PS - Political Science
Courses
PS 100 Intro to Political Science credit: 3 Hours.
Surveys the major concepts and approaches employed in the study of politics. Credit is not given toward graduation for both PS 100 and PS 200.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 101 Intro to US Gov & Pol credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the organization and development of national, state, and local governments in the U.S.; the federal system; the U.S. Constitutions; civil and political rights; the party system; and the nature, structure, powers, and procedures of national political institutions. This course may require limited participation as a subject in research.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 125 Washington Experience credit: 3 Hours.
An examination of political Washington and policymaking. Through visits to think tanks, nonprofit organizations and agencies we will examine the policymaking world in Washington and get to know different participants in this process, what they do, and how they interact and work to affect policy and express their ideas. This course is a required component of the Illinois in Washington Program. Prerequisite: Acceptance to and enrollment in the Illinois in Washington Program.
PS 152 The New Middle East credit: 3 Hours.
Discussion of contemporary sociopolitical change and current events in the Middle East. We will explore the background to these events, the factors that are driving them, and the short-term and long-term implications for the region and the world. Course reflects diverse fields of study, including cultural studies, economics, education, history, law, linguistics, literature, media, religion, political science, and sociology. Same as SAME 152.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Cultural Studies - Non-West
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 153 The New East Asia credit: 3 Hours.
Introduction to the comparative politics of North East Asia, with a focus on Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, South and North Korea. Examines state building in East Asian regions; political development, institutional arrangements, and leadership of individual states; the role of states in promoting regional economic development; and state-society relations, focusing on identity, nationalism, and civil society development. Students will make connections between core concepts in comparative politics and gain familiarity with East Asian political contexts.
PS 170 Power, Politics, and Protest credit: 3 Hours.
Study of how political institutions and laws can be both the vehicle and target of social and political transformation. Situates ideas about freedom of speech, civil disobedience, and political protest in historical context, showing how the contemporary political landscape has come to be what it is. An entry level course, it provides students with the fundaments of civic literacy and ideas and analytic tools needed to understand and engage political life.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Humanities - Hist & Phil
PS 180 IntroPolitics of Globalization credit: 3 Hours.
Introduction to the politics of globalization; identification of the principal actors, properties, and patterns of the politics of globalization that distinguish global politics from other forms of politics between and within groups, communities, states, and international organizations.
PS 191 Topics in Civic Leadership credit: 1 or 2 Hours.
Examines public and political life from the perspective of public and political leaders. Topics include professional development, career narratives, and/or development or selection of opportunities for civic or public service. May be repeated in separate terms if topics to vary to a maximum of 3 hours.
PS 199 Undergraduate Open Seminar credit: 1 to 5 Hours.
May be repeated.
PS 201 US Racial & Ethnic Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines efforts by racial and ethnic communities to organize politically and by society to allocate resources based on race or ethnicity. Topical focus includes African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and white ethnics. The primary goal of the course is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of racial and ethnic politics by identifying commonalities and differences among these groups and their relationship to the state. Same as AAS 201, AFRO 201, and LLS 201.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
Cultural Studies - US Minority
PS 202 Religion & Politics in the US credit: 3 Hours.
Examines how religion and politics influence each other in the United States, both historically and in contemporary society.
PS 214 American Indian Law & Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the role of American Indians and Indian law in the US political system. Beginning with the core concept of sovereignty, the course then looks at Indian political mobilizations, tribal political economy, tribal governance, relations between tribes and states and between tribes and the federal government, and laws governing religious freedom and environmental issues. Same as AIS 214.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
Cultural Studies - US Minority
PS 220 Intro to Public Policy credit: 3 Hours.
Surveys the policy process including adoption, implementation, and evaluation. Topics may include reviews of substantive policy issues such as crime, energy, environment, poverty, foreign policy, civil liberties, or economic regulation. Prerequisite: PS 100 or PS 101, or consent of instructor.
PS 224 Politics of the National Parks credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the politics of national parks in the United States, including creation of parks, local support or opposition to parks, and park policy as well as policy questions such as the value of wilderness ecosystem management, endangered species protection, and role of parks in national identity and remembrance of events such as the Civil War, the Indian wars, or the civil rights movement. Same as RST 224. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 225 Environmental Politics & Policy credit: 3 Hours.
Examinations of the political, economic, ecological, and cultural trade-offs between the use and the preservation of the environment, with particular emphasis on the preservation of land and water resources in national parks, forests, and other reserved lands. Same as RST 225.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 230 Intro to Pol Research credit: 3 Hours.
Surveys the principles that guide empirical research in political science; emphasizes definition of research problems, principles and practices of measurement, use of data as evidence, and data analysis. Prerequisite: PS 100 or PS 101, or consent of instructor.
PS 231 Strategic Models credit: 3 Hours.
Introduces strategic models of political behavior and their implications for our understanding of politics. Uses simple models, inspired by game theory, to examine fundamental political questions.
PS 240 Intro to Comp Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Surveys the basic concepts and principles of political analysis from a comparative perspective.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 241 Comp Politics in Dev Nations credit: 3 Hours.
