Spring Semester 2015 Political Science Undergraduate Course Descriptions Visit our website at www.umsl.edu/~polisci
PS 1100-00A Introduction to American Politics David Robertson Class time: Mo and We from 9:30am - 10:20am Class location: 100 Clark Hall (CH) Americans expect a lot out of their governments. They expect these governments to keep the economy running smoothly, to protect the nation from foreign threats, to help them recover from natural disasters, to ensure that people are treated fairly, and to make certain that we have quality healthcare and education, a clean environment, and good roads, among other things. They also expect government officials to listen to them and care about their problems. Yet we disagree about what problems government should help solve, and how government should help solve these problems. This course aims to provide a fair-minded and thoughtful understanding of why American government works the way it does, and the challenge of governing the United States in the twenty-first century. We will closely track the new 114th Congress, the seventh year of President Obama s term, key decisions of the courts, and the actions of Missouri and other states. We will examine the United States Constitution; rights and liberties; participation in politics; political parties, elections, interest groups and the media; Congress, the presidency, and the courts; and the ways that American government has addressed problems like slow economy, immigration, social welfare and globalization.
PS 1100-E01 Introduction to American Politics Robert Clinton Class time: Tu and Th from 5:30pm - 6:45pm Class location: 206 Social Sciences Business (SSB) Introduction to basic concepts of government and politics with special reference to the United States, but including comparative material from other systems. Course fulfills the state requirement.
PS 1200-001 Foundations of Law: An Introduction to Legal Studies Richard Middleton 100% ONLINE PS 1200/CCJ 122, Foundations of Law, is a rigorous and intense introductory course on law and the American legal system. The material taught in this course is similar to that which students in their first year at an American Bar Association approved law school take. Students looking to take an easy course should not enroll in this course. This will probably be one of the hardest courses you encounter during your studies at the University. As a broad liberal arts approach to the study of law, this course is designed to familiarize students with legal ideas, legal reasoning, and legal processes. It also provides comparative and historical perspectives on law that will help explain legal diversity and legal change. Finally, it offers opportunities to explore some of the persistent issues in law and legal theory: for example, issues about the sources of law, the responsibilities of the legal profession, or the relative merits of the adversary system. Individuals confront laws on a daily basis, yet are sometimes totally oblivious that they are affected by them. In the United States, laws guide most social interactions and create an atmosphere of stability and societal norms. Law, as applied, is mostly about limitations on human behavior. In this course, students will learn a wide-range of legal topics, issues, and concepts; among them including: 1) case briefing, 2) IREAC, 3) foundations of American law, 4) the judicial system, and 5) substantive areas of law.
PS 1500-001 Introduction To Comparative Politics Ruth Iyob Class time: Tu and Th from 9:30am - 10:45am Class location: 409 Clark Hall (CH) This course introduces students to western and non-western systems. It examines similarities and differences in the basic political ideologies, structures, economies, social institutions and governmental processes of developed and developing countries. It also provides frameworks for understanding the cultures of the world that are the basis for formal economic and political institutions. In addition, the course examines the role of non-state institutions, including trans-national ones, in shaping national policies. It uses case studies from Africa, Asia, Latin America, as well as Europe, to enhance student understanding of comparative politics. (This course fulfills the cultural diversity requirement.)
PS 1500-E01 Introduction To Comparative Politics Lorenzo Gonzalez Class time: Mo and We from 5:30pm - 6:45pm Class location: 332 Social Sciences Business (SSB) This course introduces students to western and non-western systems. It examines similarities and differences in the basic political ideologies, structures, economies, social institutions and governmental processes of developed and developing countries. It also provides frameworks for understanding the cultures of the world that are the basis for formal economic and political institutions. In addition, the course examines the role of non-state institutions, including trans-national ones, in shaping national policies. It uses case studies from Africa, Asia, Latin America, as well as Europe, to enhance student understanding of comparative politics. (This course fulfills the cultural diversity requirement.)
