Graduate Courses
POL G200 Perspectives on Social Science Inquiry 3 SH
Explores the philosophy of science and the scientific method as applied to the social sciences and political analysis. Considers individualist perspectives (e.g., rational choice), group perspectives (e.g., pluralism), structural/institutional perspectives (class analysis), and post-modern critiques. Ph.D. and MA core course.
POL G201 Methods of Analysis 3 SH
Provides an overview of research methods and tools used by social scientists, including survey research, elite interviews, statistical approaches, case studies, comparative analysis, use of history, and experimental/non-experimental design. Ph.D. and MA core course.
POL G202 Quantitative Techniques 3 SH
Teaches the use of social science quantitative techniques, emphasizing applications of value to public sector analysts and scholars alike. Includes descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, cross-tabulation, bivariate regression and correlation, and multiple regression. Examines how to generate and interpret statistical analyses through use of SPSS. Ph.D., MA and MPA core course.
POL G203 Techniques of Policy Analysis 3 SH
Provides a systematic approach to understanding the origins, formulation, implementation, and impact of government outputs. Reviews key analytical concepts and competing theoretical perspectives. Considers both the political dimensions of public policymaking and the technical aspects of program design within the natural history of the policymaking process. Draws on case materials from a spectrum of policy areas. MPA core course.
POL G204 Seminar in Public Policy 3 SH
Concentrates on the scope of the study of public policy, disciplinary contributions to policy analysis and the study of public policy, methods of policy analysis, and models of policy processes. Prereq. POL G203, or permission of instructor.
POL G250 American Government and Politics 3 SH
Analyzes the constitutional system and national government institutions focusing on the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Examines political parties and pressure groups and their role in the policy process.
POL G251 Congress and Public Policy 3 SH
Assesses the role of Congress in making public policy. Examines the impacts of congressional elections, the structure of the legislative branch, and the effects of other actions (e.g., the president, mass media, interest groups) on legislative branch behavior.
POL G252 The American Presidency 3 SH
Studies the institutional and personal factors that affect the exercise of presidential power as well as the development of constitutional and extra-constitutional presidential powers. Examines the role of the president in formulating and executing domestic and foreign policy.
POL G253 American Constitutional History and Theory 3 SH
Examines American constitutional history, with a particular interest in constitutional change. Examines how the Constitution was written and amended, and how the Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution over time. Also focuses on how the Constitution serves as an instrument of popular power and a symbol of political ideals.
POL G254 Campaigns and Elections 3 SH
Studies campaign tactics and strategies as well as classic and contemporary scholarly literature on elections, as well as classic and contemporary scholarly literature on elections.
POL G255 American Political Parties and Elections 3 SH
Focuses on American political parties and includes analyses of party organizations and decision-making systems, leader/activist differences in policy and ideology, party reform, policy commitments, campaign finance, media, voting behavior, and an overview and assessment of contemporary elections and campaigns.
POL G256 Politics and the Mass Media 3 SH
Studies the role of mass media in the formation of public opinion, with special attention given to media usage in the electoral process.
POL G257 The U.S. Judicial Process 3 SH
Studies the judicial process in the United States, emphasizing federal courts. Focuses on theories and empirical research regarding judicial decision making, how and why judges decide what they do, and with what political effects.
POL G258 Interest Groups and Social Movements 3 SH
Surveys the role of interest groups and social movements in American politics, with emphasis on distinctions between traditional economic interests, newer types of social forces, and public interest organizations.
POL G280 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought 3 SH
Focuses on the development of political thought from Greek antiquity to the early modern period utilizing both historical and analytical approaches. Considers the cultural, social, and intellectual context within which political theories develop.
POL G281 Modern Political Thought 3 SH
Examines political thought from the early modern period to the twentieth century. Considers the cultural, social, and intellectual context within which political theories develop.
POL G282 Contemporary Political Thought 3 SH
Explores the main currents of political thought during the twentieth century, with special emphasis on the relations between political theory, philosophy, and political science.
POL G283 Trends in American Political Thought 3 SH
Examines intellectual concepts and movements that have informed and influenced American political life from the revolutionary period to the present, with emphasis upon those ideas that animate the making public policy.
