Political Science (PSC)

PSC 1000. Dean's Seminar. 3 Credits.

The Dean’s Seminars provide Columbian College first-year students focused scholarship on specific intellectual challenges. Topics vary by semester; see department for more details.

PSC 1001. Introduction to Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

Concepts and principles of comparative analysis, with an examination of politics and government in selected countries.

PSC 1001W. Introduction to Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

Concepts and principles of comparative analysis, with an examination of politics and government in selected countries. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

PSC 1002. Introduction to American Politics and Government. 3 Credits.

Structure, powers, and processes of the American political system and the impact on public policy.

PSC 1002W. Introduction to American Politics and Government. 3 Credits.

Structure, powers, and processes of the American political system and the impact on public policy. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

PSC 1003. Introduction to International Politics. 3 Credits.

Analysis of world politics, focusing on the role of nation-states and international organizations and on selected foreign policy issues. Credit cannot be earned for this course and IAFF 1005.

PSC 1003W. Introduction to International Politics. 3 Credits.

Analysis of world politics, focusing on the role of nation-states and international organizations and on selected foreign policy issues. Credit cannot be earned for this course and IAFF 1005.

PSC 1011. Introduction to Politics I. 6 Credits.

Role of personal and social values in politics. Problems in the Western (especially American) tradition of political science. Admission by special selection process.

PSC 1012W. Introduction to Politics II. 6 Credits.

Continuation of PSC 1011. Role of personal and social values in politics. Thinking outside the Western state: culture, nationalism, ethnic conflict, democratization, international conflict. Admission by special selection process. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

PSC 1099. Variable Topics. 1-36 Credits.

PSC 2000. Sophomore Colloquium. 3 Credits.

The Sophomore Colloquia are small seminar-style courses limited to second-year students in Columbian College. These courses engage students deeply in a discipline, focus on a narrow issue of high interest and impact, and require independent research projects of the students. Topics vary by semester; see department for more details. Permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment.

PSC 2099. Variable Topics. 1-12 Credits.

Use denotes upper-level transfer credit in political science.

PSC 2101. Scope and Methods of Political Science. 3 Credits.

Nature of political inquiry, approaches to the study of politics and government, empirical methods of research.

PSC 2102. Visualizing and Modeling Politics. 3 Credits.

The class builds on PSC 2101, Scope and Methods of Political Science, with emphasis on working with data to examine political questions. Prerequisites: DATS 1001; and STAT 1051 or STAT 1053 or STAT 1111 or STAT 1127.

PSC 2105. Major Issues of Western Political Thought I. 3 Credits.

Foundations of Western political thought—Plato to Aquinas.

PSC 2106. Major Issues of Western Political Thought II. 3 Credits.

History of political thought from the sixteenth through the late nineteenth century, as set forth in the works of representative thinkers.

PSC 2106W. Major Issues of Western Political Thought II. 3 Credits.

History of political thought from the sixteenth through the late nineteenth century, as set forth in the works of representative thinkers. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

PSC 2107. Twentieth-Century Political Thought. 3 Credits.

Recent Western political thought; analysis and critique of the legacies of modern political theories and ideologies.

PSC 2109. Global Justice. 3 Credits.

Ethical questions surrounding global politics. Issues include global wealth distribution, international trade, immigration policy, state intervention, transnational activism, and colonial and other hierarchical power structures.

PSC 2110. American Political Thought. 3 Credits.

Political thought in the U.S. from colonial times to the present as seen through major representative writings.

PSC 2120W. Freedom in American Thought and Popular Culture. 3 Credits.

An inquiry into definitions of freedom through examination of American political thought and popular culture. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement (Same as AMST 2120W)

PSC 2211. State and Urban Politics. 3 Credits.

Comparative analysis of context, institutions, processes, and policies of state and urban political systems. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2212. State and Urban Policy Problems. 3 Credits.

Selected issues in state and urban policymaking, with emphasis on urban and metropolitan settings. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2213. Judicial Politics. 3 Credits.

An examination of judicial process and behavior. Emphasis on judicial selection, decision making, interaction with the political environment, and impact and implementation of decisions. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2214. U.S. Constitutional Law and Politics I. 3 Credits.

Separation of powers, federal–state relationships, economic regulation. Prerequisites: PSC 1002.

PSC 2215. U.S. Constitutional Law and Politics II. 3 Credits.

Political and civil rights. Prerequisites: PSC 1002.

PSC 2216. The American Presidency. 3 Credits.