PS 2000-001 Political Analysis Pat Gouzien Class time: Mo and We from 2:00pm - 3:15pm Class location: B225 Benton Hall (BH) An introduction to political analysis, emphasizing both the logic of inquiry and practical methods. Students learn about the construction and evaluation of theories that relate to real-world politics. They also have an opportunity for hands on experience with qualitative and quantitative methods including graphics, descriptive statistics, cross-tabular and correlational analysis, hypothesis testing and computer applications.
PS 2290-001 Gender and the Law Jessica Gracey Class time: Mo and We from 11:00am - 12:15pm Class location: 332 Social Science Building (SSB) Same as WGS 2290. This course examines the ways in which laws and interpretations of the laws affect gender equality in the United States. Emphasizing how traditional roles impact both women and men historically and currently, the course highlights major pieces of legislation and court rulings related to employment, economics, education, sexual harassment, pornography, rape, reproductive rights, and domestic relations. The course stresses the impact of federal and state institutions and nongovernmental influences on equality. It also addresses gender representation in the legal profession and its effect on judicial decisions. (This course satisfies State requirements in American History and Government).
PS 2300-001 State Politics Richard Middleton Class time: Tu and Th from 11:00am - 12:15pm Class location: 417 Clark Hall (CH) Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or Consent Of Instructor It has been said that all politics are local. This adage is rooted in the fact that the political processes of state and local governments are typically more familiar to citizens than the federal process. In addition, state and local governments present the greatest number of opportunities for civic involvement and influence. This course is an introduction to the political processes of American state and local governments. The primary objective of this course is to deepen student understanding and appreciation of state and local politics in the United States. The course focuses on major contemporary problems and trends affecting state politics and the role of state governments in our federal system. A second goal of this course is to equip students with the skills necessary to become more civic minded and aware of issues affecting local communities and the United States as a whole. Upon completion of this course, students should have gained a practical appreciation for state government. Finally, this is course is designed such that students should gain an understanding of the state legislative law making process. Each student will be required to probe into an array of issues confronting our lives as citizens of a state and act as a state correspondent. This course is not a course on Missouri state politics; rather, it is a broad assessment of the functioning of state and local governments in the American federal system.
PS 2500-001 Comparing Different Worlds Jean Germain Gros Class time: Mon and Wed from 12:30pm-1:45pm Class location: 131 Social Science Building (SSB) This course introduces students to the global opportunities and challenges facing citizens of the world in the 21 st century. Information technology has facilitated communication between people of different nations and the global economy has created new economic and political institutions that challenge conventional understandings of citizenship rights, national economies, the public/private and the significance of intellectual property. Major themes addressed will include: Immigration and Transnationalism: Equity, Ethics and Economics Human Trafficking: Africa, Asia, Europe and America Global Culture and Economies of Creativity: The Politics of the Internet Transnational Cultures and National Boundaries: Redefining Solidarity Cosmopolitanism in the 21 st Century Using textbooks, web sources, documentaries, and guest lectures, this course will engage students in interactive dialogue on issues that enhance comparative perspectives of different people and nations in the 21 st Century.
PS 2820-001 United States Foreign Policy Marty Rochester Class time: Mo and We from 9:30am 10:45am Class location: 209 Clark Hall (CH) Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1500, or consent of instructor. Examination of the factors influencing the formation and the execution of United States foreign policy, with a focus on specific contemporary foreign policy issues. We will examine intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq, WMD proliferation in North Korea and Iran, ISIS and the war on terrorism, and other challenges facing the Obama administration.
