University of Nebraska at Kearney
College of Natural and Social Sciences

1994-96 UNK Undergraduate Catalo

Department of Political Science

Courses (PSCI)

100GS. Basic Concepts of Political Science - 3 hours

A broad introduction to politics and government focusing on ideas, institutions, and issues which shape the political life of modern societies.

110GS. American Political Heritage - 3 hours

An introductory study of the constitutional framework of American politics, and how its has evolved. Contemporary institutions and processes of the American federal democratic republic are also examined in considerable detail.

156. Regional Field Study - 1-4 hours

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.

212. The American Bureaucracy - 3 hours

Introductory to the foundations of the American bureaucracy. The course will cover the basic outline of the bureaucratic state in American politics.

220. American Criminal Law - 3 hours

An examination of state and federal criminal law in America. Emphasis is placed on basic legal precedents developed by the courts. Assumes basic knowledge of American governments.

250. The American Congress - 3 hours

A study of the evolution and operation of the legislative branch of the U.S 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.

252. The Courts and the Judicial Process - 3 hours

A broad examination of the judicial branch, including the relevant legal and constitutional concepts, institutions, and processes. Assumes basic knowledge of American government.

254. The American Presidency - 3 hours

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.

265. Parties, Elections and Interest Groups - 3 hours

A study of the origins and transformation of political parties in the United States, their organizational structure, and the role they play in electoral and policy-making processes. The political party's important for aggregating diffuse and competing interests and demands in democratic republics, as well as the role of special interests in influencing Congress and the bureaucracy, will also be examined. Assumes basic knowledge of American government.

268GS. Introduction to International Politics - 3 hours

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.

271. Politics in the Industrial Democracies - 3 hours

A comparative study of politics and government in the major industrial democracies. The United Kingdom, France, German, and Japan are featured, assumes basic knowledge of American government.

300. American Constitutional Law - 3 hours

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.

325. Individual Liberties and Civil Rights - 3 hours

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.

346. Latin American Politics - 3 hours

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.

361. State and Local Government - 3 hours

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.

368. International Law and Organization - 3 hours

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.

370. American Foreign Policy - 3 hours

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 will be selected each semester.

373. Development of Political Thought I - 3 hours

A survey of political thought from Plato to Rousseau.

374. Development of Political Thought II - 3 hours

A survey of political thought from Hobbes to the present.

375. American Political Thought - 3 hours

A survey of American political thought featuring the authors of the Federalist Papers, (Madison and Hamilton), Jefferson, Calhoun, and others. In addition, the class examines the ideas of non-American thinkers such as Locke and de Toqueville.

381. Political Behavior: Patterns and Methods - 3 hours

Prerequisite: STAT 235. This course research methods and quantitative techniques widely sued in the scientific study of politics.

382. Public Opinion - 3 hours

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.

385. Foundations of Public Policy - 3 hours

An examination of policy-making processes at the national and state levels. Case studies will emphasize the many variables that influence policy formulation.

400/800. Public Administration - 3 hours

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.

450/850. Communist Political Systems - 3 hours

A comparative study of the major communist governments. The Soviet Union is given special attention; Eastern Europe and the People's Republic of China are also examined. Assumes basic knowledge of the American bureaucracy and American polities.

456/856. Regional Field Study - 1-3 hours

Designed to give students a firsthand acquaintance with the political systems and processes of a particular region of the world. Upper division or graduate level. Students wishing to take this course must obtain written approval in advance from the Department Chair.

468/868. Advanced International Politics - 3 hours

An in-depth study of the contemporary international system, its evolution from the 17th Century to the present, the postwar bipolar balance of power, the rise of multipolarity, and the concept of global interdependence. Alternative futures for the international system in the 21st Century will also be considered.

475. Internship in Political Science - 1-6 hours

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.

490/590. Directed Research - 1-3 hours

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.

499/899. Readings in Political Science - 3-6 hours

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.