Political Science
Department Affiliates
Contact Information
Jolly Emrey
Department Chair & Associate Professor & Prelaw Advisor
Phone: 262-472-1124
Location: Laurentide Hall 5130
Political Science Courses
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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Science 101, Credits: 1Introduction to Political Science introduces students to the specialties within political science, outlines the academic emphases within the major and associated requirements, and explores public and private sector opportunities in the field of political science.
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AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Political Science 141, Credits: 3An introductory course covering the history, structure and functioning of American national government and its relation to state and local government.
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INTRODUCTION TO PEACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Political Science 200, Credits: 3Introduction to Peace and Social Justice teaches an interdisciplinary approach to understanding peace -- as more than the absence of war. It explores mulitple ways to create the conditions where social justice can flourish from global to local levels. Themes: non-violence, conflict resolution, human rights, environmental sustainability, and social inequallity
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AMERICAN MINORITY POLITICS
Political Science 217, Credits: 3The central concern of this course is to provide the student an awareness of the political development of racial and ethnic minorities in today's political arena. It will compare and contrast the development of the white ethnic communities of the 19th and 20th centuries with our modern day racial and ethnic minorities.
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GOVERNMENT IN ACTION: AN INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Political Science 220, Credits: 3A course to introduce students to the concepts and problems of public administration with a focus on government in action. The course emphasizes three key themes: the development of and enduring tensions in American public administration; policy tools through which public administration occurs; and contemporary theories and issues in the management of public organizations and personnel.
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LAW AND SOCIETY
Political Science 240, Credits: 3The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the development of law and legal practices from a political science perspective. Special emphasis will be paid to the political factors in our society that shape law. The manner in which law affects the politics of our society will also be stressed.
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ISSUES AND CRISES IN AMERICAN POLITICS
Political Science 247, Credits: 3An examination of selected major issues and crises confronting the American political system today. Attention will also be given to the response to these issues and crises as reflected in recent policies and proposals of the national government. Repeatable one time (different topic) for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree, but not repeatable for general studies credit.
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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
Political Science 250, Credits: 3An introduction to Western political thought, the role of ideology in politics, and perennial questions in political philosophy.
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INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS
Political Science 255, Credits: 3This course compares the political systems of five or six countries, reflecting the range of political institutions and political behavior around the world. Students will learn to develop explanations for similarities and differences in the political life of countries around the world, e.g. why are some countries democratic and others authoritarian?
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AFRICAN-AMERICAN POLITICS
Political Science 261, Credits: 3The course examines the African-American experience of race, ethnicity, class, and gender within the context of American political landscape. It will therefore explore the unique history, content and forms of African-American political participation as well as their struggle for freedom and equality as full citizens in the workings of various American political institutions.
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POLITICS OF TERRORISM AND COUNTERTERRORISM
Political Science 265, Credits: 3This course examines the definitions, sources, patterns, and ideologies of modern terrorism. It then analyzes the objectives of various terrorist organizations as well as their operations, including strategies, tactics, weaponry, financing and state sponsorship. The course concludes by assessing the various counterterrorist measures, with special emphasis on U.S. counterterrorism policy.
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ASIAN AMERICANS IN U.S. POLITICS
Political Science 266, Credits: 3This course explores political issues confronting Asian Americans in the United States. The course makes in-depth analysis of political aspects of Asian Americans as voters, as candidates, as activists and as contributors in the political process.
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POLITICS OF URBAN INEQUALITY IN THE U.S.
Political Science 280, Credits: 3The course offers a sophisticated depiction of systemic urban inequality that constrains the lives of the urban poor. The readings will feature academic books and research articles that describe and analyze the politics and life experiences in inner-city neighborhoods.
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TRAVEL STUDY
Political Science 291, Credits: 1-3Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques.
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POLITICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS
Political Science 301, Credits: 3An introduction to basic research methods in political science. Topics will include various data collection and analysis techniques on the U.S. Presidency, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, political socialization, political parties, interest groups, civil violence, rebellion, and revolution. Students will obtain "hands-on" experience with computer software designed specifically for political science and the social sciences. This is not a statistics course, and no previous knowledge of statistical methods is assumed.
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WRITING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Science 302, Credits: 3This course will allow students to improve their analytical and writing skills through various writing assignments involving different formats. Some of the assignments will involve multiple drafts, based on peer and instructor feedback.
