Department of Political Science
Paul L. Haber, Chair
This section of the catalog was edited after the catalog was published. Updated August 9, 2012, August 20, 2012.
From the time of Plato and Aristotle, the study of politics has been concerned with how human communities use power to shape the lives of individuals. Students of politics observe the world's political institutions, from local governments to international organizations. They are interested in the quality of political leadership, the values which underlie public affairs, the political and legal processes used to make governmental decisions, and the wisdom of policies. Politics is the continuing dialogue about the best way for communities to govern themselves.
The department offers a varied undergraduate curriculum covering domestic, foreign, and international politics. By meeting requirements outlined below, a student may earn a bachelor degree in political science or in political science-history; a minor in political science or global public health; or a bachelor degree in political science with an option in American politics, international relations and comparative politics, public administration, non-profit administration, international development studies, or public law. A Master of Arts degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration degree are also offered.
The scope of the faculty's interest and research is wide. They bring special insights gained through study and residence in Europe, Russia, Africa, Central Asia, India, the Far East and Latin America, as well as in Montana and Washington, D.C. All members of the department teach introductory and advanced courses.
Courses offered in the department are designed to: (1) assist students to secure a broad liberal education and to equip them with the foundations for American citizenship; (2) provide undergraduate preparation for those students who propose to continue study at the graduate level with the ultimate goal of college teaching and research; (3) offer a broad program of training for those students who plan careers in government or politics; 4) assist in preparing students for careers in teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels; (5) provide a sound background for those students who intend to enroll in law and other professional schools.
The major fields of political science are (1) American government and politics with national, state and local government, politics, and public law as sub-fields; (2) public administration; (3) political theory; (4) comparative government; (5) international relations, organization and law. Majors are eligible for membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary and are active in student political activities. The Department of Political Science secures a number of legislative and administrative internships in state and local government each year. Internships and other learning opportunities in Washington, D.C., are also available.
Special Degree Requirements
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog. See index.
All majors must meet the Upper-division Writing Expectation by successfully completing PSCI 400.
Political Science Major: Students majoring in political science must take a minimum of 37 credits of political science, including PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); and one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields listed above. Twenty-one of the 37 credits must be in upper-division courses. No more than 7 credits of independent study (PSCI 492 (PSC 496)) and internship (PSCI 498 (PSC 498)) combined may count toward the 37 required credits. In addition, no more than 15 total credits in special topics courses (e.g., PSCI 320 (PSC 381), 391 (PSC 395)) may count toward the 37 required credits.
Political Science Major with an Option in American Politics: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in American politics by completing 40 credits in political science, including: PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; and five of the following courses: PSCI 340 (PSC 383), 341, 342, 343, (PSC 341, 342, 343) 344 (PSC 364), 346 (PSC 366), 347 (PSC 387), 348, 352 (PSC 352), PSCI 365 (PSC 365), 370, 440 (PSC 483), 444, 445, 468. Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in International Relations and Comparative Politics: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in international relations and comparative politics by completing 40 credits in political science, including: PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; and three courses from each of the following groups: a) PSCI 320 (PSC 381), 321 (PSC 321), 322 (PSC 321H), 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329 (PSC 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329), 420 (PSC 481) 421 (PSC 420), 422; and b) PSCI 330 (PSC 382), 332, 334, 335 (PSC 334, 335), 336, 337 (PSC 337), 430 (PSC 482), 431, 433 (PSC 431, 433), 432 (PSC 430), 463 (PSC 463), Strongly recommended are: a) minimum of two years of foreign language study; b) internship/study-abroad program. Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in Public Administration: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in public administration by completing a minimum of 40 credits in political science, including: PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220 (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; 361, and three of the following courses: PSCI 344 (PSC 364), 360 (PSC 385), 462 (PSC 460), 461, 463, 466, 467, 468, 460 (PSC 485). A legislative or administrative internship is strongly recommended. Courses used to complete the upper division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Major with an Option in Public Law: A student may earn a major in political science with an option in public law by completing a minimum of 40 credits in political science, including PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220 (PSC 120S), 230X (130E), 250E (PSC 150E); one 300-400 level course in four of the five major fields of political science listed previously; PSCI 370, and four of the following courses: 352, 421 (PSC 420), 433, 462 (PSC 460), 461, 471, 474 (PSC 472). Courses used to complete the upper-division requirement of this option also fulfill the 300-400 level requirement in the respective major fields of political science.