Provides comparative and historical insights into the problems affecting the developing world by examining social, economic and political changes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Cultural Studies - Non-West
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 242 Introduction to Modern Africa credit: 3 Hours.
Same as AFST 222, ANTH 222, and SOC 222. See AFST 222.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Cultural Studies - Non-West
PS 243 Pan Africanism credit: 3 Hours.
Same as AFRO 243 and AFST 243. See AFRO 243.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Cultural Studies - Non-West
PS 244 Introduction to Political Violence credit: 3 Hours.
Political violence is ubiquitous. States, non-state actors, and individuals often resort to violence in pursuit of political goals, with potentially devastating consequences. This course explores a variety of forms of political violence, from wars, coups, and ethnic conflict to riots, terrorism, repression, and genocide. It concludes by exploring the alternative: non-violent resistance. Students will develop a working knowledge of these different types of political violence, their causes, and consequences. Credit is not given toward graduation for PS 244 if credit for PS 199 Section AL1 (Undergraduate Open Seminar: Intro to Political Violence) has already been earned.
PS 250 Rise Up: Organizing Resistance credit: 3 Hours.
From the Civil Rights Movement and the Arab Spring, to anti-femicide activism and gun rights advocacy, ordinary people have risen up and shaped history. Why do social movements emerge despite risks of repression? How do people overcome barriers to collective action? How do their strategies for organizing resistance differ, and with what consequences? This course is designed to answer these questions and others by examining the causes, dynamics, and consequences of organized resistance.
PS 270 Intro to Political Theory credit: 3 Hours.
Introduces the nature, structure, and purposes of political theory; examines major works on the problems of political order, obedience, justice, liberty, and representation to distinguish and clarify different theoretical approaches.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Humanities - Hist & Phil
PS 272 Women and Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the political status and roles of women. Topics include women's political behavior; feminist and anti-feminist politics; and contemporary legislative and public policy issues, such as educational equity, equal rights legislation, and health care delivery for women. Same as GWS 272.
PS 273 Environment and Society credit: 3 Hours.
Same as ESE 287, GGIS 287 and NRES 287. See NRES 287.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
Cultural Studies - Western
PS 280 Intro to Intl Relations credit: 3 Hours.
Structure and processes of international relations, trends in international politics, and the future of the international system. Credit is not given for both PS 280 and PS 281.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 281 Intro to Intl Relations-ACP credit: 3 Hours.
This course is identical to PS 280 except for the additional writing component that fulfills the campus' advanced composition requirement. Credit is not given for both PS 280 and PS 281. Prerequisite: Completion of campus Composition I general education requirement.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Advanced Composition
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 282 Governing Globalization credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the historical, socio-economic, political, and moral dimensions associated with the rise of a global society and its governance. Prerequisite: Completion of campus Composition I general education requirement; completion of one course in a social science or consent of instructor.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Advanced Composition
Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci
PS 283 Intro to Intl Security credit: 3 Hours.
Surveys the major issues associated with arms control, disarmament and international security. Also examines the military, socio-economic, and political dimensions of weapons systems, military strategy, the ethics of modern warfare, nuclear proliferation, and regional security issues. Same as GLBL 283.
PS 291 Intro Internship Seminar credit: 3 Hours.
Students will think deeply about their internship experience and how their academic training connects to their professional work and career goals. Students who complete this course will be able to present themselves professionally, interact in professional environments, engage in professional and career-related discussions through networking, and write professional emails and memos. Prerequisite: This course is restricted to students participating in the Illinois in Washington Program.
PS 292 Undergraduate Research Practicum credit: 1 to 4 Hours.
Familiarize students with processes for producing, validating and analyzing political science data through experiential learning. Nature and topical focus of research projects vary. May be repeated up to 4 hours in separate terms. Prerequisite: Consent of faculty member supervising the practicum.
PS 299 Study Abroad credit: 0 to 18 Hours.
Lectures, seminars, and practical work in an approved study-abroad program in Political Science, appropriate to the student's course of study. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated to a maximum of 34 hours per academic year. Prerequisite: Overall GPA 2.75, 3.00 grade point average in Political Science, admission to approved program.
PS 300 Special Topics credit: 3 Hours.
Selected readings and research in political science. See Class Schedule for current topics. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours if topics vary. Prerequisite: Six hours of political science, or consent of instructor.
PS 301 The US Constitution I credit: 3 Hours.
Analyzes issues related to judicial interpretation of the constitution; the separation of governmental powers; federalism; checks and balances among the three branches of the national government; and the jurisdiction of federal courts. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 302 The US Constitution II credit: 3 Hours.
Analyzes issues involved in free speech, freedom of religion, rights of the criminally accused, and government's responsibility to protect persons from discrimination based on race or sexual preference. Pays special attention to the role of law and judges. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 303 The US Congress credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the legislative function in government; the structure and organization of Congress; legislative procedures; pressure groups and lobbying; the relation of legislature to other branches of government; and problems of legislative reorganization. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 304 The US Presidency credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the multiple roles of the president; the determinants and growth of presidential influence; presidential decision making; the president's role in the formulation and implementation of public policy; and the president's multiple constituencies. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 305 The US Supreme Court credit: 3 Hours.
