University General Course Catalog 2022-2023 
    
    May 05, 2024  
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8. Course Descriptions

Note: Sequencing rules in effect for many Math courses prohibit students from earning credit for a lower numbered Math course after receiving credit for a higher numbered Math course. Sequencing rules are included in the course descriptions of applicable courses.
 

Political Science
  

  • PSC 407Q - Political Violence

    (3 units)
    Causes and consequences of ethnic strife, low-intensity conflict, guerrilla warfare, and revolution, the impact of internal conflict on the international environment.

    Prerequisite(s): PSC 211 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe and apply theories of military coups to case studies.
    2. explain why state and non-state leaders are assassinated.
    3. evaluate theories that explain why revolutions may occur.
    4. describe the principles of guerilla warfare and insurgencies.
    5. explain why terrorism emerges in states.


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  • PSC 407S - Comparative Political Economy

    (3 units) CO11
    Looks at the interaction between economics and politics, and questions whether the intellectual divide between the two has any merit. Explore major factors in comparative political economy, including ideas, interests, and institutions.

    Prerequisite(s):  CH 201  or CH 202  or CH 203  or CH 212 ; ENG 102 ; PSC 211  or PSC 231 ; Junior or Senior standing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define the major theories of comparative political economy.
    2. classify different theories by their epistemological and methodological commitments.
    3. demonstrate a mastery of these theories as they apply to real-world cases in exams and papers.
    4. distinguish between developmental approaches and developmental theories.
    5. examine the successes and failures of different political economic systems and strategies.
    6. explain the intellectual history of comparative political economy in a written exam.


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  • PSC 407T - Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa

    (3 units)
    Explores historical, economic and social forces that have affected sub-Saharan states with attention to political development, conflict and democratization.

    Prerequisite(s): PSC 211 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. recognize major themes in Africa’s political history that explain Africa’s current governance problems.
    2. identify and analyze the major problems in creating and sustaining political order in African states.
    3. analyze the role of the military in African politics.
    4. describe the problems of sustaining democracy in African states.
    5. evaluate how ethnicity, race and class affect African politics and conflict.


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  • PSC 407V - Contemporary Basque Politics

    (3 units) CO10
    History and legal status of Basque Politics within Spain and the European Union with particular emphasis on Post-Franco nationalist movements and party development. (BASQ 407 and PSC 407V are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

    Prerequisite(s): ENG 102 ; CH 201  or CH 202  or CH 203  or CH 212 ; Junior or Senior standing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. integrate and synthesize knowledge about Basque history and politics in the 19th and 20th centuries and be able to analyze complex moral, socio-political and cultural issues relating to the administration of terror in the context of western state-making of the 19th and 20th centuries.
    2. demonstrate understanding of the ideological basis of western European totalitarian movements in the twentieth century and articulate characteristics of the totalitarian states in that period of European history.
    3. identify and articulate the multiple ethical interests at stake in situations of total war, terror bombing, atrocity, crime, genocide and holocaust from a historical, political and legal standpoint.
    4. analyze the contemporary concept of human rights in light of humanitarian international law.
    5. articulate characteristics of the socio-economic, historical and political context in the Basque Country from the beginning of the 19th century, through Franco’s dictatorship, and up to the contemporary democracy and political troubles.
    6. demonstrate understanding of the para-diplomatic connections of the Basque Government in exile and the Latin American and North American Administrations.
    7. use advanced search strategies in library research databases and tools to find primary and secondary sources for the term paper.
    8. present ideas in a clear, persuasive manner, both orally and in writing.


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  • PSC 407W - Terrorism

    (3 units) CO11, CO13
    Examination of different types of terrorism. Exploration of theories on the causes, motivations, strategies, outcomes, and ends of terrorism. Political impact of terrorism.

    Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing; PSC 211  or PSC 231 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define terrorism, suicide terrorism, and tactics, recognizing the inclusions and limitations of various definitional elements.
    2. critically examine the complex nature of terrorism, including why individuals and groups use (or do not use) these tactics and why (or why not) societies support the use of terrorism.
    3. identify existing gaps in the literature and research on terrorism.
    4. analyze changes in the use of different tactics over time and the relevance of terrorism as part of a growing global problem through relevant scholarly literature.
    5. evaluate competing explanations for the use of suicide tactics and the types of resources that are available to conduct research in this area.
    6. recognize connections between geographically or politically distant places and periods with regard to the use of suicide tactics.
    7. articulate and evaluate the connections between local, national and international actors, including governmental and non-governmental actors.
    8. explain and apply key theories of comparative politics relevant to terrorism.


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  • PSC 407X - Suicide Terrorism

    (3 units) CO11, CO13
    Evaluating the role of suicide terrorism. Explore some of the most important questions in the study of suicide terrorism.

    Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing; PSC 211  or PSC 231 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define terrorism, suicide terrorism, and suicide tactics, recognizing the inclusions and limitations of various definitional elements.
    2. critically examine, through writing, the complex nature of terrorism, and more specifically suicide terrorism, including why individuals and groups use (or do not use) suicide tactics and why (or why not) societies support the use of suicide tactics.
    3. identify existing gaps in the literature and research on suicide terrorism.
    4. analyze changes in the use of suicide tactics over time and the relevance of suicide terrorism and suicide tactics as part of a growing global problem through relevant scholarly literature.
    5. recognize connections between geographically or politically distant places and periods with regard to the use of suicide tactics.
    6. articulate and evaluate the connections between local, national and international actors, including governmental and non-governmental actors.
    7. explain and apply key theories of comparative politics relevant to suicide terrorism.


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  • PSC 407Y - Democratization and Authoritarianism

    (3 units) CO11, CO13
    Study democratic and authoritarian regimes in contemporary and historical context.

    Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing; PSC 211 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define democracy and non-democracy, recognizing the inclusions and limitations of various definitional elements.
    2. critically examine the complex nature of democratic and authoritarian regimes, including what distinguishes them, how they function, how they are established, and how they endure.
    3. identify existing gaps in the literature and research on democracies, democratization, and authoritarianism.
    4. analyze changes in democracies over time and the relevance of democratic consolidation and collapse as part of a growing global pattern and potential problem through a study of relevant scholarly literature.
    5. evaluate competing explanations for democratization and authoritarian regression and the types of resources that are available to conduct research in this area.
    6. articulate and evaluate the connections between local, national and international actors, including governmental and non-governmental actors.
    7. explain and apply key theories of comparative politics relevant to democratization and authoritarian regression.


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  • PSC 407Z - Special Topics in Comparative Politics

    (3 units)
    Analysis of selected research and topical issues of political systems.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 12

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature in the specific topic area of the topics section taken.
    2. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic area of the topics section taken.
    3. compare the relationship of the specialized area of Comparative Politics covered to the broader context of the field.
    4. develop and evaluate national and international policies that are linked to the specific topical area of the course.


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  • PSC 408C - Emerging World Powers (BRICS)

    (3 units)
    This course will introduce the student to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Prerequisite(s): PSC 211 ; Junior standing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature in the specific topic area of emerging powers (BRICS).
    2. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic area of emerging powers (BRICS).
    3. compare the relationship of the specialized area of Comparative Politics covered to the broader context of the field.
    4. develop and evaluate national and international policies that are linked to the specific topical area of emerging powers (BRICS).


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  • PSC 408D - Internet and Politics

    (3 units) CO9
    The Internet and the rise of new communications technologies over the last generation has irrevocably changed the nature of communication. This course explores the effects of the Internet on politics and society.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Prerequisite: PSC 211 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss the theoretical basis for how Internet technologies influence domestic politics in a comparative context.
    2. articulate how in practice politics and society have been affected by Internet technologies.
    3. identify the effects of the Internet on a variety of comparative politics topics such as the economy, social and political mobilization, governance, and institutions.
    4. demonstrate proficiency in analyzing the political impacts of technology through class discussion and a research paper.