Political Science Teaching Major
Students may earn a teaching major in political science (government) by completing the requirements for the BA in political science, to include the following: PSCI 210, 220, 230, 250, 400; one 300-400 level course in four of the major fields listed above; four upper-division elective courses; and EDU 497 (C&I 428). All requirements for the political science major apply. Students with a teaching major in political science must also complete a teaching major or minor in a second field. For the political science teaching major, students must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program and complete all of the professional education licensure requirements. Students may also earn a teaching minor in political science. See the Department of Curriculum & Instruction for more information.
Political Science/History Combined Major
This major is intended solely for students who want to be licensed to teach government, history, and one additional social science at the middle and high school levels. Requirements for the combined political science/history major are as follows: in political science, a minimum of 30 credits, including: PSCI 210, 220, 230, 250, three upper-division elective courses in American government or public law, and three government upper-division elective courses in comparative or international relations; in history, a minimum of 31 credits, including: HSTR 101 or 102, HSTA 101 and 102, HSTR 200, HSTA 255, one elective course in world history, three upper-division elective courses to include at least one American and one European course, and one HSTA/HSTR 400-level approved writing course; in one additional social science, a minimum of 9 elective credits in economics or geography or psychology or sociology; and EDU 497 (C&I 428). Students must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program and complete all of the professional education licensure requirements. Students are eligible for a teaching license in social studies broadfield. See the Department of Curriculum & Instruction for more information.
Certificate in Nonprofit Administration (Online)
The certificate in nonprofit administration is designed for students wishing to develop professional competencies relating to nonprofit management. To earn a certificate the student must complete a minimum of 16 credits as follows:
a) 12 credits from among the following online courses:
- PSCI 401 Nonprofit Human Resource Management – 2 credits
- PSCI 402 Nonprofit Volunteer Management – 2 credits
- PSCI 403 Nonprofit Program Planning and Evaluation – 2 credits
- PSCI 405 Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy – 2 credits
- PSCI 406 Nonprofit Board Management – 2 credits
- PSCI 407 Nonprofit Grant Writing – 2 credits
- PSC 408 Nonprofit Fundraising – 2 credits
- PSCI 409 Nonprofit Financial Management – 2 credits
- PSCI 410 Nonprofit Strategic Planning – 2 credits
b) 4 credits of PSCI 498 or 598 Internship. The internship component includes at least 350 hours of volunteer or paid hours working directly with a nonprofit organization. If the student works at a nonprofit organization, professional work that is aligned with the program focus will qualify as internship credit. Students will complete various reflection activities, including a formal, 10-page paper documenting their learning throughout the internship experience. For questions about the internship, contact the Office for Civic Engagement.
All courses taken in pursuit of the certificate must be taken for graded credit, and a grade of C or above must be achieved in order to receive credit for any course.
This program is offered on a self-supporting basis. To learn about fee schedules and how to register, visit the web site for UMOnline.