Examines how the modern Supreme Court resolves major issues in American constitutional politics. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor; PS 301 or PS 302.
PS 306 Judicial Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Introduction to the study of courts and judges as political institutions and actors. Focuses primarily on federal courts in the United States, but also covers courts in the American states. Addresses topics such as how judges are selected; who or what determines which cases are heard; the influence of ideology and the law on judges' decisions; the relationships that exist between the courts in the judiciary; the role of the president and the Senate in judicial decisions; and judges' decisions that run contrary to the public's wishes. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 307 Separation of Powers credit: 3 Hours.
Explores how the checks and balances built into the US Constitution affect the interactions between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Addresses topics such as whether Congress is less productive during times of divided government; why some presidential nominees sail through confirmation, while others take years to be confirmed; and whether Supreme Court justices pay attention to the preferences of the President and Congress when deciding cases. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 309 State Gov in the US credit: 3 Hours.
Surveys the origins and evolution of state government in the United States. Topics include history, structure and dynamics of state governments, laws and the judiciary, state legislatures, political parties, organized interests, bureaucracies, demographic change and electoral patterns, and political conflicts, and coalitions. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 310 Politics of Organizations credit: 3 Hours.
Introduction to the study of public organizations with a focus on formal political organizations including parties, legislatures, and bureaucracies. In-depth analysis of two of the main problems confronted by organizations: collective action problems and delegation problems. Students will acquire an understanding of these problems as well as different ways in which they can be addressed. A strong emphasis is also placed on developing the analytical skills necessary for informed analysis of political interactions involving formal organizations. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 311 Political Parties in the US credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the organization and operation of the American party system; national, state, and local organizations and their interactions; the convention and primary systems; and campaign methods and finance. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 312 Politics and the Media credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the processes of mass-mediated political communication in democratic societies. Special emphasis will be given to the role of news media in democratic theory, factors shaping the construction of news such as journalism routines, media economics, and the strategic management of news by political elites. Same as CMN 325 and MACS 322.
PS 313 Congress and Foreign Policy credit: 3 Hours.
Examines cases of foreign-policy making over 100 years with a focus on the struggle between the legislative and executive branches, constitutional questions, explanations for changes in behavior, and the impact on democratic process. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 314 Political Psychology credit: 3 Hours.
Explores the psychological processes that underlie political attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we will take theories from social, personality, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology and apply them to political phenomena. Topics will include how politics is affected by cognitive biases, emotions, persuasion, social influence, identity, prejudice and discrimination, personality, and evolution and genetics. We will also explore what we can learn about basic human psychology by studying politics carefully. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 315 African American Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the role of race in stimulating change in American political life; types of strategies employed in the civil rights struggle; how race affects electoral participation and the broader political and economic conditions of African Americans. Same as AFRO 315. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 316 Latina/Latino Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the role of Latino electorates in shaping state and national politics. Reviews the histories of Latino national origin groups, examines public policy issues of concern to Latinos, successes and failures of Latino empowerment strategies, and the electoral impact of Latino votes. Focus will be primarily on Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans and an assessment of the degree to which their political agendas are likely to merge over the coming years. Same as LLS 316. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 317 Asian American Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Provides an overview of the role of Asian Americans in the American political system. Topics include: the international context of emigration, the history of different Asian groups in the U.S., demographic patterns, issues of identity, classification, and pan-ethnicity, voting behavior, minority representation, and public policy. Same as AAS 317. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 318 Interests Grps & Soc Movements credit: 3 Hours.
Focuses on two important forces in American politics that provide ways for citizens to affect public policy: interests groups and social movements. Examination of organized interest groups, including their organization, growth, activity, and impact in American politics. Examines the formation and role of social movements. Prerequisite: PS 101, or six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 319 Campaigns and Elections credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the dynamics of United States congressional and presidential campaigns, including electoral rules, campaign organization and finance, candidate strategy, role of parties, interest groups, and the media, campaign effects, and proposals for reform. Prerequisite: PS 101 or six hours of Political Sciences credit.
PS 320 Public Opinion credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the nature of public opinion in contemporary American politics. Considers the extent to which public opinion is organized by ideology, values, party identification and other group-related identities. Will analyze both the sources and consequences of public opinion and the nature of public support for democracy and democratic institutions. Will investigate the relationship between public opinion and policymaking. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 321 Principles of Public Policy credit: 3 Hours.
Examines different approaches to evaluating the performance of public sector organizations, including private sector accountability principles. Focuses on how to improve the performance of governmental agencies, as well as corporate social responsibility. Same as ACCY 321, ACE 321, and BADM 303. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 322 Law and Public Policy credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the nature of law, law makers, and law appliers; the determinants of law-making; and the societal impact of law. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 323 Law and Representation credit: 3 Hours.
Examines political and legal policies related to electoral representation including constitutional protections of voting rights and related topics such as a gerrymandering, vote counting, majority minority districts, and the Voting Rights Act. Prerequisite: PS 101 or six hours of Political Science or consent of instructor.
