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

Departmental Honors Courses are occasionally offered by the Political Science Department. Political Science majors are encouraged to apply for the Honors College if they meet Honors College application eligibility requirements. Visit www.honorscollege.vt.edu for more information.

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, xenophobia, etc. 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, voting franchise, political parties, and elections. Roles and responsibilities of Congress, bureaucracy, Presidency, and federal courts; Discussion of selected current policy issues and implications of diversity of elected representatives. (3H,3C)

1014H: HONORS 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, voting franchise, political parties, and elections. Roles and responsibilities of Congress, bureaucracy, Presidency, and federal courts; Discussion of selected current policy issues and implications of diversity of elected representatives. (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 ’management’ 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 the 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
Introduction to theories and methods in the study of global political economy. Topics include: historical origins, comparative advantage, the factor endowment trade theory, the gold standard, economic nationalism, the Great Depression, the Bretton Woods System, Keynesianism, the Nixon shocks, international organizations, monetary governance, the Great Recession, poverty and underdevelopment, and contemporary challenges of income inequality within and among economies. (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 the European system and the 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.

29843: 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. (3H,3C)

3034 (GEOG 3034) (IS 3034): THE CIA: ITS CAPABILITIES IN TODAY’S 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 CIA’s operations in different regions of the world. (3H,3C)

3044 (IS 3044): THE POLITICS OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE
Introduces students to theoretical, technological, and policy debates in Internet governance. Topics include multistakeholder governance, cybersecurity and cybercrime, network investigative techniques, data protection, vulnerability disclosure, use of anonymity-granting technologies, network neutrality, virtual currencies, big data, algorithmic bias and decision-making, politics of the domain name system, privacy, free expression, cross-border dispute resolution, data ownership, and challenges to state authority. Pre: 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)

3054 (IS 3054): THE DARK WEB AND THREAT ANALYTICS
Introduction to dual-use anonymity-granting technologies such as the Dark Web. Covers open source threat intelligence as a technique to assess trends and trajectories in anonymous online content. Substantive topics include the use of Dark Web technologies for political expression in repressive regimes, anonymity and privacy protection in an age of big data as well as the misuse of these tools for doxing, trolling, and the creation of illegal markets for drugs, guns, malicious software, human trafficking, and child abuse imagery. Junior Standing (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 of 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 constraints, 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, explores 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; citizens’ 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 world’s 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)

4074 (IS 4074): THE POLITICS OF CYBERSECURITY
Analyses the politics of cybercrime, cyberwar, and the challenges of producing effective cybersecurity. Topics include the economics of cybersecurity, the cross-border nature of global cybercrime, encryption and anonymity-granting technologies, targeting critical national infrastructure, network investigative techniques, cybersecurity measurement, politics of zero-day vulnerabilities, and the process of providing effective cybersecurity at the individual, organizational, subnational, and national levels. Pre: 3044 or IS 3044. (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. 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. 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. 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. 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.