Examination of the politics of presidential selection, the authority of the contemporary institution, the mechanisms and processes for formulating public policy, and the influences of personality on performance in office. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2217. Executive Branch Politics. 3 Credits.

Basic concepts in public administration; influence of bureaucratic politics on policy formulation and implementation. Prerequisite: PSC 1002. Same as PPPA 2117.

PSC 2218. Legislative Politics. 3 Credits.

Theory, structure, and process of the U.S. Congress, with emphasis on elections, party organization, committees, and floor procedure, in the context of executive–legislative relations and interest-group activities. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2218W. Legislative Politics. 3 Credits.

Theory, structure, and process of the U.S. Congress, with emphasis on elections, party organization, committees, and floor procedure, in the context of executive–legislative relations and interest-group activities. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2219. Political Parties and Interest Groups. 3 Credits.

The emergence and evolution of political parties in the United States; role of parties as a linkage between mass preferences and government policies; organization, nominations, voting, and activities in legislative and executive branches. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2220. Public Opinion. 3 Credits.

How public opinion is measured, how it is shaped, and its consequences for policymaking. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2221. African American Politics. 3 Credits.

The evolution, nature, and role of African Americans within the U.S. political system. How the African American experience has shaped American politics (specifically public opinion, political behavior, political institutions, and salient public policy debates) and how black Americans have come to understand their position within the American political system. Prerequisites: PSC 1002.

PSC 2222. Science, Technology, and Politics. 3 Credits.

Multiple impacts of scientific and technological developments on the political systems. Discussion of public policies for support, use, and control of science and technology. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2223. Campaigns and Elections. 3 Credits.

Examination of the various forms of American political participation in electoral and governmental politics and their effects on the political process. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2224. Issues in Domestic Public Policy. 3 Credits.

Examination of the decision-making process and the substance of various issues in domestic public policy in such areas as crime, economics, education, energy, the environment, poverty, and health. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2225. Women and Politics. 3 Credits.

An examination of the role and impact of women in politics, including women’s interests and access to the political system; specific public policy issues with a particular focus on the role of women. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2226. The Politics of Race and Ethnicity in the United States. 3 Credits.

How, when, and why race and ethnicity have created and continue to create barriers or uneven roads towards achieving full political equality and opportunity in social and political institutions in the United States. Prerequisite: PSC 1002 or PSC 1002W.

PSC 2228. Media, Politics, and Government. 3 Credits.

The impact of mainstream media and online outlets on politics and the governing process. Topics include the role of social media, online advertising, comedy shows, and the changing ways that voters receive information. Instructor permission required. Same As: SMPA 3428.

PSC 2229. Media and Politics. 3 Credits.

The impact of the media on American politics, including the nature of coverage of political issues and campaigns, dynamics of selecting and presenting news stories, and consequences of media messages for public opinion and action. Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2230. Law and Justice: The View from Hollywood. 3 Credits.

Analysis of films that focus on justice, the law, and the legal system. Consideration of what they tell us about political and legal culture and what messages they may have for contemporary legal issues. Focus on the relationship between law and justice, the practice of law, and the role of courts and trials in a political system. Prerequisites: PSC 1002.

PSC 2240. Poverty, Welfare, and Work. 3 Credits.

The elements and politics of America’s welfare state. Social welfare policies and how they relate to work and poverty. Prerequisites: PSC 1002.

PSC 2241. The Politics of Education Policy. 3 Credits.

The politics of education policy in the United States. Surveys the state of local, state, and national education policy using concepts from political science. Prerequisites: PSC 1002.

PSC 2330. Comparative Politics of Western Europe. 3 Credits.

Comparative political analysis with primary focus on the principal states of Western Europe. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2331. Comparative Politics of Central and Eastern Europe. 3 Credits.

Specific countries vary, to include nations of central and Eastern Europe and/or the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2332. European Integration. 3 Credits.

The history of the European Union, its accomplishments as an international actor, and the vibrant debates over its future. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2333. Reunification, Reconciliation, and Resentment. 3 Credits.

Strategic design and institutional structure of achieved/aspirational reunification (e.g., Germany, Korea), various phases of reunification and reintegration, reconciliation (what it means, to whom), and post-reunification societal resentment. Prerequisites: PSC 1001 or equivalent.

PSC 2334. Global Perspectives on Democracy. 3 Credits.

International experiences with the historical evolution and current nature of democratic political systems. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2336. State–Society Relations in the Developing World. 3 Credits.

Historically informed exploration of enduring issues of concern in state–society relations, with an empirical focus on selected countries and regions of the developing world. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2337. Development Politics. 3 Credits.