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  • PSC 408E - Labor, Economy, and Protest

    (3 units) CO11
    Popular revolt and protest is often driven by, or justified through, economic frustration. This course looks at economic-based protest movements from the right (anti-tax in California, anti-PT in Brazil ) the left (workers’ rights, anti-Apartheid) and those that transcend normal dichotomies (Brexit, Mouvement des gilets jaunes, Arab Uprisings). We will explore how conventional economic actors (such as business and labor) react to and change through these new movements.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Prerequisite(s): ENG 102 ; CH 201  or CH 202  or CH 203  or CH 212 ; PSC 211 ; Junior or Senior standing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define the main theories used by political scientists to explain protest.
    2. classify different protest movements by their ideology, attitude, and goals.
    3. demonstrate in exams and essays a mastery of these theories and an understanding of how they change.
    4. critically reflect on student, labor, and economic protests in global contexts, across multiple countries.
    5. examine how labor and business react to different forms of pressure.
    6. explain how economic protest movements differ from other types of protest and predict how social partners might react to new movements in different global contexts.


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  • PSC 409A - Political Philosophy

    (3 units) CO12, CO14
    Detailed study of selected issues, e.g., justice, freedom, equality, tyranny, prudence, war, power, contract, consent, racism, feminism, politics and economics, politics and the human good. (PHIL 457 and PSC 409A are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

    Prerequisite(s): 6 units in either PSC or PHIL.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. state a thesis about a problem in contemporary political philosophy, and provide evidence and philosophical argument (including replies to counter-arguments) in its defense.
    2. interpret the broadly ethical ideas associated with political philosophy (e.g., justice) in the contemporary philosophical literature.
    3. distinguish better and worse reasoning, and recognize relevant logical relationships and patterns of inference (in the context of contemporary political philosophy).
    4. show what is at stake in abstract debates in contemporary political philosophy, and indicate how different positions in these debates have ethical implications for individual citizens and states.
    5. develop an original research project in which they interview active participants in contemporary political affairs and analyze their findings with the tools of political philosophers.


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  • PSC 409C - American Political Thought

    (3 units)
    American political thought from the colonial period to the present, including, among others, Puritanism, Republicanism, Jacksonian Democracy, Transcendentalism, Pragmatism and Social Darwinism.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate understanding of major questions and debates in American political, social, and economic thought.
    2. critically read, analyze, and interrupt, the important political, social, economic, and cultural writings that have shaped, and transformed, American politics and society.
    3. analyze, evaluate, and interpret the theoretical ideas, particularly equality and liberty, which have shaped the political, social, and cultural movements of the last century.
    4. demonstrate a capacity for critical and analytical thought about social, economic, and cultural issues that have become central to the American political experience.
    5. evaluate the important philosophical, political, and ethical issues associated with the various social and cultural movements that have transformed American society.


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  • PSC 409D - Contemporary Political Theory

    (3 units)
    Recent developments in political theory such as communitarianism, feminism, reinterpretations of liberalism.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. analyze the relationship between economic, social and political theory in the contemporary western canon.
    2. discuss the relationship between major contemporary political thinkers and current social and political issues.
    3. summarize major themes in nineteenth and twentieth century political thought and extrapolate to possible outcomes in political action.


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  • PSC 409G - Politics and Literature in the 20th Century

    (3 units) CO12, CO13
    Literature as political expression in Western and non-Western contexts. (PSC 409G and WLL 460 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

    Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss the relationship of the specialized area of literature covered in the course to broader theories of politics.
    2. show how the creative arts often address key political concepts either directly or through various assumptions made by authors and filmmakers when presenting a story.
    3. evaluate aspects of literary theory and the chosen texts of the course within the political era in which they were written.
    4. analyze the relationship between economic, social and political theory as portrayed in the texts selected for the course.
    5. summarize major themes in nineteenth and twentieth century literature and extrapolate to possible outcomes in political action.


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  • PSC 409K - Jurisprudence

    (3 units) CO13
    Problems of legal theory from the analytical, philosophical and sociological points of view. Particular attention to modern theories of law. (CRJ 420 and PSC 409K are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

    Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe legal theory from various perspectives.
    2. utilize a variety of legal theories in analyzing issues of criminal and civil justice in history and contemporary society.
    3. critically review and analyze American law and its English heritage with a focus on issues of diversity/equity, such as race, class/labor, and gender.
    4. integrate and synthesize knowledge of law and legal process with diverse perspectives on law to address issues in contemporary society.


    Click here for course scheduling information. | Check course textbook information
  

  • PSC 409Z - Special Topics in Political Theory

    (3 units)
    Analysis of selected research and topical issues of political systems.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 12

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature in the specific topic area of the topics section taken.
    2. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic area of the topics section taken.
    3. compare the relationship of the specialized area of political theory covered to the broader context of the field.
    4. develop and evaluate the philosophical tradition(s) in which the topical area falls.


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  • PSC 411G - Constitutional Law: Separation of Powers and Federalism

    (3 units)
    Role of the Supreme Court in the political system, emphasizing constitutional development and judicial analysis of social and political issues; includes a study of administrative law. (Satisfies the legislative requirement for the U.S. Constitution.)

    Prerequisite(s): PSC 101 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. explain the jurisdiction of the Federal courts.
    2. compare the powers of the Federal government to those of the States.
    3. articulate how Congress’s power to regulate of interstate commerce has expanded the scope of Federal power.
    4. analyze the War Powers of the President.
    5. contrast different theories of Federal-State relations.


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  • PSC 480A - Independent Study and Research in Political Science

    (1 to 3 units)
    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Offered: Every Fall and Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. carry out an advanced, independent research project on a chosen topic.
    2. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project.
    3. discuss research results in a written paper linking the selected topic within the context of the relevant academic literature of political science.


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  • PSC 490F - Internship: Public Service

    (1 to 6 units) CO14
    The Public Service Internship Program is designed to give interested and qualified students an opportunity to serve as an intern at public, non-profit, research, or approved private organizations in the community.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Prerequisite(s): Political Science or International Affairs major.

    Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
    Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of public, non-profit, or private organization in the community.
    2. explain the day-to-day workings of the chosen organization, including how the organization achieves its goals, how it interacts with the community, and how it interacts with State and local government.
    3. apply knowledge and skills gained from classes in Political Science and related areas.


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  • PSC 490G - Internship: Congressional

    (3 to 6 units) CO14
    The Congressional Internship Program is designed to give students first-hand experience of the inner workings of the United States Congress.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Prerequisite(s): Political Science or International Affairs major.

    Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
    Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of US Congress.
    2. explain the legislative process of the United States, including the policy process, how policy research is conducted, and the interactions of the branches of government.
    3. apply knowledge and skills gained from classes in Political Science and related areas to the legislative and policy development processes.


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  • PSC 490H - Nevada Legislative Internship

    (1 to 6 units) CO14
    The Legislative Internship Program is designed to give students first-hand experience of the inner workings of the Nevada state legislature, including with the policy process and policy research, as well as experience with the interaction between the legislative and executive branches. Students will be able to apply knowledge and skills gained from classes in political science and related fields to the policy development process in a legislature.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Prerequisite(s): at least Junior standing; Political Science or International Affairs majors or minors. Recommended Preparation: PSC 101 ; PSC 210  and/or PSC 304 . A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.

    Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
    Units of Internship/Practicum: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of the Nevada legislature.
    2. explain the legislative process in Nevada, including the policy process, how policy research is conducted, and the interactions of the Legislative and Executive branches.
    3. apply knowledge and skills gained from classes in Political Science and related areas to the legislative and policy development processes.


    Click here for course scheduling information. | Check course textbook information
  

  • PSC 601A - Urban Politics

    (3 units)
    Analysis of policy alternatives and governmental systems in urban areas. The role of officials, planners, interest groups and citizens in influencing the direction of policy.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss why cities are important to American politics and economic life.
    2. discuss and evaluate patterns of urban growth both historically and in contemporary terms, considering such factors as geographical and economic imperatives with such concepts as “fill in” and “smart cities.”
    3. evaluate various forms of urban governance, both historical and contemporary.
    4. articulate how cities serves as places of racial interaction and assimilation.
    5. evaluate the future of cities in both the United States and internationally, given techno-logical change and migration.
    6. argue for and synthesize concepts of urban politics in a research paper.