Suggested Course of Study
Political Science Major:
| First Year |
A |
S |
| PSCI 210S (PSC 100S) Introduction to American Government |
3 |
- |
| PSCI 220S (PSC 120S) Introduction to Comparative Government |
- |
3 |
| Seven General Education courses |
12 |
9 |
| One elective |
- |
3 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Second Year |
A |
S |
| PSCI 230X (PSC 130E) Introduction to International Relations |
3 |
- |
| PSCI 250E (PSC 150E) Introduction to Political Theory |
- |
3 |
| Seven General Education courses |
12 |
9 |
| One elective |
- |
3 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| Four PSCI 300-400-level courses |
6 |
6 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Four PSCI 300-400-level courses |
6 |
6 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Political Science with American Politics Option:
| First /Second Year: Same as for PSCI major above |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| Three 300-400-level American Politics courses |
6 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Five electives |
6 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Two 300-400-level American Politics courses |
3 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Political Science with International Relations and Comparative Politics Option:
| First/Second Year: Same as for PSCI major above |
| Recommend beginning foreign language study as part of General Education courses. |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| Three 300-400-level International and Comparative courses |
6 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Five electives |
6 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Three 300-400-level International and Comparative courses |
6 |
3 |
| One other 300-400-level PSCI course |
3 |
- |
| Six electives |
6 |
12 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Political Science with Public Administration Option:
| First/Second Year: Same as for PSCI major above |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| PSCI 361 Public Administration |
3 |
- |
| One 300-400-level public administration course |
- |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| One 300-400-level public administration course |
3 |
- |
| PSCI 462 (PSC 460) Human Resource Management |
- |
3 |
| Three other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
6 |
3 |
| Five electives |
6 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Political Science with Public Law Option:
| First/Second Year: Same as for PSCI major above |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| PSCI 370 Courts and Judicial Politics |
- |
3 |
| Two 300-400-level Public Law courses |
3 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Five electives |
9 |
6 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Two 300-400-level Public Law courses |
3 |
3 |
| Two other 300-400-level PSCI courses |
3 |
3 |
| Six electives |
9 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
Requirements for a Minor
To earn a minor in political science the student must complete a minimum of 21 credits of political science, including PSCI 210S (PSC 100S), 220S (PSC 120S), 230X (PSC 130E), 250E (PSC 150E); and three additional 300-400-level courses in three of the five major fields of political science listed previously. Nine of the 21 credits must be in 300-400-level courses.
To earn a minor in Global Public Health, the student must complete PSCI 227, Issues in Global Public Health, with a grade of C- or higher and must complete 3 core courses, two of which can be PSCI 431, Politics of Global Migration, and PSCI 463, Development Administration, with a grade of C- or higher.
To earn a minor in International Development Studies, the student must complete 3 core courses, two of which can be PSCI 431, Politics of Global Migration, and PSCI 463, Development Administration, with a grade of C- or higher.
Courses
U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or graduate credit, G = for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.
Political Science (PSCI)
U 191 (PSC 195) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 192 (PSC 196) Independent Study 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
U 210S (PSC 100S) Introduction to American Government 3 cr. Offered every term. Not open to senior level political science majors except with consent of instructor. Constitutional principles, structures, and the political processes of the national government.
U 220S (PSC 120S) Introduction to Comparative Government 3 cr. Offered every term. Not open to senior level political science majors except with consent of instr. Introduction to the basic political concepts, themes, values and dilemmas as they apply to the world's diverse societies and cultures.
U 227 Issues in Global Public Health 3 cr. Offered spring. Treats current public-health challenges in industrialized and low-income countries, including chronic and infectious illnesses. In comparative perspective, the course explores the individual, environmental, resource, and governance context of public-health policy, interventions, and outcomes and address questions of human rights and ethics, health equity and justice, regional problems and contributors, and the concerns of vulnerable populations along with possibilities for health advocacy.
U 230X (PSC 130E) Introduction to International Relations 3 cr. Offered every term. Not open to senior level political science majors except with consent of instr. Review of the evolution of the nation-state system and survey of contemporary international actors, issues and forces for stability and change.
U 250E (PSC 150E) Introduction to Political Theory 3 cr. Offered spring. Analysis of the various attempts (from Plato to Marx) to explain, instruct, and justify the distribution of political power in society. Emphasis is placed upon those theories whose primary concern is to define the nature of the "good" society.
U 320 (PSC 381) Special Topics: Comparative Politics Variable cr. (R- 6) Offered intermittently. Experimental or one-time offerings in the subfield of comparative politics.
U 321 Post-Communist Politics 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq junior standing or consent of instructor. Historical and contemporary analysis of politics in post-communist states with an emphasis on Eastern Europe and Russia.