POL G301 Public Personnel Administration 3 SH
Introduces students to the public personnel function from a managerial standpoint. Addresses methods of constructive leadership of government personnel, leadership that encourages a more competent, motivated, and representative, public administrative workforce. Employs case studies and films, along with assigned readings. MPA core course.
POL G302 Organization Theory and Management 3 SH
Examines the general principles underlying organizational structures and processes. Topics include models and ideal types, open systems theories, organizational technologies, decision making, and organizational development and change. MPA core course.
POL G303 Public Budgeting and Financial Management 3 SH
Surveys governmental budgeting at the federal, state and local levels. Surveys major revenue sources and expenditure responsibilities. Discusses budgetary processes and politics, as well as resulting policies. Considers both proposed and implemented reforms. Also introduces financial management practices, including cash management, fund accounting, debt financing, endowment spending and control, cost allocation procedures, and tax expenditures. MPA core course.
POL G304 Economic Institutions and Analysis 3 SH
Introduces the fundamentals of macroeconomics and microeconomics as well as the role of key economic institutions, such as the Federal Reserve. Includes analysis of government’s role in a market economy and introduces methods of economic analysis. MPA core course.
POL G305 Institutional Leadership and The Public Manager 3 SH
Examines the problems and techniques relevant to effective management of a public agency in a complicated and often turbulent political environment. Topics include legislative relations, media relations, role of the courts, unions and advocacy groups, policy implementation and evaluation, and setting and working with high standards of integrity. MPA core course.
POL G306 Capstone Seminar in Public Policy and Public Management 3 SH
Applied research project for students who have completed all or nearly all of their coursework. Students work in teams to study a policy or public management issue currently facing a government agency. Teams conduct research and prepare an oral and written report for presentation to the agency as well as the class. Readings focus on material needed to analyze the assigned issue as well as limited general readings on public policy and public administration. In addition, each student will complete a personal strategic plan that identifies career goals and assesses his or her current skill level and future skill needs to reach that goal. MPA core course.
POL G307 Functions and Techniques of Public Management 3 SH
Examines the problems and techniques relevant to management of
a public agency, with an emphasis on internal issues that face
public managers. Topics include planning and agenda setting; organizational design; agency budgeting; employee recruitment, selection and development; and reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
POL G308 Organization and Management of Nonprofit Organizations 3 SH
Offers an overview of fundamental management principles and concepts as applied to nonprofit organizations. Topics include organizational development, team building, board and staff functions and leadership, managing staff and volunteers, program planning and evaluation, public relations and marketing, decision making, and strategic planning.
POL G310 Administrative Law and Politics 3 SH
Introduces students of American politics and policymaking with a segment of politics that concerns the relationship between administrative agencies and the courts that review them. Emphasis is on the development of important administrative law principles and the application of these principles to practical problems in public administration.
POL G311 Administrative Ethics in Public Management 3 SH
Analyzes ethical problems in American public administration including discussion of ethical dilemmas frequently faced by public managers.
POL G312 Intergovernmental Relations 3 SH
Offers an institutionalbehavioral analysis of the changing relationship among the various levels of American governmentnational, state, and localrelating the pattern of change to the social and economic forces that underlie it.
POL G313 State Government and Politics 3 SH
Appraises the problems of contemporary state government in the United States. Emphasizes the diversity of political institutions, political processes and public policies in the American States.
POL G314 Urban Government and Politics 3 SH
Explores issues and problems in urban government such as political representation, legal dependence, government finance and administration, the rapid growth of suburban and metropolitan areas, and contemporary challenges facing the central city.
POL G315 Urban Development 3 SH
Analyzes the creation and implementation of urban development policies and programs. Explores subsidies and taxes, housing, commercial and industrial development, and job creation and training projects in terms of their historical, political, economic and social dimensions.
POL G316 State and Local Budgeting 3 SH
Explores state and local budget development and execution. Discusses relevant political actors, processes, and policies relating to state and local revenue and expenditure decisions. Analyzes state and local budgeting in a federal system and in a comparative context.
