University of Nebraska at Kearney
1998-2000 Undergraduate CATALOG
PSCI Courses
Offered by Department of Political Science
College of Natural and Social Sciences
- PSCI 100GS - Introduction to Political Science - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A broad introduction to politics and government focusing on ideas, institutions, and issues which shape the political life of modern societies.
PSCI 110GS - Introduction to American Politics - 3 hours- Prereq: none
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.
PSCI 110HGS - Introduction to American Politics - 3 hours- Prereq: none
An introductory study of the constitutional framework of American politics with an emphasis on defining and analyzing the important contemporary institutions and processes of the American republic.
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 Politics - 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 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 250 - 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 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 254 - 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 265 - Parties, Elections and Interest Groups - 3 hours- Prereq: none
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.
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: none
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 344 - Politics of Industrial Democracies - 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 Developing Nations - 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 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 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. Students will research a specific topic of global significance as a means for grounding the theories of the course in the context of a current policy issue.
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 will be selected each semester.
PSCI 373 - Development of Political Thought I - 3 hours- Prereq: none
A survey of political thought from Plato to Rousseau.
PSCI 374 - Development of Political Thought II - 3 hours- Prereq: none
A survey of political thought from Hobbes to the present.
PSCI 375 - American Political Thought - 3 hours- Prereq: none
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.
PSCI 381 - Political Behavior: Patterns and Methods - 3 hours- Prereq: STAT 235
This course research methods and quantitative techniques widely sued in the scientific study of politics.
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 - Regional Field Study - 1-3 hours- Prereq: none
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.
PSCI 468/868P - Advanced International Politics - 3 hours- Prereq: none
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.
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 110GS, 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. Prior completion of PSCI 381 is recommended.
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.
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.