U 322 (PSC 321H) Politics of Europe 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Comparative analysis of parliamentary forms of government and politics with emphasis on Great Britain, France and Germany.
U 324 Sustainable Climate Policies: China and USA 3 cr. Offered every other year. Prereq., CCS 203 or consent of instructor. Explores historic, current, and future greenhouse-gas emissions of the United States and China, reasons why both are the two largest C02 emitters, and prevailing national and subnational government policies and nongovernmental actions that affect emissions mitigation and adaptation.
U 325 (PSC 325) Politics of Latin America 3 cr. Offered autumn. Latin American politics from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
U 326 (PSC 326) Politics of Africa 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Development of the political systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Analysis of the interaction between African and Western social, political, and economic forces. Consideration of African political thought.
U 327 (PSC 327) Politics of Mexico 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. A review of contemporary politics of Mexico from the Revolution to the present.
U 328 (PSC 328) Politics of China 3 cr. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Institutions and political development in China.
U 329 (PSC 329) Politics of Japan 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Institutions and political development in Japan.
U 330 (PSC 382) Special Topics: International Relations Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental or one-time offerings in the subfield of international relations.
U 332 Global Environmental Politics 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq. junior standing or consent of instructor. Comparative analysis of green political thought, green political parties and social movements, and environmental policy-making with an emphasis on advanced democracies.
U 334 (PSC 333) International Security 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Theories about the causes, conduct, and consequences of war. The historical record of war from World War I to the present. Contemporary security issues, including terrorism, proliferation, disarmament, and the rise and fall of great powers
U 335 (PSC 335) American Foreign Policy 3 cr. Prereq., PSCI 230X (PSC 130E) and junior standing or consent of instr. American diplomatic, economic and defense policies since World War II and their significance in international politics.
U 336 European Union 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq junior standing or consent of instructor. Historical and contemporary analysis of political and economic integration in Europe with a focus on the political system of the European Union.
U 337 (PSC 337) Model United Nations 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. History and structure of the UN. Contemporary global problems, and the UN's role in addressing them. Class has both active learning and service learning dimensions. Students plan, organize and run the annual Montana Model UN high school conference.
U 340 (PSC 383) Special Topics: American Government Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental or one-time offerings in the subfield of American government.
U 341 (PSC 341) Political Parties and Elections 3 cr. Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S). Political party organization, nominations, campaigns and elections in the United States.
U 342 (PSC 342) Media and Public Opinion 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S). Study of the role played by mass media in shaping public opinion, policy agendas, and governmental institutions.
U 343 (PSC 343) Politics of Social Movements 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. The role of social movements in shaping the politics of power, reflected in public policy, electoral politics, relations of class, race, and gender, and people's understanding of the world and their place in it.
U 344 (PSC 364) State and Local Government 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S) and junior standing. Analysis of American state and local government with emphasis on governmental organization, intergovernmental relations, local government powers, and self-government charters. Special attention to Montana.
U 346 (PSC 366) The American Presidency 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S). The constitutional foundation and evolution of the executive branch, the structure of the office and executive functions and powers.
U 347 (PSC 387) US Congress 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S). Structure, processes, and politics of U.S. Congress and state legislatures. During legislative years, special emphasis will be devoted to the Montana Legislature.
U 348 Multicultural Politics 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Examines the politics of diversity in the U.S., including national community, identity, citizenship, immigration, assimilation, and racial issues such as voting rights, affirmative action, segregation and integration, and public opinion.
U 350 (PSC 384) Special Topics: Political Theory Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental or one-time offerings in the subfield of political theory.
U 352 (PSC 352) American Political Thought 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PSCI 250X (PSC 150E) or consent of instr. The study of representative political thinkers is used to illustrate the theme of American democracy as a multifaceted experiment with self-government.
U 354 (PSC 354) Contemporary Issues in Political Theory 3 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently in autumn. Prereq., PSCI 250X (PSC 150E) or consent of instr. Topics variable. Research and assessment of current political and social issues through the study of a representative text and related literature.