POL G317 Management Information Systems 3 SH
Examines the fundamentals of managing information in public and non-profit organizations. Includes the impact of different technologies on information management and the role of public policies in shaping management systems.
POL G318 Techniques of Program Evaluation 3 SH
Reviews methodologies for assessing the impact of public policy. Includes experimental and quasiexperimental research design, the value and limits of case studies, political and organizational barriers to evaluation research, report writing, and procedures for instituting change.
POL G319 Business/Government Relations 3 SH
Extensively examines the relationship between the United States government and the private economy from an historical and a contemporary perspective. Analyzes a number of public policy areas in which public and private actors interact. Examines stabilization policy, regulation, antitrust, and social welfare policy in the context of alternative interpretations of the United States political economy.
POL G320 Theories of Political Economy 3 SH
Explores the basic philosophical, psychological, political, and economic underpinnings of contemporary public policy, with an emphasis on the United States. Considers the core philosophical and political theories of conservative, liberal, and radical political economy, and examines the economic structures consistent with these competing theories.
POL G321 Health Policy and Politics 3 SH
Examines contemporary health care policies, programs, and politics. Discusses the structure of the health care system and its costs, efforts to develop universal health coverage, the spread of managed care, and related topics.
POL G322 Issues in Health Policy and Administration 3 SH
Discusses selected ethical and legal issues and the topics relevant to heath policy and administration, such as health care rationing, confidentiality of patient data, informed consent, end-of-life issues, physician-assisted suicide, and medical malpractice.
POL G323 Mental Health Policy Issues and Administration 3 SH
Examines key issues in the development of mental health policy from both U.S. and comparative perspectives. Also includes discussion of implementation processes and barriers in the establishment of comprehensive systems of community care.
POL G324 Problems in Metropolitan Policymaking 3 SH
Examines the broad challenges that confront metropolitan areas—defined as including the center city, its immediate suburbs, and the broader periphery—including economic development, land use, transportation, housing, and the provision of basic services. Considers the array of tools available to policymakers, including planning, tax policy, pooling of services, and zoning.
POL G325 Contemporary Issues in Third World Development 3 SH
Examines major themes in development studies today. Explores approaches to the development and production, population growth, equity and poverty, rural and urban development, health and nutrition, education, and the international context of development assistance. Students considering a development administration concentration should try to take this course as their first in the field of development. Development Administration concentration requirement.
POL G326 Development Administration and Planning 3 SH
Takes a “manager’seye view” of the formulation, implementation, evaluation and improvement of development projects in less developed countries. Also focuses on the planning dynamics of host-government, bilateral, and multilateral organizations as they analyze and tackle such problem areas as agriculture, education, health, population, and land reform. Employs simulations and case studies.
POL G327 Comparative Public Policy and Administration 3 SH
Examines issues related to public policy, bureaucracy and organization, budgeting, public management, and personnel administration in a crossnational, crosscultural, and international context. Uses examples from Africa, Asia and Latin America as well as the U.S. and Europe.
POL G328 Case Studies in Policy Analysis 3 SH
Focuses on detailed analyses of selected issues and episodes in public policy development. Requires students to complete oral and written analyses of cases, applying a variety of relevant techniques.
POL G330 Education Policy in the United States
Focuses on the socioeconomic environment and political and economic decisions that influence the performance of public schools in the United States, with emphasis on urban schools. Explores the quality of public education in the United States, examines how race and class affect school performance, compares approaches to improving education, and addresses school financing and accountability.
POL G331 Environmental Politics and Policy 3 SH
Explores debates surrounding the making of environmental policy in the United States and other nations. Examines the nature of environmental problems, how the structures of political systems affect policymaking, and the competing interests at work in environmental politics. Also discusses environmental policy in cross national and international perspectives.
POL G332 Gender and Politics 3 SH
Explores the roles of women in politics, with particular focus on the United States. Examines the traditional roles of women in politics, movements to attain equality for women in all spheres of public life, the woman as citizen and voter, the role of gender in achieving power and in political efficacy, and the place of women in contemporary politics. Also covers political action to promote women’s issues and modern feminism.