PS 328 Introduction to Biology and Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the biological processes that underlie political attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we will take theories from behavioral and molecular genetics, psychophysiology, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology and apply them to political attitudes and behaviors. Topics will include how evolutionary adaptations shape political life, how genes affect political traits, the effects of physiological differences on how people experience the political world, and what political insights can be drawn from studying differences in brain structures and functioning. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 329 Immigration & Citizenship credit: 3 Hours.
Examination of the conceptual issues associated with citizenship and immigration, considering current political debates from a variety of perspectives: empirical, historical, and normative. Focuses on the United States but will also examine the immigration and citizenship processes of other nations as well. Among topics considered: why people migrate; consequences of migration; efforts to integrate immigrants; public opinion, citizenship traditions and rationales; membership; belonging, and national identify; post national citizenship. Prerequisites: PS 101, 6 hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 330 Intro to Political Behavior credit: 3 Hours.
Analyzes the relationship between political attitudes and public opinion formation. The course also discusses political participation, political tolerance, and attitudes toward political leaders. Prerequisite: POLS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 331 Intro to Electoral Behavior credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the social, psychological and institutional determinants of individual voting decisions. Prerequisite: POLS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 340 Politics in Intl Development credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the ways in which the wealthy countries of the world, international organizations and non-governmental organizations have tried to catalyze or facilitate economic and human development in the poorer countries of the world. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241 or PS 281, or six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 341 Gov & Pol in Africa credit: 3 Hours.
Examines contemporary economic, social, and political processes in Africa, focusing on three basic explanatory themes: historical patterns of development; emerging patterns of class and interest; and leadership strategies. Same as AFRO 341. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 343 Gov & Pol of China credit: 3 Hours.
Introduces the government and politics of modern China. Same as EALC 343. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 344 Government and Politics of Japan credit: 3 Hours.
This course will examine a range of topics relevant to understanding the development of Japanese politics in the postwar era. A central theme of the course will be to understand the processes of continuity and change through various lenses, including but not limited to history, culture, and institutions. Same as EALC 344. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 345 Gov & Pol of SE Asia credit: 3 Hours.
Provides a comparative analysis of the political development of the countries of Southeast Asia. Emphasis is placed on differing approaches to the governance and public policy formation, as well as economic, social, historical, and cultural influences on political development. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 346 Gov & Pol of South Asia credit: 3 Hours.
Provides a comparative analysis of the political development of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other nations in South Asia. Emphasis is placed on the differing approaches to governance and public policy formation, as well as the economic, social, historical, geographical and cultural influences on political development. Same as ASST 346. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 347 Gov & Pol of Middle East credit: 3 Hours.
Analyzes the transformation of Middle Eastern society from Morocco to Iran, as case studies in political modernization. The politics of the area are studied with special reference to causes and character of modernization, role of leadership, ideologies and institutions, methods and theories for analyzing political systems undergoing fundamental transformation, and implications for U. S. policy. Same as ASST 347. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 348 Gov & Pol in Western Europe credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the major governmental systems of continental Europe; the evolution, structure, and functioning of the political institutions of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian countries. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 351 Gov & Pol Post-Soviet States credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the evolution, structure, and functioning of post-Soviet governments. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 352 Gov & Pol of East Europe credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the collapse of communism and efforts to develop capitalism and democracy. Special emphasis is given to national conflict and European integration. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 353 Gov & Pol of Latin America credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the origin and development of Latin American political institutions. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 355 Democratization credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the global process of democratization, with special attention to gains and failures in selected areas since 1974. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 356 Comparative Political Economy credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the effect of domestic political processes on economic performance, including monetary, fiscal, and trade policies. Topics include partisan influences on policy, interest group intermediation, political accountability for economic outcomes, and consequences of product and capital market internationalization. Same as GLBL 356. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 357 Ethnic Conflict credit: 3 Hours.
Explores the bases of nationalist and ethnic identities across a variety of different national and cultural contexts, and how these are related to conflict at the intrastate and interstate levels. Consideration is given to the characteristics and patterns of ethnic conflict with special emphasis on how and when ethnic tensions become manifested in violent conflict. The course concludes with consideration and evaluations of various domestic and international approaches to conflict management and resolution. Same as GLBL 357. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Advanced Composition
PS 358 Comparative Political Behavior credit: 3 Hours.
Examines themes of political behavior such as political participation, electoral politics, political culture, and contentious politics from a cross-national perspective. Prerequisite: PS 240, or PS 241, or six hours of Political Science credit.
PS 359 Government and Politics of East Asia credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the government and politics of postwar East Asia by covering themes and topics relevant to the region. The countries covered include the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of China (or Taiwan). Given the multifaceted and diverse nature of the region, the course explores various topics, both independently and comparatively. Topics include the region's history, democratic consolidation, economic development, and political institutions. In addition to addressing theoretical and empirical questions, current events shaping the region will be discussed. Same as EALC 359. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, or at least six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 370 Justice in the Law credit: 3 Hours.