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MEDIA AND AMERICAN POLITICS
Political Science 314, Credits: 3This course will examine the principles of media and politics, and how the media impacts American public's political attitudes and behaviors. Topics will include campaign advertising, alternative media, public space, bias, and persuasion.
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POLICE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION
Political Science 316, Credits: 3This course examines the administrative process within the criminal justice setting. Both administrative theories and principles as well as applications to the criminal justice system will be covered.
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THE AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
Political Science 317, Credits: 3The study of the organization and functioning of the legislative bodies, with particular attention to Congress: functions, membership, committee system, executive-legislative relations, pressure groups, lobbying, movement for reform.
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THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
Political Science 318, Credits: 3Analysis and discussion of the various roles of the President regarding his constitutional status and powers, nomination and election, administrative responsibilities, legislative and political leadership, and his role in the conduct of foreign relations.
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AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS
Political Science 319, Credits: 3This course will examine the development, organization, and functions of political parties and elections in the American political system. Topics include the nature and function of political parties, nominations and elections, political campaigns and campaign finance, voting behavior and party realignment issues, and the role of the party in government policy-making.
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AMERICAN INTEREST GROUP POLITICS
Political Science 321, Credits: 3This course will examine the interest group system in the United States by examining the history, roles, strategies, successes, and failures of interest groups in the American political system.
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PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS AND ADVOCACY
Political Science 330, Credits: 3A systematic introduction to the study of public policy through an analytical problem-solving approach and the use of that evidence-based approach to advocate for policy change. The course will also examine and explore public problems and policy issues.
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U.S. DISABILITY POLITICS AND POLICY
Political Science 331, Credits: 3This course will examine disability politics and policy in the United States with a special emphasis on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). It will explore the formulation and adoption of disability policy with particular attention paid to the subsequent legal challenges that have interpreted disability law and expanded rights over time.
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POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT
Political Science 340, Credits: 3This course focuses on the comparative analysis and contending interpretations of development in the developing countries. The analysis also includes the influence of the international economic system as exercised through direct foreign investment and commercial lending institutions.
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PARADOXES AND PROMISES: CRITICAL ISSUES IN URBAN EDUCATION
Political Science 341, Credits: 3This course introduces students to critical issues and policies that influence urban schools, and by extension American society. It provides a deeper understanding of paradoxes and promises we collectively face in making American schools truly equitable institutions, particularly for marginalized communities of color. Trips to regional cities are an enhanced feature of the course and are covered by course fees.
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SCIENCE POLICY AND HUMAN HEALTH
Political Science 342, Credits: 3This course will explore the intersections between science, public policy, and human health. A number of controversial scientific issues that have the potential to affect human health will be reviewed, which may include climate change, medical marijuana, genetic engineering and childhood vaccination.
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US ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY
Political Science 343, Credits: 3This course will explore opportunities and constraints in the development of environmental policy in the United States.
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STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Political Science 344, Credits: 3A study of modern American state and local governments, their evolution from colonial beginnings, their problems and their potential. Topics include constitutional revision, the role of governors, legislatures and courts, forms of urban and rural government, and state-local relations.
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FEDERALISM
Political Science 345, Credits: 3This course offers a critical and comparative exploration of orgins, operation, and significance of federalism in a variety of countries.
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INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Political Science 348, Credits: 3The course will explore theoretical perspectives as well as the expanding roles of international organizations in the context of global politics. It will provide an overview of the United Nations system, a number of regional organizations, and their contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security.
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INTERNATIONAL LAW
Political Science 350, Credits: 3A study of international law, its sources, development and content. Selected readings on theory, and form decisions and opinions of the Permanent Court of International Justice and the International Court of Justice.
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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Political Science 351, Credits: 3An introductory survey of political relations among nation-states, including the topics of war and peace, nationalism, elements of national power, conventional and nuclear weaponry, diplomacy, economic interdependence, the Third World, and international and regional organizations.
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COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT - EUROPE
Political Science 352, Credits: 3Comparative analysis of politics in contemporary Europe. Topics covered include the political institutions and political cultures of major states in Europe, nationalism and regionalism in Europe, and the institutions of the European Union.
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POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY
Political Science 356, Credits: 3An analysis of the impact of social cleavages and cohesion on the operation of political institutions; the composition and behavior of power elites; the social base of political power; the social functions of electoral behavior.