POL G333 Science, Technology, and Public Policy 3 SH
Discusses the impacts of breakthroughs in science and technology on politics and public policy making-and how politics in turn influences scientific research and technological development. Examines differences between scientific and democratic values, competing definitions of rationality, the nature of problems, policy-making processes, questions of intellectual property rights, and debates over risk assessment, including the "precautionary principle." Focuses primarily on the United States but with comparisons to the European Union and other areas of the world. Anchors discussion in such areas as (for example) biotechnology, nanotechnology, alternative energy sources, and artificial intelligence.
POL G350 Seminar in Comparative and International Politics and Policy 3 SH
Highlights the nature of politics and public policymaking in a comparative and global setting. A central question is how policymaking is affected by regime type, such as democratic or authoritarian governments. Ideology, culture and the level of economic development are also important factors in shaping public policy. Policymaking in a global arena emphasizes the role of international institutions, such as the World Bank and European Union, and the development of other transnational organizations.
POL G351 Democratization and Governance 3 SH
Explores the postCold War democratic challenge to authoritarian, military, oneparty, and dictatorial regimes throughout the Third World. Examines criteria for assessing the strength and success of democratization and the methods of foreign donors to promote it. Also examines the linkage between democracy and development.
POL G352 Democratization: Basic Approaches 3 SH
This course will examine the fundamental questions and the basic thinking that has guided approaches to the study of democratic development. The major focus will be on the works of such influential thinkers as Lucien Pye, Samuel Huntington, Guillermo O’Donnell, S.M. Lipset, Alfred Stepan, Robert Bates, Joseph LaPalombara, and others whose work set the parameters for study in institution building and political representation in emerging democratic societies.
POL G353 Comparative Democracies 3 SH
Reviews recent approaches to studying and understanding democratic political development in selected areas of the world. Attention is given to Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia in differing degrees in various years and depending on ongoing developments. Focuses on the current research on institutionbuilding, including legislative assemblies, political parties and elections, and the democratic values of elites and masses, among other things as they impact on the process of democratic representation.
POL G354 Comparative Political Parties and Electoral Systems 3 SH
Examines the critical linkage function of political parties and elections in democratic societies. The course will include materials on political parties in comparative perspective, including those in advanced democratic societies and emergent democratic nations. The focus will be on the organization, coalitional nature, activities, and policymaking impact of political parties in furthering democratic ends and of electoral systems in providing different levels of political representation. The influence of comparative electoral arrangements and systems in shaping nature and quality of political representation will also be analyzed.
POL G355 Comparative Constitutionalism 3 SH
Compares dimensions of American constitutional law and civil liberties with developments in courts from around the world. Key readings include cases from Canada’s Supreme Court, Germany’s Bundesverfassungsgerichts, France’s Conseil Constitutionnel, Britain’s House of Lords, South Africa’s Constitutional Court, and the European Court of Human Rights, dealing with freedom of expression, federal-state relations, church-state relations, freedom of conscience, equality and social welfare rights, and privacy and personal autonomy.
POL G356 Comparative Political Economy 3 SH
Compares national economic policies in areas such as banking regulation, taxes, welfare, environmental protection, and privatization in up to five countries each quarter. We examine the impacts of (a) the type of political system (presidential democracy, parliamentary democracy, modernizing military regime, and so on) and (b) the organization of the central government bureaucracy on © public policy choices. Countries covered will include both advanced industrial nations (such as the U.S., Britain, Japan, France, or Germany) and developing countries (such as Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, or India).
POL G357 International Political Economy 3 SH
Contrasts two approaches to understanding trade, financial, and other economic relations among nationstates. The first, international relations theory, emphasizes the relative power positions of states in a fundamentally anarchic and unequal international system. The second, neoclassical economies, assumes peace and security, and stresses market relations of supply and demand among both states and private firms. We employ these alternative prisms to examine historical and contemporary issues, which may include: the Bretton Woods Agreement, the behavior of the euromarkets, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and the possibilities for collective action to reduce environmental degradation or the forprofit trade in arms or drugs.