Explores fundamental questions about the ideal of a just society. Introduces students to the close connection between theories of justice and legal reasoning used by courts. Court cases and topics include enforcing sexual morality, protecting free expression, religious liberty, regulating labor markets, guaranteeing the rule of law, ensuring equal opportunities through schools and elections, establishing group rights, and regulating reproductive rights.
PS 371 Classical Political Theory credit: 3 Hours.
Considers the major works of Greek and Roman political theory, stressing their relevance to modern political analysis and action. Prerequisite: PS 270, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 372 Modern Political Theory credit: 3 Hours.
Provides critical analysis of political theories from the fifteenth century to the present. The discussions focus on topics such as the development of conceptions of human nature, the role of the state, justice, legitimacy, obligation, individual rights, equality, and mechanisms of maintenance and change. Prerequisite: PS 270, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 373 Democratic Theory credit: 3 Hours.
Examines theories of the nature and conditions of democracy; compares and analyzes contemporary democratic institutions. Prerequisite: PS 270, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 374 Future Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines visions of the future drawn from science fiction literature as a way to engage with political and social theory and to cultivate the political imagination. Prerequisite: Six hours of political science credit or consent of instructor.
PS 375 Feminist Political Theory credit: 3 Hours.
Provides analysis of how insights from liberal, Marxist, and post-structural political theory traditions shape contemporary feminist political theory. Examines how different epistemological arguments shape political analysis and uses those insights to explore the political forces that make us into gendered and racialized people. Explores how different traditions of thinking in feminist political theory generate different accounts of justice and political transformation. Credit is not given for both PS 375 and GWS 350.
PS 376 American Political Theory credit: 3 Hours.
Surveys American political thought from colonial times to the present. Prerequisite: PS 270, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 377 Topics Contemp Pol Theory credit: 3 Hours.
Examines specific topics and writers of contemporary political theory. Recent themes have included conceptions of power, rights, justice, and radical political thought. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours. Prerequisite: PS 270, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 379 Intl Rel & Domestic Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines conceptual linkages between international relations and domestic politics. Emphasizes theoretical explanations of and empirical evidence for these linkages. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281, or six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 380 International Cooperation credit: 3 Hours.
A study of cooperation among states. Cooperation dilemmas and their solutions, with focus on institutional arrangements that are aimed to facilitate cooperation among states. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 381 International Relations of East Asia credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the salient issues and dynamics that structure the international relations of East Asia, which includes China, Taiwan, Japan, and the two Koreas. This course examines both theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding the dynamic, yet stable nature of East Asian international relations. The central theme of this course is to examine whether the region is moving towards increasing conflict or cooperation. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, or at least six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 382 Intl Political Economy credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the interaction between international politics and economics; locates ideologies and practices in the context of international economic relations. Considers such topics as international trade, the global monetary order, multi-national corporations, economic aid relationships, and food and energy politics. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 383 Politics of Terrorism credit: 3 Hours.
The dynamics of material asymmetry characterize wars involving the United States since World War II, from Vietnam to Afghanistan, and offer a framework for understanding the struggle against al Qaeda, ISIS, and the future of the War on Terrorism. This course explores the strategies of both sides of an asymmetric conflict, especially the weaker actor. How do terrorists, insurgents, guerrillas, revolutionaries, and freedom fighters design strategies to achieve their goals against powerful states? Credit is not given toward graduation for PS 383 if credit for PS 300 Section T (Special Topics: Terrorism) has already been earned. Prerequisite: PS 100. Restricted to sophomore, junior, or senior standing.
PS 384 Politics of Globalization credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the basic concepts and politics associated with the emergence of the global society. This course evaluates divergent theoretical explanations for the emergence of global politics, as well as how and why the global society governs itself. It examines the strengths and shortcomings of the nation-state, markets, and democratization as responses to the imperatives of order, welfare, and legitimacy. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 385 Politics of the European Union credit: 3 Hours.
Considers the history of the European Union and its current functions and operations. Focuses on the ongoing process of political and cultural integration. Consists of sections in Illinois and abroad, interacting extensively via the worldwide web. Same as EURO 385, FR 385, and GER 385. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor; cross-listings require language training appropriate for enrollment in the respective overseas programs.
PS 386 International Law credit: 3 Hours.
Analyzes the concepts and bases of public international law. Topics include sources and subjects of international law, as well as issues of jurisdiction, territory, law of the sea, and use of military force. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 387 National Security Policy credit: 3 Hours.
Examines principal theories of international security and evaluates their capacity to explain the security behavior of states and other key international actors. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 390 American Foreign Policy credit: 3 Hours.
Considers the major foreign policy decisions currently confronting the United States government: analyzes their background, principal issues, and alternative actions, as well as the policy formulation process. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 391 Soviet & Post-Sov Foreign Pol credit: 3 Hours.
Surveys Soviet and Post-Soviet foreign policy from 1917 to the present, with emphasis upon the forces shaping this policy; special attention to the interplay of ideology and national interest in policy formulation. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 392 Intl Organizations&Regionalism credit: 3 Hours.
Examines regionalism and regional international organizations and their consequences for multilateralisim cooperation, and conflict. Prerequisite: PS 280.
PS 393 Diplomatic Studies Practicum credit: 4 Hours.