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  • PSC 601F - Public Opinion and Political Behavior

    (3 units)
    Analysis of the psychological aspects of politics in relation to public opinion, propaganda, personality and political socialization.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. compare different models of information processing.
    2. evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different models of partisanship.
    3. discuss the political consequences of biased information processing.
    4. articulate how public opinion drives the differences we observe in policy outcomes nationally and across states and localities.
    5. evaluate an original theoretical argument about public opinion or political behavior using quantitative methods in the form of a research paper.


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  • PSC 601G - Political Campaigns & Elections

    (3 units)
    Focusing on electoral politics, covering electoral systems, campaign strategy, the effects (or non-effects) of campaigns on citizens, voting, and elections at the national, state, and local levels.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. recognize of the basic tenants of the key concepts in the study of campaigns and elections.
    2. evaluate evidence and arguments used in scholarly sources to summarize current thought on the topic being investigated.
    3. use advanced search strategies in library research databases and tools to find primary and secondary sources for a presentation or essay.
    4. acquire and employ a conceptual framework that will allow them to interpret the meaning of campaign events and election outcomes.
    5. create complex research questions or problems in clear thesis statements.
    6. identify the key debates in the study of campaigns and elections; utilize relevant concepts and approaches to systematize their analysis of campaign strategy; and thus analyze electoral politics in the U.S.
    7. conduct original research in the context of prior literature, demonstrating an understanding of the discipline’s scope and methods.


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  • PSC 601H - American Political Parties and Electoral Behavior

    (3 units)
    Analysis of the nature, structure and functions of American political parties and electoral participation. Special emphasis on theories of elections, voting habits and patterns and campaigns in American politics.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe the evolution of the American political party system.
    2. discuss the differences among American political parties.
    3. explain the effects of party identification on voting patterns.
    4. asses the growth of the franchise (right to vote) on party success.
    5. analyze different theories of voting.
    6. evaluate the effect of internet growth on micro polling and micro-targeting on the next set of national state and local elections.


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  • PSC 601L - Citizen Participation, Pressure Groups and Political Movements

    (3 units)
    Examination of nonviolent ways citizens directly and indirectly influence government beyond voting; interest group activity, protest behavior and direct involvement in government.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. compare the pluralist and anti-pluralist perspectives on interest groups.
    2. evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different lobbying strategies used by interest groups.
    3. discuss the political consequences of astroturfing.
    4. articulate how interest group activity drives the differences we observe in policy outcomes nationally and across states and localities.
    5. evaluate an original theoretical argument about interest group behavior using quantitative methods in the form of a research paper.


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  • PSC 601M - Intergovernmental Relations

    (3 units)
    Analysis of the interactions between federal, state and local governments. Theoretical foundations of federalism, issues of public policy and administration.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe the origins and theoretical foundations of federalism.
    2. discuss the similarities and differences between federal and confederal models of governmental organization.
    3. relate the principle components of federalism to the development of the United States.
    4. relate federalism to public policy.
    5. discuss the relationship between the national, state, and local levels of government.
    6. recognize elements of federalism in public policy as implemented by levels of government.
    7. analyze public policy issues reflecting components and parameters of federalism.
    8. describe the impact of federalism on state and local government.
    9. recognize the impact of federalism on public policy development.
    10. recognize the relationship between assigned texts, lecture content, in-class discussion materials, and current public policy articles shared during a semester.
    11. select a federal policy problem, analyze it using appropriate methods and prepare for written and verbal presentation.


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  • PSC 601N - Politics of Sports

    (3 units)
    Introduction to the historical and contemporary connections between politics and sports.

    Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior standing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. recall the ancient origins of organized sports in war and relate that to military imagery in modern sports.
    2. describe ancient sport rituals in relation to contemporary sport behavior.
    3. discuss sports in relation to national identity and international sport competitions, for example, the World Cup and modern Olympics.
    4. examine and discuss the roles, of gender, race, and class in contemporary sport.
    5. demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of sport to American higher education, including the role of collegiate sports and the NCAA.
    6. argue for and synthesize concepts of in a research paper.


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  • PSC 601P - Big Data, Politics and Society

    (3 units)
    Explores the nature and history of data as an epistemological innovation from the advent of language to modern “Big Data” IT infrastructures. Using theories of technological change, we consider social and political implications.

    Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior standing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe the evolution of cooperation in human society.
    2. distinguish between biological and social bases of cooperation.
    3. contrast ethical and biological bases for cooperation and conflict.
    4. analyze the circumstances in which either cooperation or conflict emerge.
    5. explain social and political structures that encourage cooperation and minimize cooperation.
    6. compare and contrast the how social and political institutions succeed in promoting cooperation and reducing conflict.
    7. analyze and critique prevailing theories of the relationship between technological and social change.
    8. investigate and consider the sociopolitical implications of a particular technological innovation from either a moral-philosophical or empirical point of view.


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  • PSC 601Q - Generational Politics and Policy

    (3 units)
    Age’s effect on opinion formation, voting, and selected public policies, such as health, retirement housing and transportation.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. evaluate the effects of U.S. population mobility to large metropolitan areas and away from rural areas, combined with generational replacement, affects partisan (party) identification and elections.
    2. articulate the effects of intergenerational voting patterns on development of state and Federal health and retirement policy.
    3. explain how the geographical distribution of wealth affects the pattern of Federal-state wealth transfers.
    4. analyze the effects of differences in state tax bases and tax structures effect age denominated policy performance.
    5. appraise how age driven population dynamics and voting patterns affects Federal and State revenue and budgetary policy.
    6. predict how the difference in intergenerational mortality rates affect future voting patterns.


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  • PSC 603B - Energy Politics and Policy

    (3 units)
    Politics shaping American energy and resource policies examined within international, federal and partisan contexts. Special attention given to Western regional and public lands controversies.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate understanding of the historical context and processes of the energy and resource policies of the United States.
    2. discuss the complex interaction of domestic policies with international events.
    3. demonstrate understanding of the inter-relationship of energy and environmental policies.
    4. compare the policy processes surrounding the development of alternative sources of energy including nuclear, geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and biomass.
    5. examine the national security implications of U.S. energy policies.
    6. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature of the specific topic areas.
    7. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic areas of energy development and use.


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  • PSC 603C - Environmental Policy

    (3 units)
    Evaluation of policies in environmental areas.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. articulate the historical context for environmental policymaking.
    2. evaluate the contemporary context for environmental policymaking.
    3. discuss contemporary environmental policy debates.
    4. analyze efforts to improve environmental policy outcomes.


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  • PSC 603D - Global Environmental Policy

    (3 units)
    Introduce students to the institutions of international governance, outline key theoretical concepts in international policy-making, and provide knowledge about a number of specific environmental policy areas.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss the international environmental policymaking context.
    2. articulate international environmental policy debates.
    3. analyze international efforts to address international environmental problems.
    4. evaluate international environmental policy outcomes.


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  • PSC 603E - Environmental Law

    (3 units)
    Examination of current federal laws, rules and regulations concerning the environment. Emphasis on court decisions and interpretations of the law. (CEE 611, NRES 612 and PSC 603E are cross-listed; credits may be earned in one of the three.)

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. explain the fundamentals of major environmental laws.
    2. communicate the principals of policy formulation, rulemaking, and the role of the courts in interpreting and enforcing these statutes.
    3. interpret the history of environmental law in the U.S.
    4. evaluate the problems which gave rise to each statute, the structure and enforcement provisions established by Congress, the role of agencies in defining and implementing the statute, and the impact of judicial decisions on the statute and its regulations.
    5. assess the efficacy of the respective statutes by integrating knowledge from the assigned reading and information from the internet.
    6. apply the knowledge gained of these environmental laws to the current discussion of climate change and how future environmental law may need to be modified to combat climate change.