Winter Intersession Course PS 2900-WI1 Studies in Political Science Jean Germain Gros Topic: Globalization: Good, Bad, Or It Depends? Class time: MTWRF from 9:00am-12:00pm Class location: 309 Clark Hall (CH) *This class will meet 01/05/2015-01/17/2015* This course seeks to come to terms with one of the most popular, yet often misunderstood, concepts of our time. Globalization is a multidimensional construct, which calls for its study from a multidisciplinary perspective: i.e., economics, political science, history, and anthropology. The course will explore the forces undergirding economic globalization, as well as the factors that are giving rise to a global democratic dispensation, at least in form if not always in substance. Moreover, it will examine different types of globalization including archaic globalization, proto-globalization, and deviant globalization. The idea here is to assess the degree to which contemporary globalization represents rupture or continuity with historical precedents, and comports (or not) with certain ideals. Finally, the course will explore cultural globalization and the rise of a global pop culture led by the news media, the entertainment industry, the internet, and aviation, in other words, communications and transportation technologies. An important part of the course will be to do a comparative analysis of the impacts of globalization in all of its manifestations on social groups (e.g., men and women, ethnic and racial minorities, young and old, classes), countries, and regions. In particular, the class will examine the impacts of globalization on Africa (globalized Africa).
PS 3210-001 Civil Liberties Barbara Graham Class Time: Tu and Thu from 12:30 p.m. 1:45 p.m. Class Location: 336 Social Science Building (SSB) Prerequisites: PolSci 1100, or PolSci 1200, or PolSci 3200, or PolSci 3260, or consent of the instructor Civil Liberties is the second part of a two-semester case law course on landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases in American constitutional law. The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to the substantive meaning of the various liberties and rights contained in the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. This course is divided into three topics: civil liberties, civil rights and the right to privacy. For the civil liberties topic, we will read and analyze Supreme Court cases in the areas of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association, petition and assembly, obscenity and libel. For the civil rights topic, we will read and analyze Supreme Court equality cases in the areas of race, gender and sexual orientation. Finally, the right to privacy topic will cover Supreme Court cases on abortion, sexual orientation, right to die, and the right to physician assisted suicide. Students are expected to orally brief cases in class.
PS 3331-001 Congressional Politics Charlie Herrick Class time: Mo and We from 11:00am 12:15pm Class location: 207 Social Sciences Business (SSB) Prerequisite: Political Science 1100 or consent of instructor. An examination of the Congress of the United States, its history and evolution, its contemporary politics, and its role in the national policy-making process. Topics include candidate recruitment, campaigns and elections, representation, committees, legislative leadership, roles and norms, voting alignments, lobbyists and interest groups, oversight of administration, and House-Senate comparisons, the role of Congress in foreign policy, economic policy, social-welfare policy will be examined.
PS 3340-001 Politics and The Media Farida Jalalzai 100 % Online Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor *This class will meet for the second 8 weeks of the term* 03/16/2015-05/16/2015 This course examines how the political news media operate, the interplay between journalists, politicians, and the public, and media s role in promoting American democracy. Emphasis is placed on understanding the media s impact on various political institutions and actors and how these in turn affect the media.
PS 3440-001 Public and NonProfit Budgeting Yuguo Liao Class time: Tue and Thur from 12:30pm-1:45pm Class location: 102 Social Science Building (SSB) Prerequisite: Political Science 1100 or consent of instructor Budgeting is the study of "who gets what" and who pays for it. This course examines the administration and politics of federal, state, and local government budgets. Students gain experience in interpreting budget documents and making budget choices, using electronic and other resources.
PS 3470-0001 Collective Bargaining Donald Giljum and Robert Russell Class time: Wednesdays from 7:00p-10:00p Class Location: 200A South Classroom Building (SCB) This course involves a study of collective bargaining processes including contract negotiations, contract administration, and methods for the resolution of bargaining disputes. Both theoretical and applied issues in collective bargaining will be addressed. Specific topics include the economic determination of bargaining power, legal constraints on the bargaining process, negotiation strategies and techniques, and the use of mediation and arbitration in the resolution of bargaining disputes.