Practical introduction to the study of international organizations, consisting of three parts: academic modules in Urbana-Champaign; guest lectures and site visits in Vienna, Austria, and field trips TBA; and a final research paper based on fieldwork in Vienna, extending into late June. Enrollment requires prior admission to the Vienna Diplomatic Program.
PS 394 Crisis Diplomacy credit: 3 Hours.
A comparative study of foreign policy decision-making and diplomacy among the major states from 1816-1948 with a focus on crisis bargaining, management, and escalation. Foreign relations of Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Japan, and the United States are covered in light of international relations theories. Emphasis is placed on how domestic political struggles, like those between hard liners and accommodationists, and external factors, like alliances and international norms, affect decision-making. Comparisons are made between those crises that are peacefully settled and those that escalate to war and/or get out of control. Prerequisite: PS 280, PS 281, PS 283, or consent of instructor.
PS 395 International Organization credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the development of basic principles underlying world organization; also considers the principles, structure, methods, and operation of international governmental institutions. Gives special attention to the United Nations and related agencies and to their evolution from the League of Nations system. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 396 International Conflict credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the conditions that promote war and peace between states. General topics covered are: historical patterns in warfare; causes of war, including arms races and power distributions; outcomes of war; and approaches to peace. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 397 Authoritarian Regimes credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the various aspects of the politics in authoritarian regimes: their emergence and breakdown, the policy choices and institutions typically adopted, leadership change, and the theories that explain them. Historical case studies and statistical data will be used to examine real-world cases. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241; or six hours of Political Sciences credit; or consent of instructor.
PS 398 Strategic Interntl Relations credit: 3 Hours.
Examination of basic concepts and tools for analyzing foreign policy and understanding international politics and economy. Simple game-theoretic models will be used to explore the logic and the mechanisms behind key policy issues in international economy, cooperation, security, and institutions. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281; or six hours of Political Sciences credit; or consent of instructor.
PS 399 Politics of International Treaties credit: 3 Hours.
Treaties are agreements between sovereign states governed by international law. This course examines why countries commit to treaties and why they comply with them. It will provide advanced undergraduate students with the opportunity to read a range of scholarly works on international agreements and to conduct their own research on related topics. Prerequisite: PS 280.
PS 418 Language & Minorities in Europe credit: 3 or 4 Hours.
Same as EURO 418, FR 418, GER 418, ITAL 418, LING 418, SLAV 418, and SPAN 418. See FR 418.
PS 456 Democracy and Identity credit: 3 or 4 Hours.
A normative and empirical examination of the special issues surrounding the development and maintenance of democracy in plural societies. Analyzes the impact of racial, ethnic and religious diversity on citizenship, civil rights, political institutions and public policy, as well as on democratic stability more generally, in established and newly emergent democracies. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PS 457 Dem Gov in a Global Setting credit: 3 or 4 Hours.
Examination of the basic concepts and politics associated with the emergence of a global society. Students evaluate competing explanations for the emergence of this new politics and how and why the global society governs itself. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of the nation-state, markets, and democratization as responses, respectively, to the imperatives or order, welfare, and legitimacy in the governance of world's peoples and states. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PS 458 Forced Migration and Refugees credit: 3 Hours.
Internal and cross-border forced displacement are at historic levels. Who is a migrant, who is a refugee, and who makes those determinations? Why do people seek refuge, where do they go, and will they return home? Which countries and institutions should aid and host refugees, and do they? Do humanitarians meet refugees’ needs? This course is designed to answer these questions and others by examining the causes, dynamics, and consequences of forced migration. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: PS 100. Not intended for students with Freshman class standing.
PS 481 Non-State Violent Actors in World Politics credit: 3 Hours.
Examines the life-cycles of violent non-state actors (VNSAs), like ISIS, Sudan’s Janjaweed, and the Mexican Los Zetas Cartel. Some of the most pressing security concerns facing the world’s governments today stem from non-state actors, not other states in the international system. This course examines the development of these organizations, their political and military structures, their activities, the alliances and rivalries they form, and the processes by which they sometimes evolve into legitimate, non-violent political actors. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281 or PS 283, or at least six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
PS 482 Civil Wars credit: 3 Hours.
Civil war is the most prevalent, deadly form of violence in the international system. What causes these internal conflict to break out, and what can be done to end them? This course examines the causes, conduct, and management of violent internal conflict, focusing on factors such as inequality, ideological extremism, and state weakness, which contribute to conflict risk, and international peacekeeping, mediation, and negotiation, which may facilitate conflict settlement. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: PS 100 and one of PS 180, PS 280, or PS 281, or consent of instructor.
PS 490 Individual Study credit: 1 to 4 Hours.
Special topics not treated in regularly scheduled courses; designed primarily for juniors and seniors. 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Evidence of adequate preparation for such study; consent of faculty member supervising the work; and approval of the department head.
PS 491 Internship credit: 0 to 6 Hours.