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  • PSC 603G - Land and Water Resource Policy

    (3 units)
    Issues surrounding the allocation and use of land and water resources in the United States. Emphasis on issues affecting Western states.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. articulate and evaluate the constitutional basis and historical development of natural resource policies dealing with land and water in the United States.
    2. relate land and water policy to the development of art, culture and literature in the United States.
    3. describe the political movements that have embraced and/or opposed land and water policy in the United States.
    4. discuss factors which shape support and/or opposition for land and water policies at the national state and local level of American politics.
    5. describe current conflicts associated with land and water resource policy.
    6. articulate the institutional structures that create and administer national land and water policies.
    7. describe the role of states in land and water natural resource policy.


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  • PSC 603H - The Supreme Court and Public Policy

    (3 units)
    Major decisions of recent terms of the Supreme Court; their impact upon federal-state relations, the executive and legislative branches and contemporary social issues. (Satisfies the legislative requirement for the U.S. Constitution.)

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. evaluate the effect of U.S. Supreme Court decisions on the States’ ability to develop public policies.
    2. analyze the effects of the Supreme Court’s 14th Amendment’s due process and equal protection decisions State and Federal policy.
    3. assess the effect of Supreme Court decisions on the States’ ability to regulate private property.
    4. apply recent Supreme Court decisions to questions of minority rights.
    5. apply contemporary Supreme Court due process and equal protection decisions to a contemporary public policy.


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  • PSC 603J - Political Ethics and Political Corruptions

    (3 units)
    Nature of morals and ethics and their role in government and policy, especially in the American republic.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall and Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss the various definitions of ethics and corruption and how and why those definitions vary across time and context; show insight (from previous coursework) or new knowledge in identifying the gaps in the previous literature with the definition of ethics and corruption.
    2. articulate ethical principles through critical, written analysis and synthesis of corruption both in theoretical terms but also in practice. Students will articulate what makes a particular action ethical based upon the theoretical definition and their own ethical values.
    3. synthesize and integrate modern day examples into theoretical constructs of ethics.
    4. identify the multiple ethical interests at stake in the different regions of the world, including discussing how corruption manifests itself in a variety of regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the U.S.; explain the different causes and consequences of corruption in these areas of the world by applying observational and experimental approaches.
    5. analyze the issues that confront scholarly attempts to measure corruption; discuss why measurement is so critical and how our measures end up structuring the way we view the problem.
    6. evaluate anticorruption reforms; discuss how such reforms are possible but why they are so difficult to achieve.
    7. propose and critique government reforms and discuss how they change behavior by altering the incentives and disincentives for various types of corrupt behavior.


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  • PSC 603K - Problems in American Public Policy

    (3 units)
    Analysis of selected contemporary problems in American public policy.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall and Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature in the specific topic area of the colloquium section taken.
    2. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic area of the colloquium section taken.
    3. discuss the relationship of a specialized area of public policy to the broader context of the field and to their own research interests.
    4. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project.
    5. explain and critique the methodology applied to analysis of the problem area of the section.
    6. develop concise research proposals.


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  • PSC 603M - Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Policy

    (3 units)
    Essential skills to prepare climate change mitigation and adaptation plans. Underlying theories of policy intervention, approaches to climate change policy, and application to planning.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate the policy literature linked to climate change.
    2. explain the basic scientific concepts upon which climate change theories are based.
    3. compare current approaches of mitigation and adaption policies undertaken by governments and the private sector.
    4. develop proposals for climate change adaption and mitigation.
    5. explain and critique evaluation methodology of an evaluation plan, report, or grant proposal.
    6. develop concise research proposals linked to a topic on climate change.


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  • PSC 603N - Renewable Energy Policy

    (3 units)
    Focuses on policy instruments utilized to foster use and development of renewable energy. Introduces analytic framework to understand policy impacts and examining policy interventions. (ENGR 610 and PSC 603N are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

    Recommended Preparation: ENGR 600 . 

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. explain how and why government interventions stimulate the use and development of renewable energy sources.
    2. discuss the range and scope of current renewable energy policy.
    3. use the vocabulary of policy to discuss various policy approaches.
    4. describe the benefits and problems of different policy instruments.
    5. discuss new and potential future policy developments.


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  • PSC 604B - Public Personnel Administration

    (3 units)
    Methods of recruiting, examining, training and other techniques utilized in the management of employees in government service.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. outline fundamentals of the principles and practices of Public Human Resource Management.
    2. identify the main stages of administrative reforms related to public personnel administration.
    3. compare and contrast for the roles of managers and practitioners in the field of public personnel administration.
    4. develop critical thinking skills in application to real life problems in area of public personnel administration.
    5. write job descriptions and specifications using traditional and contemporary approach to job design in the public sector.
    6. integrate learned PHRM concepts in their future management careers in public and nonprofit organizations.


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  • PSC 604E - Theories of Public Administration

    (3 units)
    Development and application of theories of public administration, especially their relevance to complex organizations, decision-making, group behavior and politics.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. examine the breadth of literature related to organizational theory both inside and outside the field of public administration (e.g. business, psychology, economics, sociology, political science).
    2. apply organizational theory to institutional problems and situations in the public and non-profit sector.
    3. develop the capacity to work with different public administration constituencies by understanding the multiple cultures that develop within organizations.
    4. examine the various external influences that impact public organizations and the many differences among organizations within the boundaries of the public sector.
    5. demonstrate understanding of some of the perennial problems of organizations such as inadequate structure, dysfunctional culture, miscommunication, shortcomings of leadership, cultural conflict.
    6. develop skills of analysis, synthesis, and communication concerning issues and ideas salient to public organizations.


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  • PSC 604F - Administrative Law

    (3 units)
    Legal setting of public administrative, adjudicative and rule-making authority. Remedies for abuse of administrative authority.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. develop an institutional, intellectual, and historical foundation for how the legal basis of public administration shapes various dynamics of public management at all levels of government.
    2. identify the core areas of administrative law.
    3. discuss and analyze how the judiciary shapes the legal environment of the administrative state and the nation’s democratic institutions.
    4. evaluate how concepts and practices of Administrative Law interact with other areas of the law in terms of shaping public policy.


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  • PSC 605A - International Law

    (3 units)
    Contemporary significance; sources in custom and treaties; historical development in various areas of international relations.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. recognize the differences among Treaties, Customary and Traditional Law as applied to international conflicts.
    2. describe the courts and institutions which hear, interpret and apply International Law.
    3. compare the international institutions which develop International Law.
    4. apply appropriate cases and principles of International Law to contemporary international conflicts.
    5. examine the concept of human rights.
    6. evaluate circumstances in which the Law.


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  • PSC 605D - U.S. Foreign Policy

    (3 units)
    Environmental influences on U.S. policy; post-World War II problems; interests, principles, objectives, policies and commitments of current policy.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe the institutional background of U.S. foreign policy.
    2. discuss the goals and challenges of U.S. foreign policy.
    3. contrast different theories of U.S. grand strategy.
    4. evaluate international context in which U.S. foreign policy is made.
    5. discuss domestic process by which U.S. foreign policy is made.


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  • PSC 605F - Problems of World Politics

    (3 units)
    Analysis of selected contemporary problems of world politics.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature in the specific topic area of the colloquium section taken.
    2. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic area of the colloquium section taken.
    3. analyze emerging world events for potential conflict within the framework of major international relations theory.
    4. evaluate and criticize the policies and actions of historical and contemporary political actors in the context of international relations theory.
    5. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project.
    6. explain and critique the methodology applied to analysis of the problem area of the section.
    7. develop concise research proposals.


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  • PSC 605G - International Conflict

    (3 units)
    Classical and contemporary literature on the causes of war among nations and the conditions of international peace.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. identify, discuss, and evaluate the causes and consequences of armed conflict between and within nations.
    2. demonstrate understanding of the processes that lead to armed conflict and the roles of national and international actors and institutions.
    3. analyze emerging world events for potential conflict within the framework of major international relations theory.
    4. evaluate and criticize the policies and actions of historical and contemporary political actors in the context of international conflagrations or civil wars.
    5. formulate and articulate a well-reasoned and theoretically supported policy approach to prevent and mitigate armed conflict and promote international peace.


