Courses

• PS101 American Government and Politics (3) SS1/SS2

  This course is an introduction to the power, structures and functions of the American Government and Political System. Fundamental is a critical examination of the institutions and players who interact in the processes of American politics.

• PS150 The World in Crisis (3) SS1/SS2, GP

  Introduction to the dynamics of global interaction and international relations. Developing of a basic understanding of the international system and modes of conflict and cooperation in international problem areas such as Bosnia, Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Chiapas, East Los Angeles, Haiti, Somalia, American Embassies, Tokyo subways, Iraq, Kuwait, Arab-Israeli relations, human rights violations, armed conflict, poverty, environmental degradation, religious confrontation and diplomacy.

• PS350 Methods and Inquiry in Political Science (3) SS1/SS2

  This course is designed as a critical inquiry into social scientific research practices. While the course is primarily concerned with practical problems of how to conduct research, it also addresses philosophical problems that lead people to approach research in different ways. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior

• PS387 International Relations (3) SS1/SS2, WI

  This is an upper-division course on the contemporary history and theory of international relations. Examined is the interaction of various international actors such as nation-states, international organizations and regimes, multinational corporations and even individuals and groups who influence world politics. International Political Economy and Post-Cold War Crises are emphasized. Prerequisite: PS150 or Instructor approval.

• PS400 Senior Capstone Seminar (2) SS1/SS2, SC

  This 2-credit course is designed as a Senior Capstone for Political Science Majors. It will include review of the discipline as well as a critical examination and in-depth evaluation of the work produced in various required courses for the major. It will also require the development and presentation of a major thesis-driven paper. To be taken fall semester of the senior year.

• PS203 Urban Government and Politics (3) SS1/SS2

  The governance and problems of cities is the focus of this course. Planning, decision-making, issues and solutions are developed in this introduction to the politics and power structures in America’s Urban settings.

• PS205 State Government and Politics (3)

  Introduction of the institutions and politics of state governments with special emphasis on Michigan

• PS210 The Presidency and Congress (3) SS1/SS2

  In-depth look at these branches of national government, relationships to each other and to other parts of the political community. Prerequisite: PS101.

• PS220 Politics and Elections (3) SS1/SS2

  Modern political campaigns, election process, role of political process in government. This course is not accepted for the Social Science requirement.

• PS260 Politics and the News Media (3) SS1/SS2

  Role of the news media in process of government and functioning of the political system. This course is not accepted for the Social Science requirement.

• PH312/PS312 Political Thought: Its Histories & Concepts (3)

  Highlights of the history of political philosophy, Ancients, Medieval, Modern social contract theories, Marxism, liberalism, and postmodernism, using primary and secondary source materials. Deals with the relationship between politics and truth; the nature of political authority; democratic theory; the nature of the good society and its relationship to particular theories of human nature.

• PS321 American Political Thought (3) SS1/SS2, WI

  Fundamental principles derived from the Constitution and The Federalist as context of modern problems. Prerequisite: PS101 or HY101 or HY102.

• WS325/PS325 Feminist Theory and Activism (3)

  Feminist Theory and Activism is designed to explore different ways of thinking about sex/gender, power, and justice, and examines how different theories of gender, power and justice shape political activism. By comparing a variety of theoretical perspectives (such as liberal, Marxist and radical feminism), we look at different possibilities for analyzing core feminist concepts and the practical implications of theory.

• PS331 European Politics (3) SS1/SS2

  Government and politics of England, France, West Germany, and the Soviet Union, comparison to each other and to the United States.

• PS332 Politics of Developing Countries (3) SS1/SS2

  Exploration and comparison of government and politics in various developing areas of the world. Fundamental analysis of the issues of development within a comparative framework and political economy is emphasized.

• PS333 Politics of Latin America (3) SS1/SS2

  Comparative examination of politics and governments in Latin America. Examine the internal politics and policy making, political institutions, cultures and locus of power in “newly industrialized states,” socialist states, less developed states, and developing states of Latin America.

• PS334 Mid East Politics (3) SS1/SS2

  An in-depth examination of politics and foreign policy in the Middle East. Issues discussed include Arab-Israeli-Palestinian relationships, specific interstate rivalries in the Middle East (Iran v Iraq), the role of super-power politics, ongoing Middle East Peace negotiations, the political economy of oil, and the effect of religious diversity on politics. Participation in the Model Arab League may also be a part of this course.

• PS335 The Politics of Africa (3) SS1/SS2

  The comparative examination of the politics and governments of African states. Issues of development, culture, and political economy are discussed. Political interaction within and between African states is examined.