U 355 (PSC 355) Theories of Civil Violence 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Survey of the theoretical literature on civil violence, its causes and consequences. Analysis of violence as a political technique and of counter measures designed to prevent or control it.
U 360 (PSC 385) Special Topics: Public Administration or Policy Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental or onetime offerings in the subfield of public administration or policy.
U 361 (PSC 361) Public Administration 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S). Legal and institutional setting of the administrative system; dynamics of organization and processes of public management.
U 365 (PSC 365) Public Policy Issues and Analysis 3 cr. Examines a variety of public policy issues including economic, social welfare, health care, environmental and criminal justice policy. Emphasis is placed on substantive policies and policy analysis.
U 370 (PSC 370) Courts and Judicial Politics 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S) and junior standing. Introduction to American courts with emphasis on judicial policy making.
U 391 (PSC 395) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 400 (PSC 400) Advanced Writing in Political Science 1 cr. (R-3) Offered every term. Coreq., any upper-division political science course. Designed for political science students to satisfy their upper-division writing expectation for the major or for students desiring additional experience in writing.
UG 401 Nonprofit Human Resource Management 2 cr. On-line course offered every year. Addresses human resource needs specific to nonprofits, including payroll, employment law, and other legal issues.
UG 402 Nonprofit Volunteer Management 2 cr. On-line course offered every year. Addresses the process of recruiting and retaining volunteers at a nonprofit organization, including case studies and hands-on projects.
UG 403 Nonprofit Program Planning and Evaluation 2 cr. On-line course offered every year. Explores program planning for nonprofits from top-to-bottom, including needs assessment and evaluation.
UG 405 Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy 2 cr. On-line course offered every year. Explores and reviews the role of nonprofit organizations in advocacy.
UG 406 Nonprofit Board Management 2 cr. Online course offered every year. Explores policymaking and fundraising roles and responsibilities of the board; strategies for board recruitment, orientation, and evaluation; and executive director/board relationships.
UG 410 Nonprofit Strategic Planning 2 cr. Online course offered every year. This course explores the importance of visionary leadership and strategic planning to the success of nonprofit agencies.
UG 411 Nonprofit Grant Writing 2 cr. Online course offered every year. Students learn how to write the essential parts of a grant proposal and how to search for appropriate funding sources.
UG 412 Nonprofit Fundraising 2 cr. Online course offered every year. The course will cover all major aspects of a fundraising plan including: annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, grants and special events. The course will also give students the foundation and tools needed to implement these plans into action.
UG 413 Nonprofit Financial Management 2 cr. Online course offered every year. This course explores special issues related to nonprofit financials including accounting basics, budgeting, financial statement ratios, management controls and nonprofit income tax reporting processes.
UG 420 (PSC 481) Special Topics: Comparative Politics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental or one-time offerings in the subfield of comparative politics.
UG 421 (PSC 420) Comparative Legal Systems 3 cr. Prereq., junior standing. Emphasis on non-western approaches to law, specifically Islamic law and the legal systems of East Asia. Focus on constitutional law, judicial process, civil liberties, and law enforcement and corrections.
UG 422 Revolution and Reform in China 3 cr. Offered fall. A history of the rise and fall of the Maoist regime and the complicated impact of the epochal post Mao reform movement.
UG 430 (PSC 482) Special Topics: International Relations Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental or one-time offerings in the subfield of international relations.
UG 431 Politics of Global Migration 3 cr. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Exploration of the elective and forced migration of peoples within countries and across national boundaries. Geographical coverage includes Asia, North and Central America, Africa, and Europe. Attention to policy and gender issues surrounding economic and political migration.
UG 432 (PSC 430) Inter-American Relations 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSCI 325 or consent of instr. Examination of problems, issues and concepts in the international relations of nations of the western hemisphere.
UG 433 International Law and Organizations 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Introduction to classical principles and contemporary issues of the law of nations and the organizations created to facilitate international cooperation.
UG 440 (PSC 483) Special Topics: American Government Variable cr.(R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental or one-time offerings in the subfield of American government.
