum for the principal
elements of the Washington Semester experience. The course
explores both the role of political institutions in policy
formation and implementation and the primary managerial and
leadership challenges that arise for implementing
organization managers in American democratic public
policy-making. Pre: Junior standing or instructor consent
and acceptance into the Washington Semester program.
X-grade allowed.
(3H,3C)
4644 (UAP 4644): THE WASHINGTON SEMESTER: POLITICS, POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION IN A DEMOCRACY
This course is part of the Washington Semester. Explores
the relationship between the imperatives of democratic
mobilization, policy choices and organizational choices
through intensive study of the operating context of a
selected public or nonprofit organization. Examines
implications of policy-maker choices for implementing
institution dynamics and challenges. Pre: Junior standing
and acceptance into the Washington Semester program
required.
X-grade allowed.
Pre: 3714.
(3H,3C)
4714 (IS 4714): SENIOR SEMINAR IN POLICY ANALYSIS
Theoretical, analytical, and methodological approaches
used to assess government activities and public policy.
Topics vary from semester to semester as announced.
Must have senior standing.
Pre: 3724, 3734.
(3H,3C)
4724: SENIOR SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY
Selected topics in analytic political philosophy,
contemporary ideologies, and democratic theory. Topics
vary from semester to semester as announced. Senior
standing required. Must have senior standing and any two
of the prerequisites.
Pre: 3015 or 3016 or 3764 or 3754 or 3774.
(3H,3C)
4734 (IS 4734): THEORIES AND PRACTICES OF INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Examines alternative perspectives on peace, security, and
international intervention and their implications for
policy. Focuses on the role international organizations and
other actors in conflict resolution and peace-building and
explores issues pertaining to humanitarian intervention,
human security, and state-building. Utilizes case studies in
peacekeeping and peace building to highlight the link
between theory and practice.
Pre: 3616.
(3H,3C)
4735,4736 (IS 4735, 4736): MULTILATERAL DIPLOMACY WORKSHOP
Investigates the purpose, context, and process of
multilateral diplomacy and focuses on the strategies and
tactics associated with it. Examines format and products of
multilateral conferences, decision-making process,
negotiations, mediation, delegation management, and
conference management. Utilizes case studies and
simulations. 4735: focuses on multilateral diplomacy
at the United Nations. 4736: focuses on multilateral
diplomacy in the framework of regional international
organizations.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 4735; 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 4736.
(3H,3C)
4744 (IS 4744): INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS WORKSHOP
Examines the impact of historical experience and
bureaucratic structures on intelligence analysis.
Discusses the contents of the intelligence agenda
and explores issues pertaining to intelligence analysis.
Focuses on the intelligence process and offers a
target-centric approach to intelligence analysis.
Emphasizes and evaluates the use of structured
analytic techniques in intelligence analysis.
Pre: IS 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054.
(3H,3C)
4754: INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Qualified students are placed in an administrative or
legislative staff position under the combined supervision of
a faculty member and a responsible supervisor in the
employing agency. Detailed reports on the internship
experience and a specific project will be required of each
intern. (Variable credit to maximum of 6 credits for a
full-time position over an entire semester). Three hours of
appropriate advanced American government courses, Junior
standing, a screening interview, GPA of 3.00 or better and
consent required.
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
4884 (ECON 4884) (PHIL 4884): ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, AND ECONOMICS
Advanced topics at the intersection of philosophy, politics,
and economics. Core methods and concepts: utility theory,
game theory, social choice theory, public choice theory,
markets, justice, and democracy. Senior research project.
Advanced discourse. Pre: Senior standing.
Pre: PHIL 2894 or PSCI 2894 or ECON 2894.
(3H,3C)
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.