Offered by Department of Political Science
College of Natural and Social Sciences
PSCI Courses
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- 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. Interdisciplinary course that examines the connections between disciplines.
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- PSCI 300 - American Constitutional Law - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
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 341 - Politics of the Drug War - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course examines theoretical frameworks and empirical research about the interaction between illegal drugs and politics. It provides
an overview specifically of the U.S. "war on drugs," its history and consequences for democratic politics and development in the United
States, Latin America and other regions of the world. The course also examines potential alternatives to U.S. drug policy, including
drug legalization and drug decriminalization.
- PSCI 342 - Politics of Globalization - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course explores the process of globalization - the various political, economic, cultural, and social changes that have, and continue
to, transform our world. The goal of the course is to clarify what globalization is and how it is affecting societies around the world.
For instance, the course focuses on issues such as global trade, the global spread of western values and ideas, threats to the power of
nation-states as well as the existence of transnational social movements.
- 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 operation of the legislative branch of the US government,
the motives and methods of legislators, the interactions between the two houses of Congress, and the
interplay of checks and balances in relations between the legislative branch and other branches. This course is often taught using
a joint simulation on legislative policymaking with students in PSCI 366: Political Parties and Interest
Groups. 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 353 - Race & Politics - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A comparative and analytical study of race and politics in the United States. Theories of race and their role in shaping public
understandings, social mobilization, and governmental policy. Particular attention will be given to the social construction of race
and the political implications of theories of whiteness, African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos.
- 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 functions of organized interests in representation and lobbying are the primary focus,
as well as the functions of political parties in coordinating officials within and between branches of government. This course
is often taught using a joint simulation on legislative policymaking with students in PSCI 351: The
American Congress. Assumes basic knowledge of American 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: none
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 378 - Feminist Political Thought - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An introduction to the major theorists and defining ideas for various types of feminism, e.g., liberal feminism, radical feminism,
Marxist feminism, eco-feminism. The course considers common ideas and differences across the types of feminism and uses the
theoretical perspectives as lenses through which to examine contemporary political issues and events.
- 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 390 - Politics & Culture of Asia - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A study of politics and culture in Asian countries. Particular attention is given to Japan and China and case studies of other countries
in the region are also used to illustrate general patterns and trends. Democracy as it is practiced and developing in Asia is a
significant theme, and the course examines other key concepts in the field of comparative politics, including ethnic conflict and
economic development.
- PSCI 400 - 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 410 - Advanced Study in American Government: Special Topics - 3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
A senior-level seminar in a special topic in the subfield of American government, e.g., Presidents and the American public. May be
repeated up to 6 hours with a different topic.
- PSCI 420 - Advanced Study in Political Behavior: Special Topics - 3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
A senior-level seminar in a special topic in the subfield of political behavior, e.g., voting in the American electorate. May be
repeated up to 6 hours with a different topic.
- PSCI 440 - Advanced Study in Comparative Politics: Special Topics - 3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
A senior-level seminar in a special topic in the subfield of comparative politics, e.g., cross-national political behavior. May be
repeated up to 6 hours with a different topic.
- PSCI 450 - Nations in Transition - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course examines the nations that are going through significant transformation. Covering a wide range of countries around the
world, this class considers how these countries struggle to move toward stable democracies despite different obstacles. Furthermore,
we will critically explore the roles that the United States and the international community should assume in these transitional
societies.
- PSCI 456 - 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 - 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 - Readings in Political Science - 1-3 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.