UG 444 American Political Participation 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S). Examination of the individual and institutional factors affecting voter turnout, the influences on voter decision making, and non-electoral forms of participation in the United States.
UG 445 Political Psychology 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Applies psychological theories such as personality, emotion, cognition, and social influence to political attitudes and actions, including political opinion formation, conformity, prejudice, genocide, and political leadership.
UG 448 Heath Care Policy 3 cr. offered autumn. Focuses on sociopolitical environment influencing health policy in the United States including health politics and policy development, political structure and process, health care financing, public opinion and special interest groups, political leadership, policy reform and global health.
UG 449 Environmental Health Policy 3 cr. Offered spring. Focuses on environmental health policy in the U.S., its evolution, current status, and areas of change.
UG 450 (PSC 484) Special Topics: Political Theory Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental or one-time offerings in the subfield of political theory.
U 451E (PSC 357) Ancient & Medieval Political Philosophy 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PSCI 250E (PSC 150E) or consent of instr. The classical western tradition, beginning with the ancient Greeks, spanning the Christian era, and ending with the high Renaissance period. Examination of the political ideas/values of these different times, exploring broad questions concerning human nature, the origins of the state, and the meaning of legitimate authority.
UG 452 (PSC 450) Utopianism and Its Critics 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Examination of classic and contemporary utopias, from Plato's Republicto Barbara Goodwin's Justice by Lottery as well as their critics.
UG 453 Modern Political Theory 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PSCI 250E (PSC 150E) or consent of instr. Analysis of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, James and John Stuart Mill, Marx and Lenin with regard to their "modern" views of the purpose(s) of political inquiry, the nature of citizenship and popular sovereignty. Particular attention to contemporary implications of ideas.
UG 460 (PSC 485) Special Topics: Public Administration or Policy Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental or onetime offerings in the subfield of public administration or policy.
UG 461 Administrative Law 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., PSCI 210S (PSC 100S) and junior standing. The legal foundations of public administration with emphasis on legislative delegation, administrative rulemaking and adjudication, judicial review, and public participation.
UG 462 (PSC 460) Human Resource Management 3 cr. Offered spring. Study of the essential elements of human resource management, including analysis and evaluation of work, and the selection, management, and evaluation of public employees.
UG 463 Development Administration 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Study of the functions and processes of public administration in the Third World. Focus on alleviating poverty and underdevelopment. Includes project design and development planning activities.
UG 466 Nonprofit Administration and Public Service 3 cr. Offered autumn. Investigation of the aspects involved in nonprofit management and public service and the complexity of the role of nonprofit organizations in society.
UG 467 Advanced Nonprofit Administration 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PSCI 466. In-depth exploration of the special issues related to nonprofit management including fund raising, budgeting, and program planning.
UG 468 Public Policy Cycle 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Follows specific policy problem through each stage of the public policy cycle, including how policy is formulated in the legislative branch, implemented by the executive branch and reviewed by the judicial branch.
UG 471 American Constitutional Law 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Survey of U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the U.S. Constitution's provisions on separation of powers, federalism, civil rights, and civil liberties.
UG 474 (PSC 472)) Civil Rights Seminar 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., PSCI 471 or consent of instr. Intensive analysis, discussion, and writing about key U.S. Supreme Court constitutional cases on expression, religion, privacy, criminal justice, and discrimination.
UG 475 Tribal Sovereignty 3 cr. Offered alternate years. An examination of the evolution of tribal governments from a historical and political perspective. Particular attention is devoted to the issues of tribal sovereignty and tribal state conflicts.
UG 479 Ethics and Government 3 cr. Offered spring. Focuses on the ethical challenges faced by public servants in government agencies.
UG 491 (PSC 495) Special Topics in Political Science 1-3 cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
UG 492 (PSC 496) Independent Study in Political Science 1-3 cr. (R-6) Offered every term. Prereq., nine credits in political science courses numbered at the 300- or 400-level and consent of instr. Research in fields appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.