An examination of how and why political systems develop the way they do. Why do some countries develop into democracies, while others become authoritarian? How do class conflict, the nature of the elite, and the political culture affect the development of political institutions? Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2338. Nationalism. 3 Credits.

Causes and the effects of nationalism, covering cases from around the world. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2339. Comparative Political Economy. 3 Credits.

The interaction of politics and economy from a comparative perspective. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2366. Russian Politics. 3 Credits.

An examination of political institutions, processes, and issues of Russian politics. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2367. Human Rights. 3 Credits.

Human rights theory, the various movements for human, religious, civil, political, and other rights. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2367W. Human Rights. 3 Credits.

Human rights theory, the various movements for human, religious, civil, political, and other rights. Writing intensive. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 1001. Credit cannot be earned for this course and CLAS 2105W, CLAS 3901W, HIST 3820W.

PSC 2368. Politics in the Two Koreas. 3 Credits.

An examination of political institutions, processes, and issues in South Korea and North Korea as well as in inter-Korean relations and major-power involvement in peninsular affairs. Prerequisites: PSC 1001 or PSC 1001W.

PSC 2369. Comparative Politics of South Asia. 3 Credits.

A comparative examination of colonialism, economic development, and identity politics in South Asia. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2370. Comparative Politics of China and Northeast Asia. 3 Credits.

Political institutions and processes of China (including Taiwan), Japan, and Korea since World War II. Influence of indigenous traditions and foreign contacts. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2371. Politics and Foreign Policy of China. 3 Credits.

An examination of political institutions, processes, history, and issues of Chinese politics and foreign policy. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1001 or PSC 1001W or PSC 1003.

PSC 2373. Comparative Politics of Southeast Asia. 3 Credits.

Political forces, processes, and outcomes, using empirical examples from Southeast Asia. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2374. Politics and Foreign Policy of Japan. 3 Credits.

An examination of political institutions, processes, and issues of Japanese politics and foreign policy. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2377. Comparative Politics of the Middle East. 3 Credits.

Politics of the eastern Arab states, Turkey, Iran, and Israel. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2377W. Comparative Politics of the Middle East. 3 Credits.

Politics of the eastern Arab states, Turkey, Iran, and Israel. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2379. Politics and Foreign Policy of Israel. 3 Credits.

Examination of the institutions, processes, and issues of Israeli politics and foreign policy. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1001 or PSC 1001W or PSC 1003.

PSC 2381. Comparative Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa. 3 Credits.

Comparative analysis of political systems in selected countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2383. Comparative Politics of Latin America. 3 Credits.

Exploration of the democratic advances in Latin America in recent decades as well as the continuing severe social, economic, and political challenges to democracy. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2439. International Political Economy. 3 Credits.

Analysis of the political aspects of global economic relationships, focusing on such issues as economic hegemony, interdependence, trade relations, development assistance, multinational corporations, and the role of international organizations. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2440. Theories of International Politics. 3 Credits.

Exploration of alternative theoretical approaches to understanding world politics in its historical and contemporary dimensions. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2442. International Organizations. 3 Credits.

Development and operations of international organizations working in the areas of collective security, peacekeeping, trade, finance, environment, human rights. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2442W. International Organizations. 3 Credits.

Development and operations of international organizations working in the areas of collective security, peacekeeping, trade, finance, environment, human rights. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2444. Public International Law. 3 Credits.

Survey of essential principles and concepts of public international law through case analysis and with reference to political factors. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2446. U.S. Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

Constitutional, political, and international factors that determine the formulation, execution, and substance of U.S. foreign policy. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2446W. U.S. Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

Constitutional, political, and international factors that determine the formulation, execution, and substance of U.S. foreign policy. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisites: PSC 1003 or IAFF 1005. Same As: PSC 2446.

PSC 2447. American Presidents at War. 3 Credits.

How American presidents have thought about and conducted wars using an analytical and historical approach. Prerequisites: PSC 1003 or IAFF 1005.

PSC 2449. International Security Politics. 3 Credits.

Overview of international security issues. Insights from a variety of historical periods and theoretical approaches inform the analysis. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2449W. International Security Politics. 3 Credits.

Overview of international security issues. Insights from a variety of historical periods and theoretical approaches inform the analysis. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2451. Theory of War. 3 Credits.

The nature, purposes, and conduct of war. Strategy and its relationship to politics. Major strategic variants for continental warfare, maritime conflict, strategic bombing, insurgency/counterinsurgency, and nuclear war. Prerequisites: PSC 1003. Same As: PSC 2451W.