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  • PSC 605H - International Human Rights

    (3 units)
    Introduce students with the major ideas, theories, and concepts that help us understand the central themes, issues, and policies in the formulation and implementation of international human rights policies.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define the nature of human rights.
    2. articulate the differences between positive and negative rights and why they are important to the understanding the scope of human rights.
    3. identify how and why human rights are violated and when we know they are being violated.
    4. discuss the relationship between economics and human rights and how globalization affects that relationship.
    5. define women’s rights and understand why women’s rights are seen by scholars and practitioners as a “special case” of human rights.
    6. demonstrate an understanding of the conditions that women face that present extraordinary violations of their rights as human beings.
    7. explain how religion affects human rights and particularly the rights of women.
    8. discuss the relationship between widespread political violence and women’s rights.
    9. begin to discuss how human rights factor into the foreign policies of states.
    10. discuss how the events of September 11th changed the international dynamics of human rights policies around the world.
    11. discuss how the War on Terror has reshaped human rights practices.
    12. demonstrate a knowledge of International Human Rights Conventions.


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  • PSC 605I - Holocaust and Genocide

    (3 units)
    Anti-Semitism, Nazism, and the effort to eliminate European Jewry; multicultural and multidisciplinary contexts.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss the problems in defining the term genocide.
    2. recall the historical and legal context of genocide.
    3. analyze the role of ideology in genocide.
    4. explain the nature and role of human evil in genocide.
    5. compare the historical and theoretical context of particular case studies of genocide.


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  • PSC 605J - The European Union

    (3 units)
    Focus on the theories developed to explain European integration, the institutional structures that comprise the EU itself, and the major issues that confront Europeans in the context of European integration.

    Prerequisite(s): PSC 211  or PSC 231 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate a general grasp of policy-making in the relevant European countries with a good knowledge of most important domestic and foreign-policy issues.
    2. demonstrate familiarity with the important pan-European themes which have dominated the recent political scene.
    3. explain in broad terms the functioning of the European Union and the role of its main institutions as well as the main mission and policies of the Council of Europe with its European Court of Human Rights.
    4. discuss the role of the EU as a “civilian power” in the international relations as well as the strong and weak points of its actions abroad.
    5. discuss the relevant theories of European integration.
    6. demonstrate a general grasp of the challenges facing the EU in the 21st century.
    7. Evaluate state to state level relationships compared to State to EU relationships.


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  • PSC 605K - International Relations of Middle East and Northern Africa

    (3 units)
    Looks at the relations of the Middle East and North Africa; explores the theories of international relations and how they apply (or fail to) in the Middle East and North Africa context.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. identify the countries of the Middle East and North Africa region in a quiz.
    2. compare the international economic position of several countries and the region as a whole in exams and essays.
    3. articulate the political and military ties that link MENA countries to external powers.
    4. assess the impact of international military intervention in the post-Arab Uprisings environment.
    5. analyze the ongoing impact of oil in MENA politics.
    6. argue for and synthesize theories of comparative political economy in a research paper.


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  • PSC 605P - Global Political Economy

    (3 units)
    Competing theories of economic organization and statecraft; emergence and function of MNEs, IGOs, INGOs; trade and investment codes; economic diplomacy and summitry.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall and Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe and compare basic theoretical constructs that explain the function of global political economy.
    2. explain hegemonic control and the role of the hegemon in the global political economy.
    3. explain and demonstrate the tools of economic statecraft.
    4. evaluate theories of international trade.
    5. describe and examine the nature of financial and debt crises.
    6. recognize the problem and consequences of global inequality.


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  • PSC 605U - International Security

    (3 units)
    Examination of the theoretical basis for understanding international security. Explores challenges and problems from particular security issues. Examines methods of preventing, managing and settling security threats.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate understanding of the classical and contemporary literature on how nations protect their security when interacting with other international actors.
    2. critically analyze current international security concerns.
    3. evaluate how both domestic and international political components influence and limit decision making options.
    4. analyze emerging world events for potential conflict within the framework of major international relations theory.
    5. formulate and articulate a well-reasoned and theoretically supported policy approach that nations might adopt to insure their national security and promote international peace.


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  • PSC 605X - Evolution of Cooperation and Conflict

    (3 units)
    Explores the millennia-long evolution of human cooperation, including why we cooperate, how conflicts arise, are avoided, and resolved.

    Prerequisite(s): PSC 231 .

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe the evolution of cooperation in human society.
    2. distinguish between biological and social bases of cooperation.
    3. contrast ethical and biological bases for cooperation and conflict.
    4. analyze the circumstances in which either cooperation or conflict emerge.
    5. explain social and political structures that encourage cooperation and minimize cooperation.
    6. compare and contrast the how social and political institutions succeed in promoting cooperation and reducing conflict.
    7. synthesize a multidisciplinarily diverse corpus of scholarly research on the evolution of cooperation.
    8. apply theories of cooperation and conflict to a novel research design based on a behavioral experiment.


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  • PSC 606A - Cybersecurity and International Relations

    (3 units)
    Cybersecurity and International Relations examines how the rise of new communications technologies and the Internet have affected international relations.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss the theoretical basis for how Internet technologies influence international relations.
    2. articulate how in practice international relations has been affected by Internet technologies.
    3. identify the domestic and international approaches to the challenges of Internet technologies, including: cyberwarfare, cybercrime, and cyberterrorism.
    4. demonstrate proficiency in politically analyzing cybersecurity problems through class exercises.
    5. argue for and synthesize concepts of the topic in a research paper.


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  • PSC 606C - US-Russian Relations

    (3 units)
    This course will explore and analyze the history and current state of US-Russian relations. The United States and Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) have historically gone from allies to enemies to something in between. What explains this variation? Why are relations today so strained?

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature on US-Russian relations, US foreign policy, and Russian foreign policy.
    2. identify and evaluate how specific historical events (such as the Cuban Missile Crisis), policies (such as Détente), and institutions (such as NATO) have impacted and shaped US-Russian relations.
    3. understand, analyze, and apply existing International Relations theories to historical and contemporary events and processes in US-Russian relations.
    4. evaluate national and international policies that have affected US-Russian and US-Soviet relations through history and how they have affected the broader relationship between the countries.
    5. integrate theories of international relations and assess current scholarly writing.


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  • PSC 607A - Political Systems of Western Europe

    (3 units)
    Political systems of the major Western European states and the social situations from which they have arisen.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe the political systems of Western European states.
    2. compare political outcomes of Western European states.
    3. analyze variations in institutional arrangements in Western European states.
    4. contrast the ways in which institutional arrangements influence political outcomes in Western European states.
    5. articulate similarities and differences in Western European states.
    6. evaluate the effects of institutional design on political outcomes in Western European states.


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  • PSC 607B - Political Systems of East Asia

    (3 units)
    Political evolution of Japan, Taiwan, South Korea; their histories, political cultures, institutions; democratization; the role of the state in economic development.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe institutional and historical context of East Asian politics.
    2. contrast different political systems within East Asia.
    3. discuss political challenges of East Asian countries.
    4. apply concepts and theories to analyze East Asian politics.
    5. discuss different approaches to the study of East Asian politics.
    6. appraise how domestic politics of East Asian countries impacts economy and foreign policy.


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  • PSC 607C - Political Systems of Russia and East-Central Europe

    (3 units)
    States compared as to political culture, structures, forces, control and other problems.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. recognize major themes in Russia’s political history that explain Russia’s current governance.
    2. identify and analyze the major governing institutions in Russia.
    3. recognize major themes that explain Russia’s political culture.
    4. examine the role of corruption in governing Russia.
    5. evaluate the state of Russia’s human rights practices.