POL G358 International Organization 3 SH
Focuses on issues of international political economy. Emphasizes the role of various international organizations in managing economic interdependence and the role of international administrators in the United Nations’ search for a new international economic order. Included discussion on non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, and other actors.
POL G359 International Law 3 SH
Investigates the development of legal principles and norms in relation to the international political system, particularly focusing on the role and interpretation of law within the United Nations and World Court contexts. Examines issues such as sovereignty and international jurisdiction, treaty interpretation, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the use of UN peacekeeping forces.
POL G360 Ethnic Political Conflict 3 SH
Analyzes ethnic political violence from an international perspective. Undertakes indepth analysis of key international examples. Focuses on causes and consequences of ethnic conflict as well as policy options for conflict resolution.
POL G361 U.S. National Security Policy 3 SH
Analyzes U.S. national security policy with particular attention to the various forms of war that threaten the U.S. and world security.
POL G362 Nationalism 3 SH
Focuses on contending theories of nationalism and nationalist movements. Among topics to be explored are cultural objectification and the establishment of group boundaries, ethnic elites and cultural hegemony, mass mobilization, inter-group socioeconomic disparities, nationalism and modernity, nationalist parties and their policy strategies, and the ‘constitution’ of race, particularly in the Americas.
POL G363 Politics of Revolution and Change 3 SH
Analyzes revolution and political change with attention to both theory and practice. Discusses revolution, major trends in contemporary politics, and the relationship between political change and technological, scientific, or social change.
POL G364 Terrorism, Violence, and Politics 3 SH
Analyzes the theory and practice of terror, violence, coercion, force, and threats in political life.
POL G365 Totalitarianism and Oppressive Government 3 SH
Analyzes totalitarianism and dictatorship, including a study of their historical background and fundamental characteristics, as well as theories of the origin, nature, and significance of totalitarianism.
POL G366 Genocide in a Comparative Perspective 3 SH
Takes an interdisciplinary approach (e.g., history, political science, and sociology) to the study of genocide. Examines the meaning of the concept in historical and philosophical terms, the societal and psychological causes of genocide, and specific cases throughout history, with particular emphasis on more recent episodes.
POL G367 United States Foreign Policy 3 SH
Examines the theory and practice of U. S. foreign policy. Focuses on selected issues since the end of the Second World War with emphasis on contemporary policies and challenges.
POL G370 Government and Politics of Western Europe 3 SH
Compares environment, vehicles of popular participation, and formal structures and reach of government in the parliamentary democracies of western Europe.
POL G371 Government and Politics of Central and Eastern Europe 3 SH
Analyzes the politics of the former Soviet Bloc countries since the prospects for stable political development and successful economic growth in the post-communist era.
POL G372 Central and Eastern Europe In World Affairs 3 SH
Reviews the origins, character, and impact of satellization by the Soviet Union after World War II; analyzes the roots and causes of the collapse of Soviet power in the region in 1989 and 1990; and examines the region’s strategic, economic, and diplomatic interests in the current postcommunist era. Gives special attention to the region’s relations with Russia, Germany, France, and the United States.
POL G373 Government and Politics of Russia 3 SH
Examines the roots and causes of the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. Focuses on post-Communist Russia’s development of Democracy, introduction of the free market, and maintenance of inter-ethnic peace and national unity.
POL G374 U.S. -Russian Relations 3 SH
Analyzes American policy toward Russia and other former Soviet republics in the post-communist era. Focuses on how the United States is fostering political and economic democracy and protecting its strategic interests in the large Eurasian landmass that once made up the Soviet Union.
POL G375 Russian Foreign Policy 3 SH
Reviews the political, economic, strategic, historical and other determinants of Russian foreign policy in the post-communist era. Examines current Russian relationships with neighbors that once were part of the former Soviet Union, as well as with Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe and the United States, the Middle East and Central Asia, and the Asia Pacific region, in particular China and Japan.
POL G376 Government and Politics of the Middle East 3 SH
Examines the political and economic structures of the Arab states, Iran, Turkey, and Israel as well as interArab politics and interstate conflict in the area. Special attention is paid to Islam and politics, gender politics, and civil society.