PSC 2451W. Theory of War. 3 Credits.

The nature, purposes, and conduct of war. Strategy and its relationship to politics. Major strategic variants for continental warfare, maritime conflict, strategic bombing, insurgency and counterinsurgency, and nuclear war. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 1003. Same As: PSC 2451.

PSC 2453. U.S. Foreign Policy Perspectives. 3 Credits.

Examination of alternative historical and contemporary perspectives on U.S. foreign policy. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2454. Humanitarianism. 3 Credits.

Norms, principles, and institutions designed to alleviate suffering and improve the welfare of vulnerable populations Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2455. Global Governance. 3 Credits.

The creation, revision, and enforcement of the rules that are intended to govern the world. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2461. European-Atlantic Relations. 3 Credits.

International politics of the North Atlantic area, the European Union, and U.S.–European relations. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2468. Post-Soviet Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

External problems and policies of Russia and the other successor states of the former USSR (especially the Baltics, Ukraine, and southern rim of the former Soviet Union). Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2475. International Relations of East Asia. 3 Credits.

Analysis of the foreign policies of selected East Asian countries and the foreign policies of major powers toward the region. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2476. The Arab-Israeli Conflict. 3 Credits.

History and current state of the Arab-Israeli Conflict; the Jewish and Arab nationalism movements; Palestine under the British Mandate and after the establishment of the State of Israel; the peace process and its collapse; and recent political developments. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2476W. The Arab-Israeli Conflict. 3 Credits.

The history and current state of the Arab-Israeli conflict; the Jewish and Arab nationalism movements; Palestine under the British Mandate and after the establishment of the State of Israel; the peace process and its collapse; and recent political developments. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisites: PSC 1003.

PSC 2478. International Relations of the Middle East. 3 Credits.

Analysis of the regional and international relations of the Middle East. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2482. African International Politics. 3 Credits.

Analysis of interstate relations in Africa and of selected aspects of African relations with the outside world. Prerequisite: PSC 1003. Recommended background: Prior completion of PSC 2381.

PSC 2484. International Relations of Latin America. 3 Credits.

Analyzes the trajectory of Latin America's role in the world, with particular focus on conflict and cooperation between Latin America and the United States. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2987. Internship: Political Science. 1-3 Credits.

Study of political behavior and institutions through internship experience. Open to departmental majors only. Admission requires departmental approval and junior standing.

PSC 2990. Selected Topics. 3 Credits.

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PSC 2990W. Selected Topics. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

PSC 2991. Special Topics in Political Thought. 3 Credits.

PSC 2992. Special Topics in American Politics and Government. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSC 1002.

PSC 2993. Special Topics in Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisite: PSC 1001.

PSC 2994. Special Topics in International Relations. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 2994W. Special Topics in International Relations. 3 Credits.

Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Prerequisite: PSC 1003.

PSC 3099. Variable Topics. 1-12 Credits.

PSC 3192W. Proseminar: Political Science. 3 Credits.

Examination of selected problems in political science. May be repeated once for credit. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Restricted to juniors and seniors in the political science program.

PSC 3500. Advanced Topics in Political Science. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See department for details. Students must have completed four PSC courses at the 2000 level in addition to the prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. Prerequisites: (PSC 1001 and PSC 1002; and PSC 1003 or IAFF 1005) or (PSC 1011 and PSC 1012W); and (PSC 2101 or PSC 2102).

PSC 3500W. Advanced Topics in Political Science. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See department for details. Students must have completed four PSC courses at the 2000 level in addition to the prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. Prerequisites: (PSC 1001 and PSC 1002; and PSC 1003 or IAFF 1005) or (PSC 1011 and PSC 1012W); and (PSC 2101 or PSC 2102). Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

PSC 4991. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Permission of the undergraduate program advisor and the faculty member who will direct the study required prior to enrollment. Restricted to seniors in the political science program. Prerequisite: 15 credits of upper-division political science courses.

PSC 5099. Variable Topics. 1-99 Credits.

PSC 6103. Approaches to Public Policy Analysis. 3 Credits.

Primarily for master’s students. Empirical and normative foundations of systematic policy analysis: concepts, theories, models, issues, strengths, limitations, and uses and misuses in the policy process.

PSC 6113. The Constitution: History and Ideas. 3 Credits.

With a focus on the history and ideas that influenced James Madison, consideration of ideas that formed the common heritage of all the framers of the Constitution. The separate traditions of liberty that were fused together in the Constitution. Early changes in American society that placed one of those traditions at the center of America’s self-understanding.

PSC 6114. Theories of Judicial Review. 3 Credits.