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PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
Political Science 357, Credits: 3An examination of public opinion in the United States as it concerns political and social behavior. Major topics are the acquisition of beliefs, leadership and opinion formation, voting behavior, and propaganda.
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HEALTH AND AGING POLICY
Political Science 362, Credits: 3The goal of this course is to critically examine U.S. health care policy with an emphasis on aging. The course covers content areas include history and organization of U.S. healthcare delivery systems for all individuals with an emphasis on older adults; U.S. health care policies for all individuals with an emphasis on older adults; health care policy analysis with specific attention focused on older adults.
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BLACK POLITICAL AND SOCIAL THOUGHT
Political Science 365, Credits: 3This course will utilize a Pan-African approach to provide an organized and systematic pattern of social and political ideologies/thought put forth by Black publicists and theorists concerning the organization of their society. As such, it will survey the principal personalities and major protest movements that have emerged both in the Diaspora African Community as well as those in Africa.
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ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THOUGHT: GREEK, ROMAN, CHRISTIAN
Political Science 410, Credits: 3This course will examine the political thought of the ancient and medieval worlds, focusing on the Greek, Roman and early Christian periods. Through study of texts by Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, and others, this course will highlight how these texts both reflect their own times, and inform political thinking today.
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MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT
Political Science 411, Credits: 3An introduction to the principal political concepts and ideas of the modern period, including the writings of Machiavelli, Luther, Calvin, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Hegel, Burke and others.
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CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THOUGHT
Political Science 412, Credits: 3A study in depth of certain selected topics of contemporary importance, such as the resolution of power conflicts, the theory and practice of nonviolence, and the existentialist dilemma.
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CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
Political Science 413, Credits: 3A study of judicial review, its meaning and nature. The development of constitutional relationships between the national government and the states as well as among the branches of the national government is considered.
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THE CONSTITUTION AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
Political Science 414, Credits: 3A course focusing on the constitutional development of of the freedoms of individuals and the limitations upon the powers of government, both state and national.
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE CONSTITUTION
Political Science 415, Credits: 3This course examines the role of the major participants in the criminal justice system-defendants, police, prosecutions, courts, and corrections-and the development of constitutional law regulating their behavior.
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THE CONSTITUTION AND CIVIL RIGHTS
Political Science 416, Credits: 3This course focuses on the development of constitutional law in the area of equal rights protections offered by the Fourteenth Amendment and civil rights protections guaranteed by the national government.
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POLITICS, JUSTICE, AND LAW
Political Science 417, Credits: 3In this course students will carefully analyze foundational texts in contemporary legal theory and philosophy, and investigate how the ideas formulated in these texts apply to the world of laws and morality in which we live every day. By the end of the semester students will not only have gained familiarity with these formidable texts, they will also have worked to develop critical reading and thinking skills broadly applicable to their lives outside of the classroom.
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LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING
Political Science 418, Credits: 3The purpose of this course is to introduce students to research and writing in the field of public law. Students will learn how to use a variety of legal resource materials and how to cite the materials appropriately. Students will also demonstrate a mastery of these skills by completing homework assignments and by writing two major papers.
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THE JUDICIAL PROCESS
Political Science 419, Credits: 3A study of the American judicial system as a part of the larger framework of the political, social and economic systems of the nation. Emphasis will be on topics such as the judicial role, judicial organization and jurisdiction, judicial power, and the decisional process rather than legal cases.
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AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT
Political Science 420, Credits: 3A study of the fundamental political ideas of America and the political philosophers who espoused them from colonial times to the present.
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PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
Political Science 421, Credits: 3A critical study of problems of public personnel, with particular emphasis on the process of recruiting and managing people in the public services.
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RELIGION AND AMERICAN POLITICS
Political Science 422, Credits: 3This course provides an overview of how religion influences American politics, and how the U.S. political process shapes the practice of religion in America. Students will learn about American religious history, religious pluralism, religious political behavior, religious interest groups and social movements, and religion and the U.S. constitution.
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FORMATION OF PUBLIC POLICY
Political Science 430, Credits: 3This course will examine the major public policy problems facing the United States today and the political processes seeking to resolve these problems. Special emphasis to be given to governmental cooperation in seeking to resolve these problems.