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  • PSC 607D - Political Systems of the Middle East and North Africa

    (3 units)
    Explores the Middle East and North Africa region through the lens of comparative politics. Includes basic facts about the region and major questions that social scientists still grapple with around the world.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. in a quiz, identify the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.
    2. in exams and essays, classify the political systems and democratic prospects of several countries.
    3. in discussion and short writing assignments, apply theories of comparative politics to compare and contrast the political economy of countries in the region.
    4. for papers and discussion, summarize academic articles and policy briefs on the region.
    5. analyze the origins of unrest, instability, and revolution in the region.
    6. synthesize theories of comparative politics and construct new hypotheses on the MENA region in a research paper.
    7. synthesize theories of comparative poltiics and construct new hypotheses on the MENA region in a research paper.


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  • PSC 607E - Political Systems of Latin America

    (3 units)
    Comparison of the structure and dynamics of Latin American politics and government.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe the political systems of Latin American states.
    2. compare political outcomes of Latin American states.
    3. analyze variations in institutional arrangements in Latin American states.
    4. contrast the ways in which institutional arrangements influence political outcomes in Latin American states.
    5. articulate similarities and differences in Latin American states.
    6. evaluate the effects of institutional design on political outcomes in Latin American states.


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  • PSC 607F - Political Systems of China

    (3 units)
    Contemporary China as a Communist nation; its ideology, history, politics, planned economy; causes, nature, evolution and reform of a Communist state.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe institutional and historical context of Chinese politics.
    2. contrast politics in different eras of contemporary China.
    3. discuss political challenges of contemporary China.
    4. apply concepts and theories to analyze Chinese politics.
    5. discuss different approaches to the study of Chinese politics.
    6. appraise how Chinese domestic politics impacts its economy and foreign policy.


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  • PSC 607H - Politics and Problems in Developed Areas

    (3 units)
    Aspects of political life common to such areas as Europe and North America.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss the causes and effects of major institutional structures in democracies of developed nations.
    2. evaluate institutional design, how and why institutions matter, and the effects they have on policy outcomes of governments.
    3. discuss and evaluate alternative theoretical perspectives on the problem of social choice in democracies.
    4. discuss and evaluate problems and policies in the areas of the economy, education, health, welfare, and the environment.
    5. demonstrate familiarity with of the theoretical models used in the comparative institutional literature, as well as some of the methods used for testing comparative theories of democratization and policy choice.


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  • PSC 607I - Politics and Problems in Developing Areas

    (3 units)
    Analysis of the problems of political development and the political implications of social change.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate clear understanding of various ways of defining development and underdevelopment, as well as the implication of these alternate conceptions.
    2. understand and discuss the intertwined issues of stability, democratization, nationalism and modernization.
    3. explain the main approaches to foreign aid and the controversies associated with them.
    4. evaluate the effects of globalization on economic reform in the developing world.
    5. articulate the primary long-term consequences of colonialism on present-day developing countries.


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  • PSC 607J - Nationalism

    (3 units)
    Concept, typology and ideology, with emphasis on aggressive nationalism. Historical and contemporary case studies from Western and non-Western societies.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define nation, nationality, and nationalism.
    2. compare types of nationalism.
    3. analyze the origins of nationalism.
    4. articulate similarities and differences in nationalist movements.
    5. contrast the effects of nationalism in varying contexts.
    6. describe the politics of national identity.
    7. examine the causes and consequences of nationalism.


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  • PSC 607K - Comparative Religion and Politics

    (3 units)
    Explore what happens when political life mixes with issues of ultimate concern. By exploring how states have used, abused, or controlled religion (and vice-versa) we will try to come to an understanding of how these two powerful forces shape our lives. (PSC 607K and RST 607K are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. in exams, classify some of the major theories explaining religion and politics by epistemology.
    2. in discussion and short writing assignments, apply theories to compare religious-based political parties.
    3. identify and distinguish religious-based political parties from alternative party bases.
    4. summarize the history of several successful religious-based political parties.
    5. analyze the origins and motives of religious-based political parties.
    6. appraise and argue for political methods for managing religious-based political parties in the context of diversity and equity.
    7. synthesize course material with their own research agenda to gain a deeper understanding of the course material by applying theories to their research.


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  • PSC 607Q - Political Violence

    (3 units)
    Causes and consequences of ethnic strife, low-intensity conflict, guerrilla warfare, and revolution, the impact of internal conflict on the international environment.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe and apply theories of military coups to case studies.
    2. explain why state and non-state leaders are assassinated.
    3. evaluate theories that explain why revolutions may occur.
    4. describe the principles of guerilla warfare and insurgencies.
    5. explain why terrorism emerges in states.


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  • PSC 607S - Comparative Political Economy

    (3 units)
    Looks at the interaction between economics and politics, and questions whether the intellectual divide between the two has any merit. Explore major factors in comparative political economy, including ideas, interests, and institutions.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define the major theories of comparative political economy.
    2. classify different theories by their epistemological and methodological commitments.
    3. demonstrate a mastery of these theories as they apply to real-world cases in exams and papers.
    4. distinguish between developmental approaches and developmental theories.
    5. examine the successes and failures of different political economic systems and strategies.
    6. explain the intellectual history of comparative political economy in a written exam.
    7. argue for and synthesize theories of comparative political economy in a research paper.


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  • PSC 607T - Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa

    (3 units)
    Explores historical, economic and social forces that have affected sub-Saharan states with attention to political development, conflict and democratization.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. recognize major themes in Africa’s political history that explain Africa’s current governance problems.
    2. identify and analyze the major problems in creating and sustaining political order in African states.
    3. analyze the role of the military in African politics.
    4. describe the problems of sustaining democracy in African states.
    5. evaluate how ethnicity, race and class affect African politics and conflict.


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  • PSC 607W - Terrorism

    (3 units)
    Examination of different types of terrorism. Exploration of theories on the causes, motivations, strategies, outcomes, and ends of terrorism. Political impact of terrorism.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define terrorism, suicide terrorism, and tactics, recognizing the inclusions and limitations of various definitional elements.
    2. critically examine the complex nature of terrorism, including why individuals and groups use (or do not use) these tactics and why (or why not) societies support the use of terrorism.
    3. identify existing gaps in the literature and research on terrorism.
    4. analyze changes in the use of different tactics over time and the relevance of terrorism as part of a growing global problem through relevant scholarly literature.
    5. evaluate competing explanations for the use of suicide tactics and the types of resources that are available to conduct research in this area.
    6. recognize connections between geographically or politically distant places and periods with regard to the use of suicide tactics.
    7. articulate and evaluate the connections between local, national and international actors, including governmental and non-governmental actors.
    8. explain and apply key theories of comparative politics relevant to terrorism.


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  • PSC 607X - Suicide Terrorism

    (3 units)
    Evaluating the role of suicide terrorism. Explore some of the most important questions in the study of suicide terrorism.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define terrorism, suicide terrorism, and suicide tactics, recognizing the inclusions and limitations of various definitional elements.
    2. critically examine, through writing, the complex nature of terrorism, and more specifically suicide terrorism, including why individuals and groups use (or do not use) suicide tactics and why (or why not) societies support the use of suicide tactics.
    3. identify existing gaps in the literature and research on suicide terrorism.
    4. analyze changes in the use of suicide tactics over time and the relevance of suicide terrorism and suicide tactics as part of a growing global problem through relevant scholarly literature.
    5. recognize connections between geographically or politically distant places and periods with regard to the use of suicide tactics.
    6. articulate and evaluate the connections between local, national and international actors, including governmental and non-governmental actors.
    7. explain and apply key theories of comparative politics relevant to suicide terrorism.


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  • PSC 607Y - Democratization and Authoritarianism

    (3 units)
    Study democratic and authoritarian regimes in contemporary and historical context.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define democracy and non-democracy, recognizing the inclusions and limitations of various definitional elements.
    2. critically examine the complex nature of democratic and authoritarian regimes, including what distinguishes them, how they function, how they are established, and how they endure.
    3. identify existing gaps in the literature and research on democracies, democratization, and authoritarianism.
    4. analyze changes in democracies over time and the relevance of democratic consolidation and collapse as part of a growing global pattern and potential problem through a study of relevant scholarly literature.
    5. evaluate competing explanations for democratization and authoritarian regression and the types of resources that are available to conduct research in this area.
    6. articulate and evaluate the connections between local, national and international actors, including governmental and non-governmental actors.
    7. explain and apply key theories of comparative politics relevant to democratization and authoritarian regression.