How and why the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the Constitution. The theory behind the practice of judicial review. Consideration of such questions as whether the Constitution intended judicial review and how the two wings of today’s Court justify their own position on judicial review.

PSC 6187. Selected Topics in Political Theory. 3 Credits.

In-depth study of significant issues in political theory. Topics vary by semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. For advanced students.

PSC 6330. Comparative Government and Politics. 3 Credits.

Examination of basic approaches to comparative politics. Restricted to students in the Elliott School.

PSC 6333. Comparative Politics of Russia and Eurasia. 3 Credits.

Comparative analysis of politics in the post-Soviet region. Theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding important issues, frequently including democracy/autocracy, ethnic conflict, political economy, center–periphery relations, and state building.

PSC 6336. The Political Economy of China, India, and Beyond. 3 Credits.

Comparative analysis of how development problems have been defined from both political and economic perspectives and the solutions proposed by outsiders and insiders. Emphasis on the rise, demise, and recovery of development orthodoxies.

PSC 6338. U.S. Foreign Economic Policy. 3 Credits.

Exploration of ideas and issues involved in U.S. foreign economic policy, including relationship of economic and security issues, interdependence, protectionism, role of the dollar, industrial policy, and the debt crisis.

PSC 6345. Comparative Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

The relationship of international actors with one another and with their external environment analyzed in a comparative framework. Focus on nation-states as well as non-state actors, such as international organizations. Differences and similarities in policies on economics, diplomacy, security, and global issues.

PSC 6346. The Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

Patterns and problems in contemporary U.S. foreign policy. Special attention given to the domestic political factors shaping foreign policy.

PSC 6347. U.S. Foreign Policy Traditions. 3 Credits.

Contemporary debate about the substance of American foreign policy through the lens of alternative theoretical approaches to the study of international relations. Classical realist (national interest), neorealist (balance of power), neoliberal (international interdependence and institutions), and constructivist (national identity) interpretations are compared.

PSC 6348. Politics of U.S. National Security Policy. 3 Credits.

Examines competing theoretical approaches to the study of national security policy and tests these on a variety of substantive issue areas in the United States. (May include such topics as nuclear non-proliferation, responses to regional conflicts, definition of new security goals, etc.)

PSC 6349. International Security Politics. 3 Credits.

Overview of the major theoretical debates in international security. How different theoretical approaches inform policy decisions and options.

PSC 6350. Foreign Policy Analysis—Selected Topics. 3 Credits.

Analysis of U.S. foreign policy toward selected world regions.

PSC 6351. Civil-Military Relations. 3 Credits.

Substantive and theoretical issues and debates in the study of civil–military relations.

PSC 6360. Western European Politics. 3 Credits.

Examination of the principal characteristics of the British, French, German, and Italian political systems, comparing their institutional and behavioral adaptations to the problems of advanced industrial democracies.

PSC 6361. Politics of European Integration. 3 Credits.

The origins, institutions, and politics of West European integration, with emphasis on theories of regional integration and the development of the European Union.

PSC 6362. Nation-Building in the Balkans. 3 Credits.

The various nation-building policies Balkan nation-states have pursued toward different non-core groups over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

PSC 6364. Comparative Governments and Politics of Central And Eastern Europe. 3 Credits.

Comparative analysis of domestic political processes and policies in Central and Eastern Europe.

PSC 6366. Government and Politics of Russia. 3 Credits.

The politics and development of the Russian state.

PSC 6367. Post-Soviet Politics. 3 Credits.

How the study of former Soviet countries contributes to major debates in comparative politics. Focus includes regimes, political economy, revolutions, ethnic politics, nationalism.

PSC 6368. Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

Japan’s path to modernity and the impact its pattern of development has had on the nation’s democratization, political economy, and political institutions in the post-1945 period.

PSC 6370. Politics of China I. 3 Credits.

Readings and discussion of the political dynamics and policy process in contemporary China.

PSC 6371. Politics of China II. 3 Credits.

Research seminar on selected topics in Chinese politics, using official and other primary sources. Prerequisites: PSC 6370 or permission of the instructor.

PSC 6372. Foreign Policy of China. 3 Credits.

Readings and research on the main approaches to analyzing China’s foreign policy and foreign relations.

PSC 6373. Political Economy of Industrializing Asia. 3 Credits.

Comparative analysis of the relationship between economic interests and politics in East and Southeast Asia. Emphasis on industrializing economies and their integration into global trade and investment networks.

PSC 6374. Korean Politics. 3 Credits.