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THE POLITICS OF GOVERNMENT BUDGETING
Political Science 440, Credits: 3An introduction to the study of criteria for what services or functions should be undertaken by government and in what amounts; analyzing the effects that government spending and taxes have on the behavior of the private sector and on the political system, and evaluating the problems and solutions for allocating tax burden equitably among different groups in society.
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POLITICS OF THE METROPOLIS
Political Science 446, Credits: 3A treatment of social, economic and political forms, structures, processes and behavior in metropolitan communities. Ideas concerning the power structure and decision-making process, the role of the citizen, and the complex whole of metropolitan life will be discussed.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF LATIN AMERICA
Political Science 456, Credits: 3This is a survey course of Latin American government and politics. Major concepts and principles of comparative politics are reviewed and applied to the Latin American context. Country studies may include Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, and Venezula.
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AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
Political Science 457, Credits: 3An analysis of the forces and institutions involved in the establishment of American foreign policies. Emphasis is placed on the effect of the growth of American power and responsibility upon the development of foreign policies.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF ASIA
Political Science 460, Credits: 3A comparative study of the political structures, institutions, and processes of the nations of Asia.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF AFRICA
Political Science 461, Credits: 3The course will critically analyze the political events, major problems, processes and trends in Sub-Saharan African politics and society. It will also attempt to examine the prospects for economic development and democracy in contemporary Africa. Some African countries will be selected for special attention.
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SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY
Political Science 462, Credits: 3Provides students with the analysis and critical understanding of the policy issues surrounding historical and current social welfare programs, of new social welfare issues and of policy decisions that lead to changes in programming. Community organization, as an intervention approach, will be explored.
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PEACE STUDIES: CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Political Science 463, Credits: 3The course will critically analyze the political events, major problems, processes and trends in international and regional conflicts. It will examine the prospect for peaceful negotiation among states and international organizations to solve international crises.
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GLOBAL GENDER POLITICS
Political Science 464, Credits: 3This course takes seriously the explanatory power and importance of gender in the study of global politics. It explores the roles of women and men, femininities and masculinities in the shaping, defining, and legitimating of world affairs. Using a critical, interdisciplinary perspective, this course considers how gender helps us better understand security, the global political economy, and global governance.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Political Science 471, Credits: 3An intense investigation of the social, economic, and political conditions of Islamic, Arab and non-Arab countries of the Middle East. Topics include basic tenets of Islam: political culture, formation of nation states, political systems (monarchies and republics), consequences of political development and modernization, and the role of the Middle East in international politics.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF CHINA
Political Science 472, Credits: 3This course exposes students to the breadth of Chinese government and politics. It briefly overviews the traditional Chinese system, its breakdown, and the rise of communism. It also overviews a more detailed treatment of the characteristics and major events of the communist era.
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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF JAPAN
Political Science 480, Credits: 3This course will present a historic and thematic overview of political development in contemporary Japan. It consists of analysis of japanese postwar politics, government decision-making stuctures and processes, foreign affairs and political economy.
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COMPARATIVE LAW AND DEVELOPMENT
Political Science 481, Credits: 3The purpose of this course on comparative law is to explore the main methodological traditions as well as their practical implications in comparing different legal institutions in the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The first part of this course addresses the methodological preferences present at the inception of the discipline of comparative law at the turn of the twentieth century. It addresses the classic distinction between civil law and common law and between continental Europe and Anglo-American legal systems.
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SEMINAR IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Political Science 489, Credits: 3A study of the complex aspects of administrative organization, behavior and decision-making in the area of public policy through the examination of a variety of pertinent cases.
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WORKSHOP
Political Science 490, Credits: 1-6Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.
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TRAVEL STUDY
Political Science 491, Credits: 1-3Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques.
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INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political Science 493, Credits: 1-12Study and work with a government unit or in some area of public affairs under the direction of a faculty supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to combine academic learning with practical experience in government and politics. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits in major/degree.
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SPECIAL STUDIES
Political Science 496, Credits: 1-3Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree.
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EXCHANGE STUDY
Political Science 497, Credits: 1-12Variable topics. See Schedule of Classes.
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INDEPENDENT STUDY
Political Science 498, Credits: 1-3Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits in major/degree. Department Consent required.
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INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Political Science 498R, Credits: 1-3Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits in major/degree. Department Consent required.
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SENIOR HONORS THESIS
Political Science 499, Credits: 3Individual research for majors writing thesis for honors degree; emphasis upon depth, scope and individual research on approved topics under the supervision of a member of the faculty.