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  • PSC 608C - Emerging World Powers (BRICS)

    (3 units)
    This course will introduce the student to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature in the specific topic area of emerging powers (BRICS).
    2. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic area of emerging powers (BRICS).
    3. compare the relationship of the specialized area of Comparative Politics covered to the broader context of the field.
    4. develop and evaluate national and international policies that are linked to the specific topical area of emerging powers (BRICS).
    5. appraise differences in policies among these five countries.
    6. construct an analysis of the differences and similarities of these countries.
    7. evaluate the consequences of conflicting policies of these countries.


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  • PSC 608D - Internet and Politics

    (3 units)
    The Internet and the rise of new communications technologies over the last generation has irrevocably changed the nature of communication. This course explores the effects of the Internet on politics and society.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. discuss the theoretical basis for how Internet technologies influence domestic politics in a comparative context.
    2. articulate how in practice politics and society have been affected by Internet technologies.
    3. identify the effects of the Internet on a variety of comparative politics topics such as the economy, social and political mobilization, governance, and institutions.
    4. demonstrate proficiency in analyzing the political impacts of technology through class discussion and a research paper. 


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  • PSC 608E - Labor, Economy, and Protest

    (3 units)
    Popular revolt and protest is often driven by, or justified through, economic frustration. This course looks at economic-based protest movements from the right (anti-tax in California, anti-PT in Brazil ) the left (workers’ rights, anti-Apartheid) and those that transcend normal dichotomies (Brexit, Mouvement des gilets jaunes, Arab Uprisings). We will explore how conventional economic actors (such as business and labor) react to and change through these new movements.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 3

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define the main theories used by political scientists to explain protest.
    2. classify different protest movements by their ideology, attitude, and goals.
    3. demonstrate in exams and essays a mastery of these theories and an understanding of how they change.
    4. critically reflect on student, labor, and economic protests in global contexts, across multiple countries.
    5. examine how labor and business react to different forms of pressure.
    6. explain how economic protest movements differ from other types of protest and predict how social partners might react to new movements in different global contexts.
    7. conduct original analysis using theoretical background from class on a novel protest movement.


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  • PSC 609A - Political Philosophy

    (3 units)
    Detailed study of selected issues, e.g., justice, freedom, equality, tyranny, prudence, war, power, contract, consent, racism, feminism, politics and economics, politics and the human good. (PHIL 657 and PSC 609A are cross-listed; credits may be earned in one of the two.)

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. state a thesis about a problem in contemporary political philosophy, and provide evidence and philosophical argument (including replies to counter-arguments) in its defense.
    2. interpret the broadly ethical ideas associated with political philosophy (e.g., justice) in the contemporary philosophical literature.
    3. distinguish better and worse reasoning, and recognize relevant logical relationships and patterns of inference (in the context of contemporary political philosophy).
    4. show what is at stake in abstract debates in contemporary political philosophy, and indicate how different positions in these debates have ethical implications for individual citizens and states.
    5. develop an original research project in which they interview active participants in contemporary political affairs and analyze their findings with the tools of political philosophers.


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  • PSC 609C - American Political Thought

    (3 units)
    American political thought from the colonial period to the present, including, among others, Puritanism, Republicanism, Jacksonian Democracy, Transcendentalism, Pragmatism and Social Darwinism.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate understanding of major questions and debates in American political, social, and economic thought.
    2. critically read, analyze, and interrupt, the important political, social, economic, and cultural writings that have shaped, and transformed, American politics and society.
    3. analyze, evaluate, and interpret the theoretical ideas, particularly equality and liberty, which have shaped the political, social, and cultural movements of the last century.
    4. demonstrate a capacity for critical and analytical thought about social, economic, and cultural issues that have become central to the American political experience.
    5. evaluate the important philosophical, political, and ethical issues associated with the various social and cultural movements that have transformed American society.


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  • PSC 609D - Contemporary Political Theory

    (3 units)
    Recent developments in political theory such as communitarianism, feminism, reinterpretations of liberalism.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. analyze the relationship between economic, social and political theory in the contemporary western canon.
    2. discuss the relationship between major contemporary political thinkers and current social and political issues.
    3. summarize major themes in nineteenth and twentieth century political thought and extrapolate to possible outcomes in political action.


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  • PSC 609K - Jurisprudence

    (3 units)
    Problems of legal theory from the analytical, philosophical and sociological points of view. Particular attention to modern theories of law. (CRJ 620 and PSC 609K are cross-listed; credits may be earned in one of the two.)

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe legal theory from various perspectives.
    2. utilize a variety of legal theories in analyzing issues of criminal and civil justice in history and contemporary society.
    3. critically review and analyze American law and its English heritage with a focus on issues of diversity/equity, such as race, class/labor, and gender.
    4. integrate and synthesize knowledge of law and legal process with diverse perspectives on law to address issues in contemporary society.
    5. formulate research ideas and plans on assigned topics in the course and complete an advanced research proposal, project, or series of shorter assignments.


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  • PSC 611G - Constitutional Law: Separation of Powers and Federalism

    (3 units)
    Role of the Supreme Court in the political system, emphasizing constitutional development and judicial analysis of social and political issues; includes a study of administrative law. (Satisfies the legislative requirement for the U.S. Constitution.)

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. explain the jurisdiction of the Federal courts.
    2. compare the powers of the Federal government to those of the States.
    3. articulate how Congress’s power to regulate of interstate commerce has expanded the scope of Federal power.
    4. analyze the War Powers of the President.
    5. contrast different theories of Federal-State relations.
    6. apply contemporary understandings of Federal Power to pending court cases.


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  • PSC 680A - Independent Study and Research in Political Science

    (1 to 3 units)
    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Offered: Every Fall and Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. carry out an advanced, independent research project on a chosen topic.
    2. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic area of the independent study topic.
    3. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project.
    4. discuss research results in a written paper linking the selected topic within the context of the relevant academic literature of political science.


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  • PSC 690F - Internship: Public Service

    (1 to 6 units)
    Students serve in federal, state or local government offices or in nongovernmental public service organizations.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 6

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Internship/Practicum: X
    Offered: Every Fall and Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. articulate the basic structure of the governmental context in which the public entity for which they are interning operates.
    2. complete specific tasks linked to their assigned duties for the public entity in which they are interning.
    3. discuss the relationship of their experiences working for a public entity to the broader context of American politics.
    4. evaluate and compare their activity working within a public entity to general public perceptions of public service.


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  • PSC 701 - Seminar in American Politics

    (3 units)
    Exploration of selected approaches to American politics. Emphasis on analysis of problems.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 9

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. analyze the effect of behavioralism, and ‘traditionalism’ on the study of American political institutions.
    2. assess the continuing effect of civic education in the study of American politics.
    3. contrast different schools of political science.
    4. explain differences among the subfields of American politics .
    5. interpret different theories of American politics.
    6. appraise the role of “American Exceptionalism” in guiding research on American politics.


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  • PSC 711 - Seminar in Comparative Politics

    (3 units)
    Maximum units a student may earn: 9

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. distinguish between approaches to the comparative study of political systems, the ways in which these approaches explain outcomes, and the ways in which these approaches divide the discipline.
    2. articulate the strengths and weaknesses of approaches to the comparative study of political systems as they apply to explaining political outcomes.
    3. evaluate approaches to the comparative study of political systems on the basis of strengths and weaknesses in explaining political outcomes.
    4. apply approaches to the comparative study of political systems to explanations of political outcomes.
    5. take part in debates regarding the comparative study of political systems.
    6. formulate arguments, establishing and defending positions within debates regarding the comparative study of political systems.
    7. question and assess explanations for political outcomes.