PS 3710-001 NonProfits, Civil Society & Volunteerism Russell Signorino Class time: Mo and We from 12:30p-1:45p Class location: 333 Social Science Building (SSB) Prerequisites: POL SCI 1100 and junior standing. This course introduces basic concepts about the role of voluntary action in democratic society, especially in the context of organizations in the nonprofit sector. Theories of civil society and social capital are explored. Selected approaches to leadership are considered, in addition to the variety of motivations for giving time and resources to the pursuit of social and political change. Students will gain practical skill development in the recruitment, training and utilization of volunteers. Through study of recent case examples, students will develop an appreciation for the characteristics of effective leadership and strategic use of volunteers. In addition, the course includes an overview of new technologies that are being used by voluntary organizations to enlist participation and strengthen commitment of supporters.
PS 3830-001 International Political Economy Kenneth Thomas 100% ONLINE Prerequisite: Political Science 1100 or 1500, or consent of instructor. This course provides an introduction to international political economy. In particular, it will focus on the politics of international trade, finance, and investment. It will analyze the relationships between developed and developing countries and it will assess the relative usefulness of alternative frameworks for studying international political economy.
PS 3890-001 Studies in International Relations Judith Ancel Class time: Saturdays from 9:00am-4:00pm Class location: 201 Clark Hall (CH) Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, POL SCI 1500, or consent of instructor. Selected topics in international relations. May be repeated.
PS 3890-002 Studies in International Studies Chad Hankinson Class time: Tu and Th from 11:00a-12:15p Class location: C307 HONORS COLLEGE Topic: Contemporary Global Issues. Same as Honors 3030 Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, POL SCI 1500, or consent of instructor. Selected topics in international relations. May be repeated. Course Description: The world is rapidly changing, and as a result we are contending with new and evolving issues. Change, in and of itself, is not a bad thing, but how we deal with it determines whether it will bring us promise or peril. Among the many challenges we face are a growing and aging population, managing natural resources, greater economic integration, and changing nature and modes of conflict. All of this is happening in an increasing globalized world, which places greater stress on governments to deal with these challenges. The goal of this class is to enhance awareness of trends in contemporary global issues and subsequent individual and societal impacts. By linking global developments to those occurring at the national, state, and local levels, students will gain a better understanding of how these matters will affect their lives.
PS 3950-001 Senior Seminar in Political Science Topic: Global Politics 2015 What s Ahead for America & the World in the 21st Century? Marty Rochester Class time: Thursdays from 2:00pm - 4:40pm Class location: 344A Social Science Business (SSB) Prerequisite: Senior standing and consent of instructor. As the early 21" century proceeds, some observers speak of the dawning of "a New World Order" in the post-cold War era, while others speak of "a New World Disorder." There are at least as many disintegrative, negative trends today in contemporary world politics as integrative, positive ones. Looking ahead to the next few decades, what is the world in the 21" century likely to look like? What will come of the former Soviet Union? Communist China? The European Union? The Third World? The United Nations? Nuclear proliferation, the rich-poor gap, the welfare state, democratization, globalization, terrorism and other concerns? And what will be the implications of all this for the United States, for you?
PS 3950-002 Senior Seminar in Political Science Topic: Prosperity, Democracy, State Building, War & Peace Jean Germain Gros Class time: Wednesdays from 2:00pm - 4:40pm Class location: 344A Social Sciences Business (SSB) Prerequisite: POL SCI 2000, Senior standing and con- sent of instructor. Required of all political science majors in their last year of coursework as an integrative, capstone experience. Emphasis is on student-faculty interaction in a seminar format designed to engage upperlevel students in a critical examination of a broad theme in political science, leading to the production of a major research paper. Topics vary. May be repeated. This course is not available for graduate student credit. (Contact instructor for further details)
PS 4460-001 Urban Planning and Politics Andrew Glassberg Class time: Tuesdays from 2:00pm-4:40pm Class location: 214 Clark Hall (CH) Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or POL SCI 2400, or consent of instructor. Why do metropolitan areas look the way they do? How much of this was planned? Can/ should metropolitan development be planned? Who should decide, and how? This course will examine the political processes in metropolitan areas as they relate to planning. We will look at a series of urban plans and see what they have (and have not) accomplished, and look at a range of alternative views of how planning might be done. Course fulfills state requirement