POL G377 ArabIsraeli Dispute 3 SH
Analyzes the evolution of the conflict between Israel and the Arab world from a struggle between Zionism and Palestinian Nationalism to a regional war affected by international politics. Covers background to wars and regional power shifts as well as efforts to negotiate resolutions to the conflict.
POL G378 Government and Politics of South Asia 3 SH
Examines key political, cultural, economic, and strategic issues relating to the nations of South Asia, in particular India and Pakistan. Explores issues such as the bases of religious extremism and instability in India and Pakistan, their ongoing cold war centered on the Kashmir conflict, implications of the nuclearization of South Asia, and propositions for addressing extremism in the post-9-11 environment. Also incorporates the role played by other South Asian states (e.g., Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh) as a balance of power is sought in the region.
POL G379 Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy 3 SH
Examines the impact of ideology, development, and culture on the major issues in Chinese politics since the Communist Party took control in 1949. Issues include leadership recruitment and succession, economic development, class and class struggle, political culture, education, socialist democracy, socialist legality, and the evolving definition of socialism in the context of Chinese culture. Also examines major principles and issues in China’s foreign relations, including trade, investment, technology transfer, military and strategic policy, and China’s role in the United Nations and other international organizations.
POL G380 Japanese Politics and Foreign Policy 3 SH
Examines the development of Japan’s political system since World War II. Focuses on Japan’s institutions and democratic practices in the context of political culture, the interrelationship between business, politics and government, Japan’s foreign policy and international trade practices, as well as its business practices and media. Also looks at major social and political issues, including the treatment of foreigners and minorities, the educational system, and the role of women.
POL G381 United States-East Asia Relations 3 SH
Analyzes American relations with East Asian countries. Topics include trade issues, human rights concerns, security arrangements, development and democratization, and investment and aid programs. Also discussed are regional institutions, such as the Asian Development Bank, ASEAN, and ARF, as well as the role of the World Bank and IMF in East Asia.
POL G382 Politics of the Developing Nations 3 SH
Considers the process of political development in the third world, including both internal and international issues such as leadership patterns, the role of the military and political parties, and underlying economic and social factors. Development Administration concentration requirement.
POL G383 Government and Politics of Latin America 3 SH
Investigates contemporary Latin American politics, emphasizing formal political institutions and informal political processes under alternate national political “games,” including traditional authoritarianism, populism, modernizing military rule, the postrevolutionary regime, and elite or mass democracy.
POL G384 Government and Politics of Africa 3 SH
Compares the political systems and foreign policies of selected African nations south of the Sahara.
POL G390 Topical Seminar in American Politics 3 SH
Examines current issues in the area of American Government and Politics.
POL G391 Topical Seminar in Political Theory 3 SH
Examines current issues in the area of Political Theory.
POL G392 Topical Seminar in Public Policy and Administration 3 SH
Examines current issues in the area of Public Administration and Policy.
POL G393 Topical Seminar in Comparative Politics 3 SH
Examines current issues in the area of Comparative Government and Politics.
POL G394 Topical Seminar in International Relations 3 SH
Examines current issues in the area of International Relations.
POL G401 Directed Study 1 SH
Offers assigned reading under the supervision of a faculty member.
POL G402 Directed Study 2 SH
Offers assigned reading under the supervision of a faculty member.
POL G403 Directed Study 3 SH
Offers assigned reading under the supervision of a faculty member.
POL G407 Internship 3 SH
Offers work experience (at least 15 hours per week) that includes planning, research, policy development, and other administrative aspects in a government or nonprofit organization.
POL G408 Internship Readings and Analysis 6SH
Offers study directly related to an internship assignment.
POL G683 Master’s Thesis 3 SH
Offers thesis supervision by individual members of the department.
POL G686 Master’s Thesis 6 SH
Offers thesis supervision by individual members of the department.
POL G699 Master’s Thesis Continuation 0 SH
POL G800 Qualifing Exam Preparation 0 SH
POL G890 Doctoral Dissertation 0 SH
POL G899 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation 0 SH