Students follow a program of study and research related to an approved internship under the direction of the internship director and/or a faculty sponsor. Consult departmental undergraduate advisor or internship director. 0 to 6 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 undergraduate hours. Prerequisite: 45 credit hours completed, one year in residence at an institution of higher learning, minimum 2.5 grade point average, coursework related to the internship, and acceptance to the internship director or undergraduate director and by faculty sponsor. Students enrolled in internship courses may not register for more than 18 hours total for all courses during the semester of the internship course.
PS 492 UG Research Assistance credit: 0 to 3 Hours.
Assist departmental faculty in on-going research. Topics and nature of assistance vary. Capstone paper required. 0 to 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Credit is not given for more than nine hours toward completion of the political science major from any combination of PS 490, PS 491, and/or PS 492. Prerequisite: Evidence of adequate preparation for such study; consent of faculty member supervising the work; and approval of the department head.
PS 494 Junior Honors Seminar credit: 3 Hours.
Research, reading, and discussion in selected topics and works in literature of political science. A major research project is required in preparation for PS 495. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours if topics vary. Credit is not given for non-honors courses and honors seminar on the same topic. Prerequisite: Admission to Political Science Honors Program or consent of department.
PS 495 Senior Honors Seminar credit: 3 Hours.
Provides an advanced overview of methodological issues in political science especially identification of research questions and design of research strategies in political science appropriate for a senior thesis. Requires completion of a substantial research proposal. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Credit is not given for more than six hours towards any combination of PS 495 and PS 496. Neither PS 495 nor PS 496 counts towards the 30 hours required for completion of the political science major. Prerequisite: Admissions to Political Science Honors Program or consent of instructor.
PS 496 Senior Honors Thesis credit: 2 to 6 Hours.
2 to 6 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Written consent of instructor of department approval; open only to seniors whose major is political science and who have a general University grade point of 3.0.
PS 501 Democratic Political Inst I credit: 4 Hours.
Involves intensive analysis of major institutions and processes of democratic politics (national, state. local); research on selected topics in American government.
PS 502 Democratic Political Inst II credit: 4 Hours.
Discusses contemporary theories about the impact of democratic institutions on politics and policy.
PS 503 US Congress credit: 4 Hours.
Traces the development of Congress as an institution with special attention to the role of norms; considers intra-institutional aspects of Congress including committee decision-making, floor voting, and leadership; examines congressional relationships with other actors including the presidency and Supreme Court, interest groups, and constituents.
PS 506 Pol Parties and Elections credit: 4 Hours.
Examines the role of political parties and elections in the political process; traces the evolution of American parties as a political institution, assesses their impact upon the policy-making processes, and considers macro-level influences upon the electoral process.
PS 507 Collect Action & Interest Grps credit: 4 Hours.
Provides a broad analysis of collective action, interest groups, and politics; examines the meaning of political interests and the forms they take; reviews various approaches to the study of interest groups; analyzes the formation and operation of interest groups; examines innovation and change in interest group politics and research.
PS 511 Proseminar Pol Behavior I credit: 4 Hours.
Introduces interdisciplinary approaches to the analysis of political behavior; formation of opinions, interests, roles, and beliefs.
PS 519 Topics in American Politics credit: 4 Hours.
Selected research topics designed for graduate study in American Politics. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours.
PS 521 Phil Bases of Pol Inquiry credit: 4 Hours.
Reviews the scope and subject matter of political science; methodological issues in political science and major conceptions of methodology as embodied in the current literature.
PS 522 Research Design and Techniques credit: 4 Hours.
Provides an overview of research techniques for answering questions of concern in political science; indicates the range of available tools; discusses problems in concept formation; and presents current methods of concept measurement. Prerequisite: PS 521 or consent of instructor.
PS 523 Qualitative Methods credit: 4 Hours.
Introduction to the collection and analysis of qualitative data in political science. We consider strategies for systematic research based on small numbers of cases with attention to issues of conceptualization, measurement, and analysis as they apply to methods such as cross-case comparison, within-case process tracing, and multi-method research. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit.
PS 524 Methods in Intl Rel credit: 4 Hours.
Deals with major research methodologies in contemporary international relations; includes case studies, aggregate data, content analysis, survey research, gaming and simulations, and causal modeling; presumes knowledge of basic international relations theory. Prerequisite: PS 580.
PS 525 Formal Theory I: Game Theory credit: 4 Hours.
Introduction to game theory and its applications to the study of politics. Study of the central ideas and techniques of game theory.
PS 526 Formal Theory II: Applications credit: 4 Hours.
Survey of major topics in formal political theory and the application of key game-theoretic methods to the study of politics. Prerequisite: PS 525 or consent of instructor.
PS 530 Quant Pol Analysis I credit: 4 Hours.
Introduction to data analysis and inferential statistics, including data collection, analysis and interpretation, sampling, and measures of statistical association and significance. Also introduces statistical software.
PS 531 Quant Pol Analysis II credit: 4 Hours.
Second class in inferential statistics, emphasizing the linear model and assumptions behind linear models. Prerequisite: PS 530 or consent of instructor.
PS 532 Quant Pol Analysis III credit: 4 Hours.
Select topics in inferential statistics, including models for limited dependent variables. Topics vary by semester and may include spatial econometrics, bootstrap models, ecological inference, and causal inference. Prerequisite: PS 531 or consent of instructor.