U 498 Internship 1-6 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., sophomore standing and consent of instr. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the Internship Services office. Offered credit/no credit only. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.
G 501 Public Administration 3 cr. Offered autumn. Advanced analysis of processes of public management; examination of public administrators' involvement in policy making.
G 503 Policy Analysis 3 cr. Offered spring. The role of public administrators in the policymaking process with emphasis on methods of policy analysis and program evaluation.
G 504 Organization Theory 3 cr. Offered spring. Concepts and theories relevant to the administration of complex organizations, including administrative structure, behavior, process and functions.
G 505 Budgeting and Finance 3 cr. Offered spring. Seminar focusing on principles of public finance and analysis of budgeting as a primary tool of public sector management.
G 520 Comparative Government 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., consent of instr. Concentrated reading and examination of selected subject areas in the field of comparative government.
G 521 Globalization 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., senior or graduate standing or consent of instr. Critical examination of the politics of capitalism and democracy in Latin America from a variety of perspectives. Reading and discussion of key texts. Students present research that engages theoretical themes in contexts relative to their graduate work.
G 522 Human Resource Management 3 cr. Offered autumn. Study of the essential elements of human resource management, including analysis and evaluation of work, and the selection, management, and evaluation of public employees.
G 523 Administrative Law 3 cr. Offered autumn. The legal foundations of public administration with emphasis on legislative delegation, administrative rulemaking and adjudication, judicial review, and public participation.
G 524 Management Skills 3 cr. Offered spring. Focus on developing the skills required of managers in nonprofit and government organizations, such as competency in self-assessment, oral and written presentations, managing stress, communicating supportively, motivating, managing conflict, empowering and delegating, succeeding in multicultural contexts, and participating in interviews.
G 525 Strategic Planning and Leadership 3 cr. Focus on the means by which public and nonprofit agencies can carry out their missions effectively.
G 526 Issues in State Government 3 cr. Examination of the evolution and development of state governments since the founding period by focusing on the basic political institutions and a broad range of public policy issues that affect governing in the states.
G 527 Performance Measurement 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Focus on the process by which organizations routinely and systematically gather data to assess progress in achieving their goals.
G 528 Strategic Human Resource Management 3 cr. Offered online alternate summers. This course explores the value of strategic human resource management as a means for enhancing agency performance.
G 530 International Relations 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., consent of instr. Concentrated reading and examination of selected subject areas in the field of international relations.
G 540 American Government 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Concentrated reading and examination of selected subject areas in the field of American government.
G 547 Legislative Relations 3 cr. Online course offered every other year. Focuses on the methods and issues involved in establishing effective working relationships between agencies and the legislative process.
G 550 Political Theory 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Concentrated reading and examination of selected subject areas in the field of political theory.
G 561 Ethics in Public Administration 3 cr. Online course offered every other year. Explores the role of ethics and integrity in public administration and the moral obligations of citizenship.
G 563 Improving Work Culture and Processes 3 cr. Online course offered every other year. Focuses on the complexity of the core components of strategic management: program culture and work process management and the considerations necessary to institutionalize positive change.
G 580 MA Research Design 1 cr. Selection of topic and development of research design for MA thesis.
G 586 MA Research Project 1-4 cr. (R-6) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instructor. Offered as Credit/No Credit only.
G 594 Seminar Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Topic varies.
G 595 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
G 596 Independent Study Variable cr. (R-6) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr.
G 598 Internship Variable cr. (R-6) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr. Offered credit/no credit only.
G 599 Thesis Variable cr. (R-6) Offered every term.
Faculty
Professors
Jeffrey D. Greene, Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1992
Paul L. Haber, Ph.D., Columbia University, 1992
Peter Koehn, Ph.D., University of Colorado, 1973
James J. Lopach, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, 1973
Jonathan R. Tompkins, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1981 (Associate Dean)
Associate Professors
Karen Adams, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2000
Ramona Grey, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside, 1991
Robert P. Saldin, Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2008
Assistant Professors
Christopher P. Muste, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2001
Abhishek Chatterjee, Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2010
