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Offered by Department of Political Science
College of Natural and Social Sciences

PSCI Courses

PSCI 110GS - Introduction to American Politics - 3 hours
Prereq: none
An introductory study of the constitutional framework of American politics, and how it has evolved. Contemporary institutions and processes of the American federal democratic republic are also examined in considerable detail.
PSCI 140GS - Introduction to Comparative Politics - 3 hours
Prereq: none
An introduction to contemporary political systems, practices and institutions in developed and developing countries.
PSCI 156 - Regional Field Study - 1-4 hours
Prereq: none
Designed to provide the student with a firsthand knowledge of the political culture and governmental institutions of a U.S. region other than the Midwest or foreign country or region. Students wishing to take this course must obtain written approval in advance from the Department Chair.
PSCI 168GS - Introduction to International Relations - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of contemporary international relations, the changing global system, the role of the nation-state and other actors, the means and ends of power, the causes and consequences of war, and the perennial pursuit of peace.
PSCI 170GS - Introduction to Political Thought - 3 hours
Prereq: none
An introductory study of the ideas, theories, and thinkers that inform our debate over how to organize and conduct our common life. Particular attention will be given to examining democracy as a contested concept.
PSCI 212 - The American Bureaucracy - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Introductory to the foundations of the American bureaucracy. The course will cover the basic outline of the bureaucratic state in American politics.
PSCI 252 - The Courts and the Judicial Process - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A broad examination of the judicial branch, including the relevant legal and constitutional concepts, institutions, and processes. Assumes basic knowledge of American government.
PSCI 280HGS - Special Topics - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A General Studies course for Honors students. Interdiscplinary course that examines the connections between disciplines.
PSCI 300 - American Constitutional Law - 3 hours
Prereq: PSCI 252 or permission of instructor
A study of landmark Supreme Court cases and their impact on American institutions, policies, and processes. Assumes basic knowledge of American government and judicial process.
PSCI 325 - Individual Liberties and Civil Rights - 3 hours
Prereq: PSCI 300* or permission of instructor
An investigation of criminal, political, and racial justice with emphasis on the role of the Supreme Court in the protection of the basic freedoms in American society. Selected case studies will examine areas of conflict between the rights of the individual and of society. Assumes basic knowledge of American government and constitutional law.
PSCI 340 - Topics in Comparative Politics - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course is an in-depth examination of a special topic in the subfield of comparative politics (e.g., "Comparative Electoral Systems"). May be repeated with different topics, up to 6 hours.
PSCI 344 - Politics of the Developed World - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A comparative study of politics and government in the major industrial democracies. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan are featured; assumes basic knowledge of American government.
PSCI 345 - Politics of the Developing World - 3 hours
Prereq: none
The course is essentially a comparison of the political systems of developing nations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Problems and challenges n developing national institutions; patterns of socialization and national identities; building viable national institutions ; the nature of political participation and exit strategies; and economic influences on political stability/instability will be analyzed and investigated.
PSCI 346 - Latin American Politics - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of politics and government in contemporary Latin America. Case studies focusing on particular Latin American nations will be used to illustrate broader patterns and trends. Attention will also be given to perceptions of the United States in the region, as well as to contemporary relations between key countries in Latin America and the United States, Soviet Union, Western Europe, and Asia.
PSCI 351 - The American Congress - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of the evolution and operation of the legislative branch of the US government, the motives and methods of legislators, the interaction of the two houses of Congress, the interplay of checks-and-balances in relations between the White House and the Congress, the role of standing committees, political parties, lobbying, etc. In addition, case studies will be used to demonstrate how a bill becomes a law. Assumes basic knowledge of American government.
PSCI 352 - The American Presidency - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of the executive branch of the U.S. government, with particular attention to the presidency, its evolution and its constitutional roles in the system of checks-and-balances. Special attention is given to leadership style and to the functions of the modern presidency. Case studies will be used to illustrate how different presidents have interpreted their powers and discharged their duties.
PSCI 360 - Topics in American Politics - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course is an in-depth examination of a special topic in American politics (e.g., "Presidents and the Press"). May be repeated for different topics, up to 6 hours.
PSCI 361 - State and Local Government - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A comparative study of state and local governments in the United States. Case studies are used to illustrate important variations; Nebraska's unique unicameral legislature and nonpartisan state elections are given special attention. Assumes basic knowledge of American government.
PSCI 365 - Campaigns and Elections - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of the structures and processes that affect the selection of elected officials in the United States, focusing on congressional and presidential elections. Special attention is given to the mass media as the primary intermediaries between citizens and candidates for political office.
PSCI 366 - Political Parties and Interest Groups - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of the voluntary associations that serve as primary sites for political participation in American politics. The origins and transformations of political parties in the U.S. are considered, along with the roles they play in electoral politics and governance. The course examines interest group involvement in electoral politics, public policy, and lobbying at all levels of government.
