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 - Democracies around the World - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Compares how democracy is practiced in various countries around the world, compares democratic governance to non-democratic,
and considers the prospects for democratizing non-democratic 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 - Democracy as a Political Idea - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Examines the contested meanings of the concept "democracy," such as contestation between liberals and conservatives and
socialists, and traces democracy's development as a political ideal.
- PSCI 188GS - General Studies Portal - 3 hours
- Prereq: freshman or sophomore standing
Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in
which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being
mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the
Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement. Students
may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are
exempt from taking a portal course.
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- PSCI 212 - Politics of the Federal Executive Branch - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An examination of the politics in the executive branch of the U.S. government. Includes analysis of the controversies involved
in organizing, staffing, and making public policy in executive branch agencies. Explores how executive branch agencies operate
and interact within the broader political system (composed of Congress, the presidency, the courts, interest groups, political
parties, and the news media). Assumes basic knowledge of American politics and 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 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 332 - Environmental Politics & Policy - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course examines the environment as a public policy issue. Contemporary case studies of environmental policy concerning
water, air, land use, habitat protection, climate change, and the like will be used to develop an understanding of the
political, legal, and ethical aspects of public policy on environmental matters.
- 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 in 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 347 - Comparative Political Behavior - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A study of mass political behavior from a cross-national perspective. Topics addressed include: political participation, voting
behavior, social capital, nationalism, cultural shifts, support for democracy, and world culture.
- 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 371 - Religion & Politics - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course examines the relationship between church and state. The first half of the course considers arguments over how
religion and politics should relate to one another and how those arguments have changed over time. The second half explores
contemporary issues, focusing primarily on American politics.
- 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 - 20th & 21st Century Political Thought - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course traces the development of political thought from the end of the nineteenth century to the present.
- 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 388GS - General Studies Capstone - 3 hours
- Prereq: open to juniors and seniors or to students within 6 hours of completion of their General Studies program
An interdisciplinary experience where students apply the knowledge, cognitive abilities, and communication skills they have
gained from General Studies in designing and completing an original project or paper. Students employ methods and interpretive
means of two or more disciplines to integrate knowledge and synthesize their results. Satisfies the General Studies capstone
course requirement. Students may take their Capstone course in any discipline.
- 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 and 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.
