This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs
and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program
approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available
in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science as well as elective courses in political science for program majors and non-majors.
The political science curriculum has two central objectives. It offers the student a broad liberal arts education along with a comprehensive understanding of the nature and the functioning of the political process and government. It also provides a sound foundation for graduate study in political science, public administration and nonprofit management, or for careers that require knowledge of governance and the political process, such as law.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following:
Political science core outcomes
- Assumptions, methods and analytical tools
Demonstrate knowledge of the assumptions, methods and analytical tools of the discipline of political science - Current political and policy issues
Demonstrate knowledge of current political and policy issues - Theory and principles of four subfields
Demonstrate an understanding of basic theory and conceptual principles of political science in the four subfields of American government, political theory, international relations and comparative politics - Advanced understanding of one subfield
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of current theoretical and empirical study in one subfield - Expository and analytic writing
Demonstrate skill in expository and analytic writing in the political science discipline - Political behavior
Demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which individuals, national governmental organizations, political movements and parties, nation-states, and intergovernmental institutions work to achieve their political objectives
Political theory and methodology concentration-specific outcome
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the theoretical and ethical principles and dilemmas facing various forms of government, political authority structures, systems of representation and procedures for reconciling conflicts between competing interests within a society
Honors in political science
Political science majors can earn honors in political science. Students earn honors status when they complete POLI 490 Senior Seminar with an A grade and graduate with an overall 3.0 GPA and a 3.3 GPA in political science.
Special requirements
To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, students must complete 45 upper-level credits (including upper-level course work in the major) and maintain a cumulative and major GPA of 2.0. Students may count a maximum of nine credits from internships, mentorships or independent studies toward the major. Students may also apply three credits from courses in other departments toward the major with prior approval from the department chair.
Degree requirements for Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in political theory and methodology
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| POLI 107 | Political Theory | 3 |
| POLI 109 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
POLI 320  Play course video for Research Methods in Political Science | Research Methods in Political Science | 3 |
| POLI 490 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| POLI 341 | Classical to Modern Political Theory | 3 |
| • Concentration requirements | ||
| Select courses from list below. | 9 | |
| • Major electives | ||
| POLI electives | 6 | |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| POLI 103 | U.S. Government and Politics (satisfies general education BOK for social/behavioral sciences and AOI for diversities in the human experience) | 3 |
| POLI/INTL 105 | International Relations (satisfies general education BOK for social/behavioral sciences and AOI for global perspectives) | 3 |
| Experiential fine arts 1 | 1-3 | |
| Foreign language through the 102 level (by course or placement) | 0-6 | |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 50-58 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Course offered by the School of the Arts
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Electives
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select four political theory concentration courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Feminist Political Theory | ||
| Classical to Modern Political Theory | ||
| Modern to Contemporary Political Theory | ||
| Black Political Thought | ||
| Contemporary Political Theory | ||
| International Relations Theory | ||
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| POLI 103 | U.S. Government and Politics (satisfies general education BOK for social/behavioral sciences and AOI for diversities in the human experience) | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | Introduction to the University | 1 |
| UNIV 111 Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Experiential fine arts | 1-3 | |
| Foreign language 101 | 3 | |
| General education course (select quantitative foundations) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 14-16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| POLI/INTL 105 | International Relations (satisfies general education BOK for social/behavioral sciences and AOI for global perspectives) | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Foreign language 102 | 3 | |
| General education course (select AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| POLI 107 | Political Theory | 3 |
| POLI 109 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open electives | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| POLI 341 | Classical to Modern Political Theory | 3 |
| POLI 320 Play course video for Research Methods in Political Science | Research Methods in Political Science | 3 |
| Concentration electives | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| General education course (select BOK to complete breadth of knowledge requirement) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 9 | |
| POLI elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Concentration elective | 3 | |
| General education course (select BOK to complete breadth of knowledge requirement) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 9 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| POLI 490 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Concentration elective | 3 | |
| Open electives | 9 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Open electives | 12 | |
| POLI elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120-122 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Accelerated B.A. and M.P.A.
The accelerated B.A. and M.P.A. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.A. in Political Science and the Master of Public Administration in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both the B.A. and M.P.A. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 144 credits rather than the 156 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately. Students who do not have at least one year of professional-level experience in the public sector or in a nonprofit agency are required to earn three additional hours of credit in a public service practicum/internship. In this case, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 147 credits rather than the 159 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately.
Students holding these degrees will demonstrate knowledge about the assumptions, methods and analytical tools of the discipline of political science and current political and policy issues; and they will be prepared, professional public managers, public officials and citizens who are able to meet the challenges of public service in both government and nonprofit sectors and serve the profession and local, state, federal and international communities.
Entrance to the accelerated program
Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility and submit (no later than two semesters prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the spring semester of their junior year) an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.
Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours including a minimum of nine credit hours in political science courses; an overall GPA of 3.0; and a GPA of 3.3 in political science course work. Successful applicants would enter the program in the fall semester of their senior year. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may submit GRE scores to receive further consideration.
Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students as described in the “Satisfactory academic progress” section of the Graduate Bulletin, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Guidance to students admitted to the accelerated program is provided by both the undergraduate political science adviser and the faculty adviser to the graduate program.
Admission to the graduate program
Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application to the master’s program, which is submitted through Graduate Admissions no later than a semester prior to graduation with the baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the fall semester of the senior year. In order to continue pursuing the master’s degree after the baccalaureate degree is conferred, accelerated students must follow the admission to graduate study requirements outlined in the VCU Bulletin.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree will be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 120 credits and the satisfactory completion of all undergraduate degree requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
A maximum of 12 graduate credits may be taken prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. These graduate credits may be used to satisfy required major electives or open elective credits for the undergraduate degree. These courses are shared credits with the graduate program, meaning that they will be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
The graduate public administration courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, are:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PADM 601 | Principles of Public Administration | 3 |
| PADM 602 | Public Administration Theory | 3 |
| PADM 607 | Public Human Resource Management | 3 |
| PADM 609 | Financial Management in Government | 3 |
| PADM/GVPA/CRJS/URSP 623 | Research Methods for Government and Public Affairs | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Quantitative Methods for Public Administration | ||
Or a PADM elective course (elective requirement for the M.P.A. and elective for the undergraduate major) | ||
| PADM 650 | Principles of Nonprofit Management | 3 |
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the junior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| POLI elective | 3 | |
| Approved H&S General Education elective | 3-4 | |
| Open electives | 9 | |
| Term Hours: | 15-16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| POLI 490 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| POLI elective | 3 | |
| Approved H&S General Education elective | 3-4 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15-16 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| PADM 601 | Principles of Public Administration (may count for both undergraduate and graduate credits in accelerated program) | 3 |
| PADM 602 | Public Administration Theory (may count for both undergraduate and graduate credits in accelerated program) | 3 |
| POLI elective | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| PADM 607 | Public Human Resource Management (may count for both undergraduate and graduate credits in accelerated program) | 3 |
| PADM 623 | Research Methods for Government and Public Affairs (may count for both undergraduate and graduate credits in accelerated program) | 3 |
| POLI elective | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| PADM 609 | Financial Management in Government | 3 |
| PADM 624 | Quantitative Methods for Public Administration | 3 |
| PADM 625 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| 500- to 600-level PADM, CRJS, GVPA, HSEP or URSP elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| GVPA 693 | Internship | 0-3 |
| PADM 627 | Workshop in Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PADM 689 | Seminar in Public Administration: Integration of Theory and Practice | 3 |
| 500- to 600-level PADM, CRJS, GVPA, HSEP or URSP electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 12-15 | |
POLI 103. U.S. Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. A study of American national government focusing on its underlying political ideas, constitutional basis, major institutions and their interaction in the determination of public policy.
POLI 105. International Relations. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. An introductory analysis of interstate relations and world affairs. Attention focuses on theories of international politics, military capabilities and their application, international organizations, global economic trends, domestic sources of state behavior and other selected issues as appropriate. Crosslisted as: INTL 105.
POLI 107. Political Theory. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduces students to the great thinkers and ideas of political theory. Provides an analysis of the relationship between ethics and politics in contemporary democracy and current challenges to traditional democratic theory. Topics discussed may include the nature of human existence and civilization; political obligations between the state and the citizen and among citizens; attempts to justify authority; the content and uses of power; and the right to disobedience and resistance, freedom, social justice, and equality.
POLI 109. Comparative Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduces students to the ways in which societies around the world govern themselves. Covers such topics as the historical evolution of the political system, political processes and institutions, and key issues in contemporary public policy for a globally representative group of 10 to 15 countries.
POLI 300. Issues in American Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An exploration of several significant issues in American politics. Topics may include political polarization, political misinformation and disinformation, electoral reforms, activism, and social movements, as well as selected others. Topics will vary with current events and trends in domestic politics.
POLI 301. U.S. Parties and Elections. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of U.S. political parties and elections. Topics will include the history, organization and methods of U.S. political parties, presidential nominations and elections; Congressional elections.
POLI 302. Politics of the Civil Rights Movement. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. The main objectives of the course are to introduce and examine the personalities and activities of the modern Civil Rights Movement. The course provides the historical background leading up to the peak years of the struggle for racial equality in America. It has special focus on the events of the 1960s and particularly their implication for the current state of U.S. Civil Rights. Crosslisted as: AFAM 302.
POLI 303. Public Opinion and Polling. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. The study of the formation, expression and influence of individual and organized public opinion on political institutions in the U.S. Topics include how the public forms and expresses attitudes, how public opinion influences political outcomes and how public opinion is measured and analyzed.
POLI 304. Presidential Primaries. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment requires permission of the instructor. Introduces students to the historical and political contexts of presidential primary campaigning. Investigates candidate strategy and ways candidates seek out money, media coverage and grassroots organization. Includes a week-long trip to New Hampshire during the first-in-the-nation primary to provide students with hands-on experience. Offered as an intersession class during presidential election years.
POLI 305. Political Campaigns and Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of political campaigns focusing on presidential elections. Analysis includes the study of electoral contexts, political mobilization, campaign organizational structures and strategies, campaign rhetoric, and the evolution of campaign-related technology such as polling and social media.
POLI 306. The Congress. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the behavior of legislators and the structures and processes of legislative decision making in the U.S. Congress. Analysis will include both the internal and external environment of congressional policy making, and an assessment of the impact of congressional policy.
POLI 307. Political Behavior. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduces students to the major theoretical approaches and empirical research in the field of mass political behavior, with a particular emphasis on how individuals develop their ideologies and party identifications, as well as how those and other factors shape political decisions.
POLI 308. U.S. Presidency. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A political and institutional study of the chief executive, focusing especially on the presidential personality and relations with Congress, the bureaucracy, the courts and the shaping of domestic and foreign policy.
POLI 309. Bureaucratic Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
An analysis of the nature of bureaucracy and bureaucratic phenomena in American governments; the role and involvement of the bureaucracy in politics and the policy-making process. Primary focus on theories and approaches to understanding the central role of bureaucracy in modern society and its use and abuse of power.
POLI 310. Public Policy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analytical survey of policy formulation and implementation in the United States, together with an examination of the impact of policy upon individuals and groups in American society.
POLI 311. Politics of the Environment. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An exploration of the current controversy about environmental politics and the issues and crises it centers on. Special attention will be given to the constitutional, political and geographical factors in the development of environmental policy and the organized effort to deal with governmental actions and inaction and its impact on policy outcomes. Crosslisted as: ENVS 311.
POLI 312. Media and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides a general overview of how media influence political attitudes and political behavior. Students will analyze the role of new media, soft media and infotainment and how it mediates political messages to the general public. Students will also explore the effects of various types of communications on Americans' attitudes and behaviors, including the rise of "fake news," partisan media, mis- and disinformation, and fact-checking.
POLI 313. U.S. Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the major provisions of the U.S. Constitution concerning civil rights and civil liberties as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics to be covered include how the federal courts enforce individual rights found in the Constitution, limitations on governmental actions and the use of the Constitution as a starting point for discussions of the nation’s need to balance competing interests of individuals, government and societal values.
POLI 314. U.S. Constitutional Law. 3 Hours.
: Structure of Government
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the development of the Constitution as it pertains to the structure of U.S. government. Topics to be covered include an introduction to the operation of the Supreme Court, separation of powers, decisions on federalism, the powers of Congress, the president, the judiciary and judicial review.
POLI 315. Courts and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of theories and models of judicial decision-making in the Supreme Court, focusing on judicial structure and procedures, policy-making analysis, political ideology, and judicial activism.
POLI 316. Women and the Law. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will introduce students to the history, politics and status of women under the American legal system. Topics to be covered may include equal protection, sexual violence, the particular rights of women of color and lesbians, reproductive rights of women of color and lesbians, reproductive rights, women criminals and women in the legal profession. Crosslisted as: GSWS 316.
POLI 318. Politics of Race, Class and Gender. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the racial, class and gender influences on the history and development of political values, conflicts, processes, structures and public policy in the United States. Crosslisted as: AFAM 318/GSWS 318.
POLI 319. Women and American Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course analyzes the participation of women in American politics. Attention is given to both women's historical and contemporary roles in politics, their participation as voters and citizens, and their behavior as candidates and office holders. Additional topics may include workplace, family and education issues and reproductive rights. Crosslisted as: GSWS 319.
POLI 320. Research Methods in Political Science. 3 Hours.Play course video for Research Methods in Political Science
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Current methods of research in the discipline of political science. Includes a brief introduction to the tools and techniques for exploring and analyzing political science data.
POLI 321. Urban Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of urban political power and influence, governance, and public policy. Topics include: power and influence, governmental structures and the political process, public policy, and service delivery.
POLI 322. State and Local Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of the politics and governance of states and localities. Attention is devoted to political culture, interest groups, political parties, the legislative, executive and judicial components of state government, along with the structure and political processes of local governments.
POLI 323. Virginia Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of Virginia state government and politics, with appropriate attention given to political culture, interest groups, political parties, the media and the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government.
POLI 324. The Science of Elections. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits hours. This course examines the electoral systems used in the United States and in other democracies from a scientific perspective to illuminate the links between the design of elections and democratic outcomes. It provides an introduction to social choice and voting theory and surveys contemporary challenges, such as gerrymandering, voter suppression and political manipulation.
POLI 329. Intergovernmental Relations. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of vertical and horizontal intergovernmental relations. Attention will be given to the major variants of federalism. The role of categorical and block grants in programmatic federalism will be assessed. Trends in intergovernmental relations will be advanced.
POLI 330. Lobbying. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Provides students with a practical overview of lobbying in the U.S. system, including its historical context; how different types of groups use lobbying as a tactic to influence government; and regulations and ethical considerations. Students will have a working knowledge of the American lobbying industry; the types of groups that employ lobbying as a political strategy to attain their organizational goals; and how money is used within the American system.
POLI 331. Public Administration. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the concepts and practices of public administration in the United States. Particular attention will be given to the administrative procedures and practices of the national government and of the government in Virginia.
POLI 332. Administrative Law. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Survey of the major functions of the modern administrative state as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics to be covered include the constitutional and legal authority of bureaucratic agencies, rulemaking and adjudication, and judicial review of agency action. Emphasizes the tensions found in the administrative process, how administrators try to address them while performing their jobs and how the environment surrounding administrative behavior affects administrators trying to do their work.
POLI 339. Politics in Film. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Addresses how political ideas and concepts are created and propagated in film. Views the film industry as a critically important agent of political socialization.
POLI 340. Feminist Political Theory. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course provides a survey of leading feminist political theory ideas from historic to contemporary feminist works, including feminist epistemologies, ontologies and ideas about politics, governance, government, citizenship, agency, equality, difference, sex, gender, race, nationalism, economics, family and reproduction.
POLI 341. History of Political Theory: Classical to Modern. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of leading political ideas of the ancient and medieval periods.
POLI 342. History of Political Theory: Modern to Contemporary. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of leading political ideas of modern and contemporary thought.
POLI 343. Black Political Thought. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An historical and sociological perspective on the political and social ideas of black thinkers from David Walker to the present. Crosslisted as: AFAM 343.
POLI 344. Contemporary Political Theory. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course provides a survey of recent trends in political theory. It examines updates of the major ideological traditions, arguments about the nature of modernity and recent developments in environment, feminist and non-Western thought.
POLI 345. African-American Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. In this course, students will discuss and analyze the dynamics of the black experience in the American political system. The status of African-Americans in the United States and the struggle for racial equality will be examined, as will the manner in which American institutions have responded to these phenomena. Students will examine the race/class metric in African-American politics, particularly policies of Affirmative Action as a black progress strategy. Crosslisted as: AFAM 345.
POLI 346. Black Political Activism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduces students to the long history of Black political activism in the United States, focusing on racial justice and anti-racist movements. Utilizes historical, social scientific and legal frameworks.
POLI 347. Black Queer Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credit hours. Examines the history, key issues and contemporary scholarship of Black queer politics. Focuses on themes of justice, equity, gender, sexuality and race.
POLI 350. Democratic and Authoritarian Rule. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credit hours. An examination of the nature of democratic and authoritarian rule in a cross-regional perspective. We explore several fundamental issues in comparative politics, such as the differences and similarities between democratic and authoritarian regimes and the forces that create and destroy them.
POLI 351. Middle Eastern Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative analysis of political systems in the Middle East including the study of contemporary aspects of traditionalism, the political nature of transition, the instruments of political modernization, and evolution and revolution in the political process of Middle Eastern states. The course will explore the primary bases of cleavage and conflict and the principal forces that shape the policies and political dynamics of the region. Crosslisted as: INTL 351.
POLI 352. European Governments and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative study of the political systems of selected western and eastern European countries. Crosslisted as: INTL 352.
POLI 353. Latin American Governments and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of politics characteristic of Latin American systems, including democratic reformism, military authoritarianism and revolutionary socialism. The course also examines the contemporary problems of fledgling democracies as they cope with economic and debt crises and various opposition challenges. Crosslisted as: INTL 353.
POLI 354. Russian and Eurasian Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the origins, institutions, processes and disintegration of the Soviet political system and the ongoing reform efforts during the post-Soviet period. Special emphasis is placed on the politics of the transition to a democratic political system and a market economy. Other topics include nationality issues, social problems and foreign policy. Crosslisted as: INTL 354.
POLI 355. Asian Governments and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A comparative analysis of the politics and governments of major Asian states, with a focus on Japan, China and India. Crosslisted as: INTL 355.
POLI 356. African Government and Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will introduce students to the basic outlines of government and politics in Africa. The course will consider such topics as colonialism, elitism, and nationalism and modernization strategies. Using the comparative approach, the course will primarily focus on West, East and Central Africa. Crosslisted as: AFAM 356/INTL 356.
POLI 357. Politics of Southern Africa. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of racial and political developments in the southern tip of Africa. While South Africa will be the primary focus of analysis, other countries in the region such as Zimbabwe, Angola and Mozambique will be studied. Crosslisted as: AFAM 357/INTL 357.
POLI 358. Concepts of Comparative Government. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Comparative study of politics and governments. Introduces concepts and theories used in the study of political systems. Topics include democratization and democratic governance, the role of the state, one-party and military regimes, revolution, and economic and political development. Crosslisted as: INTL 358.
POLI 359. The Politics of Developing Areas. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Analysis of the processes of political and economic development. Includes a study of various challenges facing developing countries, such as economic inequalities, environmental degradation, mass political participation, military coups, revolution and civil war. Crosslisted as: INTL 452.
POLI 360. China in Transition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Traces how China is making the transition from a planned to market economy, and what implications this transition has on the political, social and urban landscape. Class discussions are grounded on a basic understanding of China's modern history and regional geography. Crosslisted as: INTL 480.
POLI 361. Issues in World Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An exploration of several significant issues in world politics. Topics may include peacekeeping and collective security, international economic competitiveness, global environmental politics as well as selected others. Topics will vary with current events and trends in the international arena. Crosslisted as: INTL 361.
POLI 362. International Organizations and Institutions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the background development structure and operations of organizations and institutions such as the United Nations, the European Community and the Organization of American States. Crosslisted as: INTL 362.
POLI 363. U.S. Foreign Policy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analytical survey of processes and practices in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy, including an introduction to the goals, problems of implementation and current challenges faced by policy makers. Crosslisted as: INTL 363.
POLI 364. Vietnam. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An analysis of the complete record of the conflict in Vietnam. The primary focus will be on the period of U.S. involvement. The course will examine closely how and why the U.S. became involved in Vietnam and what impact the Vietnam War has had on political institutions and behavior. In particular, the course will examine what impact the period of U.S. involvement has had upon U.S. foreign policy. The course also will consider additional topics including public opinion and the war, the relationship between the president and Congress in light of the war, and contemporary U.S. politics as a backlash against the political movements of the 1960s. Crosslisted as: INTL 364.
POLI 365. International Political Economy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of both theoretical and current policy issues in international political economy. Theories to be covered include liberalism, mercantilism, Marxism, regionalism, world systems theory and others. Policy issues include differing styles of capitalism in the industrialized world, the political economy of development, the politics of international corporate alliances and others. Crosslisted as: INTL 365.
POLI 366. Women and Global Politics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of women and global politics, providing both a feminist re-examination of traditional international-relations theories and a comparative analysis of the political, legal and economic status of the world's women. The impact of women on global political institutions such as the United Nations will be addressed as well as other feminist and grass roots means of taking political action. Crosslisted as: GSWS 366/INTL 368.
POLI 367. Terrorism. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the modern problem of terrorism with an emphasis on the political nature of terrorist acts. Examines the history of terrorism, domestically within the U.S. and internationally, the role of religion, the structures and operations of terrorist organizations, as well as counterterrorism policies and policy-making. Crosslisted as: HSEP 301.
POLI 368. Comparative National Security Policy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of national security policies and policy-making in a diverse set of nation-states. Emphasis is placed on comparing how threat perception, historical context, ideology, political structure and leadership impact national security policies of both powerful and weak nation-states. Crosslisted as: INTL 468.
POLI 369. U.S. National Security. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of key issues in U.S. national security including national security decision-making, the use of force, military intervention, nuclear strategy and strategic arms control, ballistic missile defense, the transformation of war due to technology and globalization, defense policy, planning and budgeting, the impact of technology on strategy from airpower to cyberspace and robotics, and critical regional issues.
POLI 370. Foundations of Nonprofit Management. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines the history and foundations of the nonprofit agency in the U.S. and abroad. Compares and contrasts relationships between business, government and the nonprofit sector. Discusses requirements for formalizing and managing nonprofit organizations from the perspectives of the volunteer board and employees. Examines issues of accountability, policy, research and resource development.
POLI 372. Ethics, Law and Governance. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines how legal, legislative and public policy issues affect the development and growth of nonprofit organizations. Examines ethical principals and legal issues related to personnel and employment, as well as the goals of advocacy and its importance to nonprofit practitioners.
POLI 374. Financial Management for Nonprofits. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines how nonprofit organizations are influenced by prices, distribution of goods and services and the distribution of income and wealth. Topics include financial-statement analysis, time-value of money, budgeting concepts and techniques, securities valuation, long- and short-term financial planning issues and working capital management. Designed to develop skills in decision-making in financial management of the nonprofit organization.
POLI 375. Fund Development and Grant Writing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Examines the parameters within which nonprofit managers raise funds; the historical, organizational, legal and ethical contexts of fundraising for nonprofit organizations; the philosophy of philanthropy in the U.S. and the various motivations for giving; and practical guidelines for identifying potential donors.
POLI 376. The Politics of Food. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course examines how access to and availability of food and water are shaped by both international and domestic politics. From the Farm Bill to the United Nations, and through the study of explicit crops and commodities, the course will help to explain why there are millions of people who are food insecure, from the most underdeveloped to the richest countries in the world.
POLI 377. European Security. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will explore the various historical and contemporary factors behind European security. Students will learn more about pivotal moments from Europe’s past that provide valuable lessons about state behavior, diplomacy, conflict and peace, and then apply these lessons to current events and even try to anticipate what will happen in the future.
POLI 378. East Asian International Relations. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the major international relationships in East Asia: the rivalry between China and Japan; the trilateral dynamics of China, Japan and Korea; Southeast Asian nations' interactions with major powers and each other; the inter-Korean stalemate; and the role of non-East Asian states, particularly the U.S. and Russia. Special attention is given to the impact of the rise of China in the 21st century.
POLI 379. African Development and Democracy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course examines how the strategic use of violence, social divisions and other conflicts have obstructed Africa’s economic and political development.
POLI 380. Human Security. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the key elements of human security: the positive and negative impacts of globalization, the rise and impact of civil violence within many nations, the dilemmas of the aid industry, the impact of non-state actors, and issues related to chronic poverty, food security and water security.
POLI 381. The Politics of Genocide. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of genocide as a recurring social and political phenomenon. The course begins with a study of the Holocaust within the context of transnational dynamics including colonialism, antisemitism and racial theory.
POLI 382. International Health. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A survey of the basic principles of international and comparative health, as well as the national and international institutional structures in place to address health challenges. Focuses on the political, economic, social and individual burdens of inadequate health to societies and the international community. The implementation of global health programs and methods used to evaluate them are studied in detail.
POLI 383. The Middle East and North Africa in Transition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of the political, social and economic aspects of the “new” Middle East and North Africa after what has come to be known as “The Arab Spring.” Topics addressed include a historical and geographical overview of the Arab world prior to the mass uprisings, an examination of the political and economic motivations for popular unrest in several Arab countries, the role of women and youth movements as well as social media in mass demonstrations that happened in several Arab countries, the wider regional and global impact of the uprisings, and an assessment of the Arab world today.
POLI 384. International Law. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Covers the rules and practices of international law as a vehicle for exploring the relations among states, international organizations and individuals within the international system.
POLI 385. International Security. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores the theoretical and policy structures underlying international relations -- specifically international security relationships -- between and among nation-states.
POLI 386. Environmental Security. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Focuses on how the availability of natural resources affect human civilization and how political power artificially determines their accessibility.
POLI 387. Politics of the European Union. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Exposes students to the history, institutions and policies of the European Union alongside key issues facing the EU and its member states.
POLI 388. International Relations Theory. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Explores the international theoretical and policy structures underlying international relations and specifically how to make general explanations across world politics. It will provide a conceptual understanding of international relations theories, international politics, the role of logic and evidence in crafting explanations and, ultimately, how to square conflicting explanations of international systems.
POLI 389. Politics of Immigration. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course will look at the politics of immigration from a comparative perspective: grounded in the U.S. but examining immigration rules, migration patterns and diaspora communities in other countries as well.
POLI 391. Topics in Political Science. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. A maximum total of nine credits in all departmental topics courses may be applied to the major. An intensive survey of a specialized field of political interest. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
POLI 448. Scope and Method of Political Science. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: POLI 103 or permission of instructor. A comprehensive and systematic study of the philosophy of political science, various theories seeking to explain political phenomena and some of the techniques of political analysis.
POLI 490. Senior Seminar. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: 24 credits in political science courses or permission of instructor. A capstone course examining the major ideas and debates in each of the four sub-fields of the discipline of political science: American government, political theory, comparative politics and international relations. Students are required to produce a research project on a critical issue in one of the sub-fields.
POLI 491. Topics in Political Science. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Maximum total of 9 credits in all departmental topics courses may be applied to the major. An intensive survey of a specialized field of political interest. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
POLI 492. Independent Study. 1-4 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 4 credits per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study courses. Open generally to students of only junior or senior standing who have acquired at least 12 credits in political science. Determination of the amount of credit and permission of the instructor and department chair must be obtained prior to registration of the course. An independent study course that allows a political science major or other student who meets the requirement to do research, under the direction of an instructor qualified in that area, in a subject or field of major interest.
POLI 493. Political Science Internship. 1-6 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-6 credits. (50 hours per credit.) May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Permission of internship coordinator required. Restricted to political science majors, nonprofit management and administration minors and public management minors. Provides an opportunity to relate theory to practice through observation and actual experience within the field of political science. Graded as pass/fail.
POLI 494. Political Science Mentorship. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1-3 credits. Prerequisites: 24 credits in political science courses including POLI 103, 105, 107 and 109, permission of instructor, and 3.3 GPA in POLI courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. A mentorship course that allows students to develop advanced research skills, to experience managing a classroom and to present the results of their research in a classroom setting. Different sections of the course specialize in different subfields of political science: U.S. government, comparative politics, international relations and political theory.