An examination of Korean politics from the perspectives of four major research areas: authoritarian regime and economic growth; democratic transition and consolidation; the Asian financial crisis and its consequences; and the two Koreas and international relations.

PSC 6375. States and Societies in East Asia. 3 Credits.

Exploration of comparative politics in East Asia, focusing on the interaction of state policies, political institutions, and social processes. Topics include authoritarianism, economic development, and democratization.

PSC 6377. Comparative Politics of the Middle East. 3 Credits.

Readings and research on selected problems of the governments and politics of the Middle East.

PSC 6379. Government and Politics of Africa. 3 Credits.

Major theories and themes of African politics considering the context shaping political and economic reforms, formal and informal institutions, and prospects for political reform.

PSC 6383. Comparative Politics of Latin America. 3 Credits.

Exploration of the democratic advances in Latin America in recent decades as well as the continuing severe social, economic, and political challenges to democracy.

PSC 6388. Topics in Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

PSC 6390. Politics and Culture. 3 Credits.

Study of the intersection of culture and politics.

PSC 6439. International Political Economy. 3 Credits.

Research seminar exploring alternative theoretical approaches to the study of international political economy and their application to the explanation and interpretation of historical and contemporary events in world political and economic affairs. Primarily for Elliott School degree candidates.

PSC 6440. Theory in International Relations. 3 Credits.

Theories of international relations. Restricted to students in the Elliott School.

PSC 6442. Politics and Practice of International Institutions. 3 Credits.

The politics of international institutions in the areas of collective security, peace keeping, trade, money, development, environment, human rights.

PSC 6444. Politics of International Law. 3 Credits.

The political sources and consequences of international law and norms.

PSC 6456. Origins of Major Wars and Terrorism. 3 Credits.

An examination of the origins of major wars, including terrorism, from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries from the theoretical perspectives of realism, liberalism, and constructivism/identity.

PSC 6457. Arms Control and Disarmament. 3 Credits.

Major issues and trends in the postwar development of U.S. arms control and disarmament policy.

PSC 6465. The International Politics of Central and Eastern Europe. 3 Credits.

Major historical, political, social, and regional factors that have shaped the interwar, World War II, and postwar evolution of Eastern Europe; emphasis on foreign relations with outside powers and on regional East–West contacts.

PSC 6467. Asian Security. 3 Credits.

An examination of the major issues in Asian Security using various theoretical perspectives involving a mix of political science and policy analysis.

PSC 6475. International Politics of East Asia. 3 Credits.

Foreign policies and international behavior of the regional states (especially China, Japan, and Vietnam) and the extraregional powers (especially the U.S. and Russia).

PSC 6476. The Arab-Israeli Conflict. 3 Credits.

Readings and research on the origins, evolution, and issues of the Arab–Israeli conflict.

PSC 6478. International Relations of the Middle East. 3 Credits.

Readings and research on the regional and international relations of the Middle East.

PSC 6484. International Relations of Latin America. 3 Credits.

The trajectory of Latin America's role in the world, with a particular focus on conflict and cooperation between Latin America and the United States.

PSC 6489. Topics in International Relations. 3 Credits.

PSC 6987. Legal Internship. 3 Credits.

Study of the interior workings of legal institutions and related organizations through an approved internship with a court, law firm, legal advocacy group, public defender's office, or legal think tank. A research paper is required.

PSC 6996. Reading. 3 Credits.

Written permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment. Restricted to graduate degree candidates.

PSC 6997. Research. 3 Credits.

Written permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment. Restricted to graduate students in the political science program.

PSC 8101. Introduction to Empirical Political Analysis. 3 Credits.

Statistical foundations of empirical political analysis and computer applications. Basic probability theory, exploratory and descriptive data analysis, statistical inference, and introduction to linear regression.

PSC 8102. Empirical Political Analysis. 3 Credits.

Techniques of social science data analysis. Model building, estimation, and interpretation. Linear models and extensions. Introduction to discrete choice models. Prerequisite: PSC 8101 or permission of the instructor.

PSC 8103. Approaches to Policy Analysis. 3 Credits.

Primarily for doctoral students. Empirical and normative foundations of systematic policy analysis: concepts, theories, models, issues, strengths, limitations, and uses and misuses in the policy process.

PSC 8104. Qualitative Research Methods. 3 Credits.

Theoretical, practical, and ethical aspects of conducting qualitative research.

PSC 8105. Readings in Political Theory. 3 Credits.

Selected major works, both ancient and modern, that illuminate basic problems and questions of political theory.

PSC 8106. Topics in Political Theory. 3 Credits.