PS 540 Proseminar Comp Politics I credit: 4 Hours.
Surveys the major works, theories, and approaches that define the field of comparative politics. The substantive focus of the course is on advanced industrial countries.
PS 541 Proseminar Comp Politics II credit: 4 Hours.
Surveys the major works, theories, and approaches that define the field of comparative politics. The substantive focus of the course is on developing countries. Prerequisite: Completion of PS 540 is recommended.
PS 543 Global Democratization credit: 4 Hours.
Examines the roles of domestic and international factors, modes of transition, institutional choices and economic reforms in the transition from authoritarian rule. Comparisons are made of cases in Southern and Eastern Europe, Latin America, East Asia, the former Soviet Union, and others. Prerequisite: Completion of PS 540 or PS 541 is recommended.
PS 546 Comparative Political Behavior credit: 4 Hours.
Examines the political behaviors and opinions of common citizens in dissimilar national contexts, focusing on the theoretical literature and empirical research on topics such as political participation, political culture and contention politics from a cross-national perspective. Prerequisite: PS 540 or PS 541.
PS 549 Topics in Comparative Politics credit: 4 Hours.
Selected research topics designed for graduate study in Comparative Politics. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours.
PS 571 History of Pol Theories I credit: 4 Hours.
Reading, analysis and discussion of the leading political thinkers from the Greeks to the middle of the seventeenth century.
PS 572 History of Pol Theories II credit: 4 Hours.
Reading, analysis and discussion of the leading political thinkers from the middle of the seventeenth century to the present.
PS 579 Topics in Pol Theory credit: 4 Hours.
Reading, analysis, and discussion of selected topics of political theory. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PS 580 Proseminar Intl Rel I credit: 4 Hours.
Examines major theories and approaches to the study of international relations.
PS 581 International War credit: 4 Hours.
Focuses on the conditions that influence war and peace between nation-states. Considers various factors at different levels of analysis (individual, national, dyadic, and systematic) in an attempt to understand why nations go to war. Readings will consist of current research in this topic area-without ignoring "classical" works. Prerequisite: PS 580.
PS 582 Intl Political Economy credit: 4 Hours.
Comprehensive introduction to major traditions in contemporary thought on the political structure and workings of the global economy. Presumes background knowledge pertaining to the workings of the international economy and its institutions as well as familiarity with the assumptions and approaches of classical I. P. E. thought and International Relations theory. Prerequisite: PS 580.
PS 583 International Organizations credit: 4 Hours.
Examines the development and operations of international organizations with special emphasis on United Nations and related agencies. Focuses on activities in security, economic, and social issue area. Prerequisite: PS 580.
PS 584 International Cooperation credit: 4 Hours.
Major theoretical perspectives and controversies in the literature of international cooperation and international institutions. Although broad spectrums of issues are covered, the focus is on basic logical questions, lines of reasoning, and analytical frameworks. Prerequisite: PS 580.
PS 585 Conflict Management credit: 4 Hours.
Examines the conditions that influence the processes and outcomes of conflict management between nation-states. Assesses various approaches used in conflict management research with a special emphasis on the relationship between conflict management and theories of IR. Assumes some background knowledge regarding empirical studies of war. Prerequisite: PS 580.
PS 587 Research Seminar in IR credit: 4 Hours.
Advanced seminar in international relations, providing graduate students with original research experience. Students design and execute a research program, resulting in a major paper suitable for conference presentation and/or publication. The seminar will rotate among specific research topics in the area of international conflict, international law and organization, and international political economy respectively. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 12 hours. Prerequisite: PS 580.
PS 589 Topics in Intl Rel credit: 4 Hours.
Selected topics designed for graduate study in international relations. May be repeated under different instructors to a maximum of 12 hours. Prerequisite: PS 580 or PS 524, or consent of instructor.
PS 590 Research in Selected Topics credit: 2 to 12 Hours.
Research in selected topics by arrangement with the instructor.
PS 596 Evaluating New Research credit: 2 Hours.
Accompanies the Politics Workshop, which brings in speakers from outside the department to present their research. The goal is to expose graduate students to the practice of engaging critically with research presentations from all fields of political science. Students will learn "best practices" in providing feedback about ongoing research projects. They will have the opportunity to utilize these skills both in class discussions and as discussants for the speakers in the Workshop 2 graduate hours. No professional credit. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated for up to 4 graduate hours in separate semesters. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in political science required.
PS 597 Preparing Future Faculty credit: 0 Hours.
Provides graduate students an insight on the responsibilities and expectations of academic faculty. Core responsibilities - research, teaching and service - required of faculty is discussed, along with important resources and strategies to aid students in obtaining a faculty appointment and plotting a successful career path. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated in separate terms.
PS 598 Dissertation Design Seminar credit: 4 Hours.
Addresses the basic steps involved in the development of a dissertation proposal; aims to facilitate the completion of the dissertation proposal for students who have passed the qualifying examinations. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of required qualifying examinations.
PS 599 Thesis Research credit: 0 to 16 Hours.
Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated.