Political Science (PLSC)

Courses

PLSC 100H3. Honors Perspectives in Political Science. 3 Hours.

This course takes a topical approach to introducing first-year students to the academic skills essential to success in college and the methods of the political science discipline. The course emphasizes the transition to the UA and university-level work by addressing topics such as the advising process and civic engagement. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PLSC 20003. American National Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2003). 3 Hours.

Survey of the history, basic ideas, structure, and political processes of the national government of the United States, including the fundamental relationships of the federal system. Required of all political science majors. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PLSC 200H3. Honors American National Government. 3 Hours.

Survey of the history, basic ideas, structure, and political processes of the national government of the United States, including the fundamental relationships of the federal system. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 20103. Introduction to Comparative Politics. 3 Hours.

An introductory survey of comparative political systems. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PLSC 21003. State and Local Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2103). 3 Hours.

Organization and functions of state and local governments in the United States, intergovernmental relations, administration, adjudication, and the organization and function of political parties on state and local levels. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years; Summer)

PLSC 28103. Introduction to International Relations and Global Studies. 3 Hours.

An interdisciplinary survey of the state system, the role of non-state actors, and the processes and outcomes of globalization. Topics include theories of international conflict and peace, international norms and ethics, international law and organizations, global cultural interactions, and contemporary transnational challenges. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PLSC 281H3. Honors Introduction to International Relations and Global Studies. 3 Hours.

PLSC 3000V. Internship in Public Affairs. 1-6 Hour.

Work experience in a public sector agency arranged by the student under the guidance of a faculty member. Written assignment required. Can be taken remotely through Global Campus. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 31003. Public Administration. 3 Hours.

Trends and organization of public administration, dynamics of management; fiscal and personnel management; administrative powers and responsibility. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 32003. Introduction to Legal Studies. 3 Hours.

An examination of the legal profession, legal writing, and the substantive areas of law in the U.S. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

PLSC 32103. The South and the Law: Race, Gender, and Citizenship. 3 Hours.

Examines the experience of racial and ethnic minorities, as well as women, in the post-Civil War South. Explores legal ramifications and tracks cultural and political legacies of landmark cases and/or legislative acts. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 32203. Arkansas Politics and the Nation. 3 Hours.

An examination of Arkansas Politics including the political process, public policies, social problems, political behavior, governmental structure, and contemporary issues with an emphasis on the historical, regional, and national context. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 32303. The American Congress. 3 Hours.

Thorough examination of the constitutional role of the legislative branch under the Constitution; the internal procedures and personalities of the Senate and House; the central place of Congress in shaping domestic and foreign policy. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 32403. The Judicial Process. 3 Hours.

The structure and operation of the state and national court systems. Emphasis is upon the role of the judiciary in the American political system and the political aspects and consequences of judicial decision-making. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 32503. Urban Politics. 3 Hours.

Analysis of comparative urban systems, including political process, public policy, social problems, governmental structure, and voter behavior. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 32603. Latino Politics. 3 Hours.

An overview of Latino political behavior that analyzes the social, economic, and political issues impacting the Latino/Hispanic community in the United States. The course focuses on understanding relationships of power and interaction within the institutional contexts that shape diverse Latino experiences. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 32703. Belonging, Citizenship, & Immigration in the United States. 3 Hours.

Explores belonging, immigration, and citizenship in the U.S., considering historical, political, social, and cultural perspectives. Special emphasis is placed on recent immigration trends, which have impacted demographics and politics. Delves into questions surrounding immigration, including policy, public attitudes, immigrant experiences, and social/political inclusion/exclusion of immigrant and ethnic minorities. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 32903. Black Politics. 3 Hours.

This is a survey course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of Black political participation in the United States and throughout the diaspora. In addition to analyzing important events in Black politics in the U.S., the course also examines evolving patterns of diasporic political participation throughout the world. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 33903. Civil Rights Policy and Politics. 3 Hours.

This course will draw from linkages between the protest phase of the civil rights and American political institutions. The course explores the institutional impact of the civil rights movement on the presidency, congress, the courts, administrative regulatory agencies, and civil rights advisory organizations. Prerequisite: AAST 20203 or AAST 32903 or PLSC 32903. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 35003. Governments and Politics of East Asia. 3 Hours.

Comparative analysis of structures, processes, and problems of the political systems of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Japan, and the Peoples Republic of China. Prerequisite: PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 35203. Politics of the Middle East. 3 Hours.

Survey of the unity and diversity in the political development of the Middle East, as evident in historical legacies, state formation, civil society, social class, and political identity. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 35403. Introduction to Citizenship Studies. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the field of citizenship studies with a focus on theoretical and empirical illustrations. Covers citizenship in the Middle East, Latin America, and contemporary Africa. Theoretically grounded in comparative politics, students should develop understanding of the complex debates and real-time challenges which shape this sub-field of political science. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 35503. Western European Politics. 3 Hours.

Comparative analysis of Western European parliamentary systems with special attention to political traditions, constitutional arrangements, socio-economic structure, and the political and legislative processes in countries such as Britain, France, and Germany. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 or PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 35703. Governments and Politics of Latin America. 3 Hours.

Comparative survey of Latin America political forces and institutions with special attention to patterns and problems of political change and development in that area. Prerequisite: PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 36003. Scope and Methods of Political Science. 3 Hours.

The basic empirical principles, assumptions, and research techniques of political inquiry for analysis of political phenomena. This course focuses extensively on research design and analysis of empirical data. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PLSC 36803. International Conflict and National Security Policy. 3 Hours.

This course examines international conflict and national security policy. The first part of the course analyzes the causes and consequences of international conflict and mechanisms for conflict resolution. The second part examines the formulation and implementation of national security in comparative perspective and U.S. national security policy. Prerequisite: PLSC 28103. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

PLSC 38003. International Organization. 3 Hours.

This course is about how state and non-state actors try to organize the international system to help manage crucial issues such as the development and use of force, the efficiency and fairness of markets, and the realization and protection of human rights and environmental health (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 38103. International Law. 3 Hours.

Analysis of the traditional principles of public international law including the law of war, the law of sea and air, and the legal nature of statehood; and analysis of selected principles of private international law relevant to such topics as the multinational corporation, international arbitration, commerce with Communist states, and the expropriation of foreign property. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 38203. Theories of International Relations. 3 Hours.

Analysis of major intellectual traditions in the field of international relations, including realism, liberalism, and social constructivism. Emphasis will be placed on how they help us to understand war, revolution, global capitalism, nationalism, peace, and other significant international phenomena. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 and PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 38503. American Foreign Policy. 3 Hours.

The structure and process for making and implementing the foreign policy of the United States, and an evaluation of current policies in the contemporary international milieu. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 or PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 3900V. Special Topics. 1-3 Hour.

Special topics in political science. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

PLSC 392H3. Honors Colloquium. 3 Hours.

Covers a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

PLSC 3940V. Readings in Political Science. 1-3 Hour.

For advanced students who wish to study some field of political science beyond the course offering available in that field. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 394HV. Honors Readings in Political Science. 1-3 Hour.

For advanced students who wish to study some field of political science beyond the course offering available in that field. Prerequisite: Junior standing and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is equivalent to PLSC 3940V.

PLSC 39503. Crossing Borders: Transnationalism and Intercultural Transfer. 3 Hours.

Study of Transnational Theory and the concept of Intercultural Transfer Studies. Focuses on intercultural transfers of ideas, concepts, and models for political, social, economic, and cultural advancement. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is cross-listed with INST 3903, PLSC 3953.

PLSC 39803. Politics in Literature. 3 Hours.

Analysis of political theories and issues through extensive reading and discussion of selected works of literature. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 or PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 4000V. Special Topics. 1-3 Hour.

Topics in political science not usually covered in other courses. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

PLSC 4060V. Independent Study in Political Science. 1-3 Hour.

Independent study in political science. Arranged in agreement and under the guidance of a faculty member. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 40803. Portrayals of Hitler in Film. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the construction and deconstruction of Hitler's image in fictional movies produced in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany after 1945, through a lens of postmodern thought and cultural theory. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 40903. Politics and Policy on Film. 3 Hours.

An examination of the ways in which politics, government, policymakers, and public policy issues are portrayed on film. Selections vary, but may include historic and contemporary works, independent films and blockbusters, fictional works, biopics, and documentaries. Heavy emphasis on independent research and informed discussion, focused on the context in which the works were made and the ways they were received by audiences. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 41003. Introduction to Urban Planning. 3 Hours.

Reviews the many forms, functions, and purposes of American cities. Covers basic planning theories, surveys the various sub-fields of planning, discusses trends in the planning field, and utilizes computer simulations. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 41103. Introduction to Urban Planning II. 3 Hours.

Advanced analysis of comparative urban systems, including political process, public policy, social problems, governmental structure, and voter behavior. Prerequisite: PLSC 41003 or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 41403. U.S. Environmental Politics and Policy. 3 Hours.

Surveys recent patterns of environmentalism in the U.S. and explores the nature of policy making with regard to environmental and economic development issues. Topics may include conservation vs. preservation, multiple use vs. sustainability, intergovernmental policy implementation, incentives, and free market environmentalism. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring and Summer)

PLSC 41503. Public Policy. 3 Hours.

A study of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation at various levels of government. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 and Junior or Senior standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 41603. Nuevo South: The Emerging Latino Electorate in the South. 3 Hours.

Explores the new wave of Latino migration to the US South and how this has transformed the demographic composition of these states and reshaped politics and policy. Explores concepts, both regionally and nationally, of membership, Southern and national identity, and the racialization of Latinos. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 41703. Community Development. 3 Hours.

Encompasses the political, economic, and social issues that shape contemporary communities. This class examines substantive issues in community development, related theories and techniques. A major focus of the course will be on low-income and minority neighborhoods and efforts to create more inclusive communities in the United States and abroad. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 41803. The Evolution of Nonprofits and Philanthropy. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the history of philanthropy. Examines philanthropy at the intersection of anthropological theories of giving, social theories related to types of capital and capital exchanges, and economic theories about the role of philanthropy for national economies. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 41903. Administrative Law. 3 Hours.

Legal aspects of the administrative process and the effect of legal principles and processes upon administrative decision-making. Emphasis is given to the limitation of administrative discretion and the judicial review of administrative decisions. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 42003. American Political Parties. 3 Hours.

The nature, function, and history of political parties in the United States with emphasis on party membership, organization, campaign techniques, finance and electoral alliances. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 42103. Campaigns and Elections. 3 Hours.

This course examines the American electoral process. It is an empirical course that provides opportunities for original analysis of survey data and election returns. Emphasis is placed on the most recent federal election. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 42203. Gender and Justice in the U.S.. 3 Hours.

Provide students with a historic and contemporary overview of the laws, policies, and politics surrounding gender, citizenship, and justice in the United States. Explores how law and public policy have affected the lives of marginalized sex and gender groups in the United States as well as the political dynamics surrounding gender and sexuality law. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

PLSC 42303. The American Chief Executive. 3 Hours.

Offices and roles of the President and state governors of the United States focusing on the evolution of the offices in terms of responsibilities and political leadership. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 42403. Minority Politics. 3 Hours.

Reviews political action and concepts of political activity by minority groups, focusing on contemporary political behavior. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 42503. The U.S. Constitution I. 3 Hours.

United States Supreme Court decisions involving the functions and powers of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the President and federalism. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 42603. The U.S. Constitution II. 3 Hours.

United States Supreme Court decisions interpreting the political, economic, and civil rights of individuals and groups. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 42703. Political Psychology. 3 Hours.

Examines role of the individual in the polity including basic psychological constructs of relevance to political action, the formulation and maintenance of stable political orientations, the patterns linking the individual to the polity, and major modes of inquiry. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 42803. Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations. 3 Hours.

Analysis of changes in intergovernmental relations in the American federal system. Discussions will focus on political, economic/fiscal and administrative aspects of policy changes of the pre-and post-Reagan eras. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 43003. History of Political Parties in the U.S. 1789-1896. 3 Hours.

Origin and development of the American party system from the implementation of the Constitution to the election of McKinley. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

PLSC 43103. History of Political Parties in the United States Since 1896. 3 Hours.

Response of the party system to America's emergence as an industrial nation and world power from the election of 1896 to present. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

PLSC 43203. Racial Identity, Politics, and Public Policy. 3 Hours.

Examines how race and perceived racial differences affect political discourse, mobilization, representation, and political outcomes. Prerequisite: PLSC 32903 or AAST 10003 or Junior standing. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 43303. Southern Politics. 3 Hours.

Evaluates the significance of the southern region within the national political scene, as well as discusses the unique political history and workings of the region. Explores the various groups within the region that continue to fight for political influence and power. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 43403. Money and Politics. 3 Hours.

Familiarizes students with the world of money and politics in the United States. Examines the function of money in elections, the legal aspects, and the consequences of the regulatory environment. Provides a means to gain analytic computer skills and a strong foundation for further study of political science. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 43703. Political Communication. 3 Hours.

Study of the nature and function of the communication process as it operates in the political environment. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 45103. Creating Democracies. 3 Hours.

Analyses of the creation of democracies in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, East Europe, and the former Soviet Union. Prerequisite: PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

PLSC 45203. Introduction to Gender and Politics in the Middle East. 3 Hours.

Introduces the complexities of women's political lives in the Middle East by studying gender roles, relations and how identities are constructed during different political moments. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 45303. China's Foreign Trade and International Order: History, Policy, and Theory. 3 Hours.

This interdisciplinary course explores China's foreign trade and international order by introducing students to the historical context and economic theory necessary for understanding China's role in the international trading system from the ancient past to the contemporary era. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 45603. Government and Politics of Russia. 3 Hours.

Study of Russian and Soviet politics after 1917 and of the democratization of Russia and the other successor states. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 or PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 45703. Gender and Politics. 3 Hours.

Examines the significance of gender in politics. Includes discussion of the women's movement and feminist theory, but emphasizes the content and process of public policy as it relates to women and men. Focus is on the U.S. but final third is devoted to comparative topics. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 or PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 45803. Political Economy of East Asia. 3 Hours.

Development strategies and policies of major economies in East Asia. Topics include theories for East Asia's economic growth, dynamics and process of East Asian political and economic developments, strengths and limits of the East Asian development model, Asian values and their implications for Asian-style democracy, and dynamics of regional cooperation. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 45903. Islam and Politics. 3 Hours.

Compares contemporary Islamist political movements. Seeks to explain causes, debates, agendas, and strategies of Islamists in the political realm. Addresses sovereignty, the rule of law, visions of the good state and society, and relations between nationalism, religion and political development. Focus on Middle East with comparative reference to other cases. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 46103. Social Network Analysis. 3 Hours.

Introduces the fundamentals of Social Network Analysis (SNA), and its applications for research in various social science fields. Prerequisite: SOCI 10103. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 46303. Citizenship in the Middle East. 3 Hours.

Explores citizenship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with a focus on theoretical and empirical illustrations. Theoretically grounded in comparative politics, and empirically engaged with case studies on citizenship formation, students will develop an understanding of the complex debates and challenges which shape this sub-field of political science. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

PLSC 47803. Human Security in International Politics. 3 Hours.

Focuses on a comprehensive understanding of human security, its key concepts, and the strategies employed to address complex issues affecting human well-being and safety. Topics may include: conflict, poverty, health, environment, and migration. Involves critical analysis of policies and practices aimed at promoting human security. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

PLSC 47903. Latino/Hispanic Political Thought. 3 Hours.

A survey course designed to examine the development of Latino/Hispanic political thought from Iberian and Latin American political culture and philosophy to contemporary US political ideology/thought. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 479H3. Honors Latino/Hispanic Political Thought. 3 Hours.

PLSC 48003. Foreign Policy Analysis. 3 Hours.

Comparative analysis of foreign policy, with attention paid to explanations at a variety of levels, such as the individual, group, organizational, societal, systemic. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 48103. Chinese Foreign Policy. 3 Hours.

Provides an introduction to Chinese foreign policy. Key topics covered include the historical, domestic, and international contexts of Chinese foreign policy, China's relations with key partner countries, security strategies, foreign economic relations, and evolving role in global governance. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 48203. Foreign Policy of East Asia. 3 Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the international relations of two major East Asian states, China and Japan. Key topics include: China and Japan's interaction with the world political and economic systems; domestic sources of international behavior and major dimensions of foreign policy in the 1980s and 1990s. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 48303. International Political Economy. 3 Hours.

This course provides an analysis of the interaction between politics and markets in the world economy. Its central objective is to illustrate how political and state actions have shaped and been shaped by the development of the global economy. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 48403. The Middle East in World Affairs. 3 Hours.

An analysis of geo-political and socio-economic characteristics of Middle Eastern societies and their impact on world economic and political order. Special attention to such issues as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the promotion of lasting peace in the region, impact of oil on world politics, the involvement of superpowers, rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees and the role of the United Nations. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 48503. International Norms and Corporate Social Responsibility. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the interplay between international social expectations and business strategy. How norms prevail and why norms emerge will be observed from a business vantage point. Pre- or corequisite: PLSC 20003 or PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 48603. Political Psychology and International Relations. 3 Hours.

Examines psychological approaches to international relations and examines how these perspectives advance the study of world politics. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 48803. Politics of International Law. 3 Hours.

This course examines the interaction between law and politics in the international system, focusing on international law. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 48903. International Negotiation and Mediation. 3 Hours.

This course examines international negotiations and mediation. International negotiation refers to the processes and methods by which state and non-state actors reach agreements through persuasion and similar non-violent means. This course analyzes the processes, methods, and mechanisms, and challenges of international negotiations and the growing use of mediation. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 49103. International Studies Seminar. 3 Hours.

Intensive study of key global issues and aspects of international affairs, culminating in a research project that meets the Fulbright College writing requirement. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 491H3. Honors International Studies Seminar. 3 Hours.

Intensive study of key global issues and aspects of international affairs, culminating in a research project that meets the Fulbright College writing requirement. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 492H3. Honors Eugenics in Global Perspective. 3 Hours.

Exploration of Social Darwinist thought and eugenics policy as global phenomena in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 49303. African American Political Ideology. 3 Hours.

A survey course designed to identify and examine characteristics and functions of several variants of black political ideology/thought. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 4930, PLSC 4930.

PLSC 494H3. Honors The Communist Dictatorship in Germany, 1949-1989. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of Communist East Germany from its founding in 1949 to its demise in 1989/90. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 4980V. Senior Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Senior Thesis. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PLSC 499HV. Honors Essay. 1-6 Hour.

To be used for completing a Political Science Honors Thesis. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 5000V. Special Topics. 1-3 Hour.

Topics in political science not usually covered in other courses. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 4000V and PLSC 5000V. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

PLSC 50503. Creating Democracies. 3 Hours.

Analyses of the creation of democracies in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, East Europe, and the former Soviet Union. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 45103 and PLSC 50503. Prerequisite: PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

PLSC 50803. The Middle East in World Affairs. 3 Hours.

PLSC 51003. Human Behavior in Complex Organizations. 3 Hours.

Review of the fundamental literature and a systematic analysis of various theories and research focusing on organization and behavior in public administration, including the discussion of organizational development, human motivation, leadership, rationality, efficiency and conflict management in public organizations. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years; Summer)

PLSC 51103. Seminar in Human Resource Management. 3 Hours.

Intensive study of public personnel policies and practices, including legal foundations, classification and compensation plans, recruitment and selection processes, training, employment policies and morale, employee relations and organization. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 51203. Public Budgeting and Finance. 3 Hours.

Focuses on the budgeting process and governmental fiscal policy formulation, adoption, and execution. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 51403. Administrative Law. 3 Hours.

A seminar which examines the constitutional and statutory basis and authority of public organizations. Special attention focuses on the nature of the rule-making and adjudicatory powers of public agencies and on executive, legislative, and judicial restraints on such activities. Also considered are the role, scope, and place of public regulatory activities. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 51603. Public Policy. 3 Hours.

Seminar examining the study of public policy making in complex organizations. Attention given to different theories and frameworks explaining public policy making. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 51703. Community Development. 3 Hours.

Community development encompasses the political, social, and economic issues that shape contemporary communities. The seminar examines substantive issues in community development, related theories, and techniques. A major focus of the course will be on low-income and minority neighborhoods and efforts to create more inclusive communities in the U.S. and abroad. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 51903. Seminar in Public Administration. 3 Hours.

Introduction to and synthesis of public administration theory, functions, history, public accountability and management concerns, economic impact of administrative decisions, current problems, and issues in the public sector. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 52003. Seminar in American Political Institutions. 3 Hours.

Research seminar dealing with selected aspects of the major governmental institutions in the United States. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 52103. Seminar in American Political Behavior. 3 Hours.

Reading seminar surveying major works on representative processes in American national politics, including political opinion, political leadership, political participation, voting behavior, political parties, and interest groups. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 52503. Politics of Race and Ethnicity. 3 Hours.

Reviews identity, political action and concepts of political activity by minority groups, focusing on contemporary political behavior, the incorporation of minority groups into the U.S. political system. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 52803. Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations. 3 Hours.

PLSC 53303. Southern Politics. 3 Hours.

Evaluates the significance of the southern region of the United States within the national political scene, as well as discusses the unique political history and workings of the region. Explores the various groups within the region that continue to fight for political influence and power. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 53703. Political Communication. 3 Hours.

Study of the nature and function of the communication process as it operates in the political environment. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 43703 and PLSC 53703. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 55003. Comparative Political Analysis. 3 Hours.

A selection of topics to provide the theoretical, conceptual and methodological and foundation for the analysis of contemporary political systems. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 55103. Seminar in Politics of the Middle East. 3 Hours.

Explores the major lines of inquiry on the politics of the state and society in the context of endogenous and exogenous forces that have influenced conceptions of power, legitimacy, and identity. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 55603. Government and Politics of Russia. 3 Hours.

Study of Russian and Soviet politics after 1917 and of the democratization of Russia and the other successor states. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 45603 and PLSC 55603. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 or PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 55803. Political Economy of East Asia. 3 Hours.

PLSC 58003. Seminar in International Politics. 3 Hours.

Research seminar providing intensive coverage of selected topics in theories of international relations, the comparative study of foreign policy making, and international organizations. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 58203. Qualitative Methods in Political Science. 3 Hours.

Develops expertise in qualitative research methods, including when such methods are appropriate, the benefits and drawbacks, and how to distinguish between strong and weak research questions. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 58303. International Political Economy. 3 Hours.

Seminar with concentrated reading in selected and specialized areas of contemporary international relations. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 58403. International Legal Order. 3 Hours.

Analysis of distinctive characteristics of contemporary international law. Topics include role of legal order in controlling the use of force in international relations and the impact of social and political environment on growth of international law and relations among international political systems. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 58603. Political Psychology and International Relations. 3 Hours.

Examines psychological approaches to international relations and examines how these perspectives advance the study of world politics. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 58803. Politics of International Law. 3 Hours.

This course examines the interaction between law and politics in the international system, focusing on international law. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 5900V. Directed Readings in Political Science. 1-3 Hour.

Directed readings in Political Science. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 59103. Research Methods in Political Science. 3 Hours.

Methods relevant to research in the various fields of political science. Required of all graduate students in political science. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 5920V. Internship in Political Science. 1-6 Hour.

Internship in a local, state, regional, or federal agency. Paper required on a significant aspect of internship experience. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PLSC 59403. Advanced Research Methods in Political Science. 3 Hours.

Provides a firm theoretical foundation in, and an ability to apply, various multivariate statistical methods that are most commonly used for empirical analysis of politics and policy. Prerequisite: PLSC 59103 or equivalent. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 5950V. Research Problems in Political Science. 1-3 Hour.

Research problems in Political Science. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 59903. African American Political Ideology. 3 Hours.

A survey course designed to identify and examine characteristics and functions of several variants of black political ideology/thought. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

PLSC 6000V. Master's Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Master's Thesis. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

PLSC 69603. Visualizing Critical Race Theory. 3 Hours.

An examination of critical theoretical approaches to the concepts of race and racism. Students will examine the ways in which these constructs perform a critical function in the construction of race(s) and racism(s) and their relevance to visual culture. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)