PSCI 368 - International Law and Organization - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course focuses on the role of law in international politics, as well as on the key international organizations. The evolution, structure, functions, problems and performance of the United Nations and its specialized agencies are emphasized.
PSCI 369 - International Political Economy - 3 hours
Prereq: PSCI 168GS
This course explores the linkages between politics and economics in the international arena. Topics include: origins of a world economy, American hegemony, theories of cooperation, East-West relations, North-South relations, multinational corporations, and global interdependence.
PSCI 370 - American Foreign Policy - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of foreign policy decision making processes with special emphasis on the role of the President, the Congress, the various bureaucratic actors (i.e. National Security Council, the State Department, the Pentagon, and the CIA) as well as several case studies focusing on contemporary diplomatic problems.
PSCI 373 - Ancient Political Thought - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A survey of political thought from Plato to Rousseau.
PSCI 374 - Modern Political Thought - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A survey of political thought from Hobbes to the present.
PSCI 375 - Democratic Political Thought - 3 hours
Prereq: none
An introduction to political thinking relevant to the inception and maintenance of democratic forms of government. Much of the work centers upon American political thinkers like James Madison and John Dewey; but students will also learn more about classical, modern and postmodern approaches to forms of popular government. Some emphasis is given to the special role of education in democratic thought.
PSCI 376 - Post-Modern Political Thought - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course traces the development of post-modern political thought from the end of the nineteenth century to the present. The course begins with discussions of themes in Western political theory that underlie the postmodern condition. Then study proceeds to selected postmodern critics and thinkers, such as Derrida, Foucault, Weber, MacIntyre and Arendt.
PSCI 377 - Topics in Political Thought - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course is an in-depth examination of a special topic or theorist in the subfield of political philosophy (e.g., "Marx," "Feminist Political Thought"). May be repeated with different topics, up to 6 hours.
PSCI 380 - Topics in International Relations - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course is an in-depth examination of a special topic in World Politics (e.g., "Human Rights in World Politics"). May be repeated for different topics, up to 6 hours.
PSCI 381 - Introduction to Political Inquiry - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course introduces students to basic approaches to inquiry and research in the field of Political Science. Recommended for students in their junior year.
PSCI 382 - Public Opinion and Political Problems - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of the process of public opinion formation and change among mass public and elites in the United States. Normative and empirical issues involving the measurement of public opinion and its impact on public policy will also be considered.
PSCI 385 - Foundations of Public Policy - 3 hours
Prereq: none
An examination of policy-making processes at the national and state levels. Case studies will emphasize the many variables that influence policy formulation.
PSCI 400/800P - Public Administration - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course looks at the natures, structures, functions and problems of public administration in the United States. Major emphasis is placed on the relationship between the bureaucracy and the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of national and state government. Assumes basic knowledge of the American bureaucracy and American politics.
PSCI 450/850P - Nations in Transition - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course acquaints the student with Marxist theory; analyzes Soviet and Soviet satellite brand of communism; examines the nations in transition from communism to a more democratic/liberal democracy; looks into the nature of democratization/liberalization in nations such as Korea, Taiwan, and Argentina; and observes the nations still existing in the communist framework.
PSCI 456/856P - Field Study - 1-3 hours
Prereq: none
Field study is designed to combine classroom study with experiences outside the classroom to give students opportunities for discussions with public officials or other firsthand knowledge of the subject. Field studies in the past have focused on study of the actors and processes of foreign policymaking with a one-week trip to Washington, DC, to meet with policymakers. The topics for subsequent field studies may vary. Students may repeat the field study course up to 6 hours credit with different topics.
PSCI 468/868P - War in World Politics - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course examines the causes and consequences of war in world politics, as well as those methods by which states and other actors attempt to manage it and provide for peace.
PSCI 475 - Internship in Political Science - 1-6 hours
Prereq: none
Designed to provide an on-the-job learning experience that will enhance the student's understanding of politics and provide a glimpse of government-in-action. Internships are usually student initiated. Students wishing to take this course must obtain written approval in advance from the Department Chair.
PSCI 486 - Policy Analysis - 3 hours
Prereq: PSCI 381, PSCI 385
Introduction to the skills needed to conduct analysis of policy options and policy evaluations. The course will include an introduction to methods of policy analysis, including cost/benefit analysis ; analysis of political environment; and analysis of externalities.
PSCI 489 - Senior Seminar - 3 hours
Prereq: senior status
This capstone course reviews and details the sub-fields in political science and addresses the normative, empirical and legal methodologies appropriate for graduating seniors. Grading method: letter grade.
PSCI 490 - Directed Research - 1-3 hours
Prereq: none
Independent original research of a topic in political science selected by the student. Done under the direction of a political science faculty member. Proposals must be student-initiated. Students wishing to take this course must obtain written approval in advance from the department chair.
PSCI 499/899P - Readings in Political Science - 3-6 hours
Prereq: none
Independent readings in political science for the advanced undergraduate or graduate student. Done under the direction of a political science faculty member. Student initiated. Students wishing to take this course must obtain written approval in advance from the Department Chair.

* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.

13 Feb 2007

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