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  • PSC 723 - Seminar in Political Theory

    (3 units)
    Maximum units a student may earn: 9

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. critically read, analyze, and interpret, the most important works in the history of Western political thought, which include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche.
    2. demonstrate an ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate their knowledge of the principal thinkers and central themes found in the Western tradition of political philosophy both orally and in written form.
    3. critically evaluate and interpret the theoretical-political tradition to determine the manner in which political philosophy has influenced the way political scientists have understood politics.
    4. examine and determine the manner in which the theories and ideas articulated in Western political thought have shaped and been shaped by the dynamic social, economic, and cultural forces found in Western societies.
    5. develop the critical skills necessary to examine and assess complex theoretical arguments, and to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.


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  • PSC 731 - Seminar in International Relations

    (3 units)
    Maximum units a student may earn: 9

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe major theoretical perspectives in international relations.
    2. appraise the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical approaches in international relations.
    3. able to contrast different theories of international relations.
    4. evaluate the intellectual history of the academic field of international relations.
    5. analyze issues related to international security challenges or global political economy.


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  • PSC 732 - Seminar in International Political Economy

    (3 units)
    Liberal, realist, socialist and rational choice perspectives; legal and institutional mechanisms for cooperation and conflict resolution.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. describe and compare basic and advanced theoretical constructs that explain the function of international political economy.
    2. identify and classify the relationships between states and markets.
    3. identify and demonstrate the role of institutions in international political economy.
    4. describe and examine the nature of financial and debt crises.
    5. compare theories of development in international political economy.


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  • PSC 733 - Seminar in International Security

    (3 units)
    Political and military issues relating to national and global security, war and peace.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define and explain the nature of international security.
    2. identify and appraise the various security arrangements.
    3. identify and appraise the various security regimes and institutions.
    4. demonstrate the application of rational choice approaches to international security.
    5. identify and demonstrate problems of coercion and deterrence.


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  • PSC 741 - Seminar in Public Administration

    (3 units)
    Examination of the conceptual foundations of public administration.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature in the key areas of organizational theory and how this applies to key areas of organizational practice.
    2. discuss the development of public organizational theory and it relationship to broader themes of American politics.
    3. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project.


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  • PSC 742 - Topics in Public Administration

    (3 units)
    Analysis of selected aspects of public administration.

    Maximum units a student may earn: 9

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature in the specific topic area of the colloquium section taken.
    2. demonstrate an advanced level of competency in the specific topic area of the colloquium section taken.
    3. discuss the relationship of a specialized area of public administration to the broader context of the field and to their own research interests.
    4. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project.


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  • PSC 744 - Government Budgeting

    (3 units)
    Examination of the process and theories of budget formulation.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. outline and discuss the political and economic context in which government budgets are produced.
    2. articulate what budgets do and how they are assembled (the budget cycle).
    3. identify and evaluate the importance of the major institutional actors in the budgetary process.
    4. compare “models” of budgetary behavior (and especially incrementalism).
    5. evaluate the State of Nevada budget system in terms of general budget models and behavior especially since this is a course tauth in Nevada and is required for the MPA program.
    6. evaluate whether SLOs detract from the overall learning of material by graduate students and whether they are an efficacious use of budgetary resources.


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  • PSC 750 - Seminar in Public Policy

    (3 units)
    Examination of underlying theories of policy development and the politics of the policy process.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define public policy and explain how policy science has changed over time.
    2. identify different stages of public policy process.
    3. compare and contrast the basic parameters of the major models and theories of politics and the policy process.
    4. explain the political and institutional constraints on policymakers, policy analysts, and policy proposals within our system of governance.
    5. demonstrate the significance of agenda setting as a form of political power and develop strategies for increasing attention to overlooked problems or perspectives.
    6. evaluate the role of interest groups, coalitions, and policy networks in organizing political conflict and shaping policy outcomes.
    7. discuss the interdependence of politics and public policy and how political forces shape policy.


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  • PSC 751 - Public Policy Analysis

    (3 units)
    Methods and theoretical approaches used in professional policy analysis. Application of analytical skills and techniques to a public policy area of the student’s choosing.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. define the fundamental concepts of policy analysis emerged through theory and practice of policy research.
    2. compare and contrast various ethical stances of practicing public policy analysis.
    3. discuss the role of policy analysis and the policy analyst in government and the non-profit sector.
    4. summarize main market and government failures as a foundation for policy intervention.
    5. assess the strengths and weaknesses of policy alternatives using various policy models.
    6. compare and contrast various methods of forecasting to predict the consequences of policy interventions.
    7. develop skills for writing convincing policy briefs.


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  • PSC 780 - Research in Political Science

    (3 units)
    Concepts and methods of political science research: includes legal research, information retrieval, interviews and surveys and development of quantitative data.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. relate theoretical arguments to hypotheses.
    2. analyze the statistical characteristics of a single variable.
    3. assess relationships between two variables.
    4. apply their knowledge of univariate and bivariate analyses to the analysis of multivariate data.
    5. evaluate an original theoretical argument about some political phenomena using quantitative methods in the form of a research paper.


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  • PSC 781 - Political Science as a Discipline

    (3 units)
    Examination of conceptual foundations of political science.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. explain the effects of progressivism on political science and the social sciences.
    2. assess the how post World War II government funding structured disciplinary research agendas.
    3. articulate how science was adapted to explain social and political questions.
    4. analyze why theories of individual and institutional political behavior changed from institutional to post structural approaches in the post-World War II period.
    5. evaluate the role of land grant universities and standardized testing in changing the character of political-social science graduate education.
    6. analyze the growth of, and changes in the curriculum of, political science doctoral programs from 1880-present.


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  • PSC 782 - Advanced Research Methods in Political Science

    (3 units)
    Techniques and methodologies currently employed in political science, including statistical measures, survey research and the relating of research to theory.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. analyze data using ordinary least squares regression.
    2. communicate statistical findings graphically.
    3. assess relationships between two variables while controlling for a host of rival hypotheses.
    4. relate statistical findings to readers accurately.
    5. apply the theoretical skills learned in class to real world data.
    6. evaluate an original theoretical argument about some political phenomena using quantitative methods in the form of a research paper.


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  • PSC 783 - Advanced Social Science Models

    (3 units)
    Perform regression analyses using limited and temporal dependent variables. Interpretation of binary, ordered, unordered, count, survival, and time series models using Strata.

    Prerequisite(s): PSC 782.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Fall

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. interpret binary, ordered, unordered, count, survival, and time series models using Strata.
    2. fit the proper models to their data, how to compare fit among nested models, and how to generate predicted values of interest.
    3. incorporate these new methods in their own research.


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  • PSC 784 - Qualitative Research Methods in Political Science

    (3 units)
    Explores approaches to qualitative research methodologies; topics include interviewing, field research, focus groups, the comparative methods and comparative historical analysis amongst other topics.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. generate testable hypotheses on appropriate political science topics.
    2. identify when qualitative methodologies are appropriate and how to pair them with alternative approaches in written work.
    3. compose detailed research proposals using qualitative methods.
    4. appraise the usefulness of qualitative approaches in their own work and the work of scholars in the field.
    5. compare and contrast the various qualitative methods (interviewing, archival research, historical analysis, case analysis, ethnography, natural experiments).
    6. practice and perform qualitative analysis on topics of their choosing using selected methods.


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  • PSC 785 - Leadership in Public Organizations

    (3 units)
    Theories of leadership and their application to public management and the political process.

    Grading Basis: Graded
    Units of Lecture: 3
    Offered: Every Spring

    Student Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. read and critically evaluate relevant academic literature in the key areas of leadership.
    2. discuss the development of leadership theories and practices within the context of organizational theory.
    3. apply theories of leadership to organizational theory and how this applies to key areas of organizational practice.
    4. articulate in writing or verbally a critical analysis of differing leadership theories and the underlying empirical support for such theories.
    5. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project.


    Click here for course scheduling information. | Check course textbook information
 

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