Advanced readings and group discussions. Analysis and interpretation of selected concepts and schools of thought.

PSC 8107. Modern Political Thought and Ideologies. 3 Credits.

Analysis of some main currents in modern political thought and ideologies.

PSC 8108. Craft of Political Inquiry. 3 Credits.

Logic of inquiry in political science: theories of knowledge, inference, and research methods.

PSC 8109. Dissertation Development Workshop. 3 Credits.

Design and development of dissertation research proposal for political science PhD Students.

PSC 8120. Nonlinear Models. 3 Credits.

Introduction to maximum likelihood estimation interpretation of non-linear statistical models. Statistical inference, appropriate use, and presentation and interpretation of results.

PSC 8121. Causal Inference. 3 Credits.

Tools used in the social sciences to infer causation, including classical experiments, natural experiments, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, and panel designs. Restricted to students in the PhD in political science program. Prerequisite: PSC 8101.

PSC 8122. Logitudinal Analysis. 3 Credits.

Examination of two classes of statistical models for longitudinal data—(1) models for time-series, cross-sectional and panel data and (2) modeling event history (i.e., duration, survival, hazard).

PSC 8124. Multilevel Modeling. 3 Credits.

Statistical issues and models for multilevel (hierarchical) data structures, including the variance components, random intercept, and random coefficient models. Handling cross-level interactions.

PSC 8128. Surveys and Experiments. 3 Credits.

Design and analysis of sample surveys and experiments, including lab, survey, and field experiments. Restricted to students in the PhD in political science program. Prerequisite: PSC 8101.

PSC 8130. Game Theory I. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the core elements of game theory and how it has been utilized in political science. Applications of formal models to political phenomena and the major insights that have come from this work. Restricted to graduate students in the political science program.

PSC 8131. Game Theory II. 3 Credits.

Builds on the introductory material in Game Theory I to focus on examples of formal work in political science. Students expand their knowledge of advanced games and learn the principles behind exemplary published research. Restricted to graduate students in the political science program.

PSC 8132. Network Analysis. 3 Credits.

Sociological and psychological foundations of network theory; network measurement and inferential tools; applications of these tools and concepts to political science. Restricted to graduate students in the political science program.

PSC 8185. Topics in Empirical and Formal Political Analysis. 3 Credits.

Selected topics in quantitative political methodology and formal political theory with varying emphasis on maximum likelihood estimation, nonlinear models, causal inference, formal theories, and mathematical/computational tools for the social sciences. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details.

PSC 8187. Selected Topics in Political Theory. 3 Credits.

In-depth coverage of significant issues in political theory, including such topics as justice, toleration, and political community. For advanced students.

PSC 8210. American Political Process. 3 Credits.

A survey of American political institutions, processes, and behavior.

PSC 8211. Urban Politics. 3 Credits.

Comparative analysis of the context, institutions, processes, and policies of urban political systems.

PSC 8212. Urban Policy Problems. 3 Credits.

Analysis of public policy issues confronting urban governments; emphasis on the theoretical roots and empirical impact of past and present programs in such areas as housing, education, poverty, and crime.

PSC 8213. Judicial Politics. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the literature of judicial process and behavior studies; specific focus on selected topics. Emphasis on the major subfields of law, courts, and judicial process.

PSC 8215. Law, Politics, and Society. 3 Credits.

Role of the judiciary in policy formulation; emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court and civil liberties issues.

PSC 8216. American Presidency. 3 Credits.

Personalized and institutionalized aspects of the presidency, with particular emphasis on the politics of contemporary policymaking.

PSC 8217. Executive Branch Politics. 3 Credits.

Structure and operation of governmental bureaucracy with particular emphasis on the politics of formulating and implementing public policy.

PSC 8218. Legislative Politics. 3 Credits.

Theory, structure, and process of the U.S. Congress, with emphasis on member–constituency relations, individual and collective decision making, party and committee activities, executive–legislative relations, and interest-group activities.

PSC 8219. Political Parties and Elections. 3 Credits.

Nature and functions of American political parties: organizational status, nominating and electoral politics, and role in governing.

PSC 8220. Public Opinion and Political Psychology. 3 Credits.

Sources and dynamics of public opinion and political socialization.

PSC 8221. Interest-Group Politics. 3 Credits.

Theory, structure, and activities of interest groups in American politics.

PSC 8222. Campaigns, Elections, and Political Communication. 3 Credits.

Survey of theoretical approaches and empirical research in the study of campaigns, elections, and political communication, with a primary emphasis on American politics. Restricted to PhD students or with the permission of the instructor.

PSC 8226. Politics and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Theoretical approaches to understanding organizational behavior and change; applications to specific political problems in U.S., international, and comparative politics.

PSC 8229. Politics and Public Policy. 3 Credits.

Examination of political processes that influence policy formulation, policy implementation, and the uses of policy analysis.

PSC 8286. Selected Topics in American Politics. 3 Credits.

In-depth coverage of significant theoretical and empirical issues in American politics, including such topics as political behavior, electoral politics, and race and politics. For advanced students.    (Offered as the demand warrants)

PSC 8331. Advanced Theories of Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

Major concepts, methods, and theoretical debates in comparative politics, including cultural, rational, and institutional approaches.

PSC 8333. Political Violence. 3 Credits.

Theoretical and methodological approaches to studying violence, such as civil wars, ethnic riots, suicide bombings, and genocide, and the impact of violence on societies and people. Restricted to graduate students in the political science program.

PSC 8334. Democracy and Democratization in Comparative Perspective. 3 Credits.

Theoretical approaches to processes of democratization. Evaluation of cultural, economic, institutional, and international-actor approaches. Case analysis of recently transitioned or transitioning nations. Primarily for PhD students in political science.

PSC 8337. Theories of Political Development. 3 Credits.

Examination of how and why political systems develop the way they do. Why do some countries develop into democracies, while others become authoritarian? How do class conflict, the nature of the elite, and the political culture affect the development of political institutions?.

PSC 8338. Nationalism and Nation-Building. 3 Credits.

Nationalism, ethnic conflict, and nation-building; the effects of nationalism on political identities, state formation, patterns of political violence, definitions of citizenship, migration policies, and voting behavior.

PSC 8340. Authoritarianism and Democratization. 3 Credits.

The political science scholarship on authoritarian regimes, including their institutional features, strategies for survival, and prospects for change.

PSC 8341. Theories of Ethnic Politics. 3 Credits.

Focus on cutting-edge interdisciplinary theories of ethnicity’s role in politics. Ethnicity’s relationship to democracy, economy, psychology, conflict, and solutions. Cases worldwide.

PSC 8388. Selected Topics in Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

In-depth coverage of significant theoretical and empirical issues in comparative politics, including such topics as democratization, the politics of development, the role of the state in advanced industrial societies, gender and ethnicity, and the politics of nationalism.    (Offered as the demand warrants)

PSC 8441. Advanced Theories of International Politics. 3 Credits.

Perspectives examined range from realism to critical theory and focus upon a variety of explanatory variables.

PSC 8450. Topics in International Relations. 3 Credits.

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PSC 8452. Theories of International Security. 3 Credits.

Focus on conflict in different systems and scenarios and on causes and consequences of different strategies. The role of ethics in international security.

PSC 8453. Advanced Theories of Political Economy. 3 Credits.

Major theories of political economy, from classical perspectives on problems of international cooperation to modern treatments of trade, finance, investment, and regulation.

PSC 8454. Domestic Politics and International Relations. 3 Credits.

Theoretical and empirical approaches to exploring the relationship between domestic politics and international relations. Restricted to PhD students in the political science program and MA students with permission of the instructor.

PSC 8460. Military Intervention. 3 Credits.

Theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of military interventions. The challenges of designing political science research on a complex and policy-relevant topic like military intervention.

PSC 8461. Military Effectiveness. 3 Credits.

Theories of military effectiveness in conventional wars. Case studies of several conflicts and brief exploration of effectiveness in unconventional wars.

PSC 8462. Civil War. 3 Credits.

Theories of causes, conduct, and termination of civil wars. Consideration of violence against civilians, rebel recruitment, counterinsurgency, and civil war outcomes.

PSC 8489. Selected Topics in International Politics. 3 Credits.

In-depth coverage of significant theoretical and empirical issues in international politics, including such topics as comparative foreign policy, ethics and norms in international politics, the politics of military intervention, and theories of security in a post-Cold War environment. For advanced students.    (Offered as the demand warrants)

PSC 8997. Advanced Reading. 1-3 Credits.

Advanced reading course. Restricted to doctoral candidates preparing for the general examination.

PSC 8998. Advanced Research. 1-12 Credits.

Review of literature; preparation of a dissertation proposal and a manuscript of publishable quality. Permission of the instructor and major advisor required prior to enrollment. May be repeated for credit. Restricted to doctoral candidates preparing for the general examination.

PSC 8999. Dissertation Research. 3-12 Credits.

May be repeated for credit. Restricted to doctoral candidates.