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• Undergraduate Spring 2003
• Political Science

Undergraduate Political Science

2003 Spring Term

Class Schedule

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

POLISCI 141

An introductory course covering the history, structure and functioning of American national government and its relation to state and local government.

Class Schedule

ETHNIC POLITICS

POLISCI 217

The central concern of this course is to provide the student an awareness of the political development of racial and ethnic minorities in today's political arena. It will compare and contrast the development of the white ethnic communities of the 19th and 20th centuries with our modern day racial and ethnic minorities. (Offered jointly with race & ethnic cultures).

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ISSUES AND CRISES IN AMERICAN POLITICS

POLISCI 247

An examination of selected major issues and crises confronting the American political system today. Both domestic and foreign policy issues are analyzed. Attention also will be given the political response to these issues and crises as reflected in recent policies and policy proposals of the national government. Repeatable one time (different topic) for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree, but not repeatable for general studies credit.

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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY

POLISCI 250

An introduction to Western political thought, the role of ideology in politics, and perennial questions in political philosophy.

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS

POLISCI 255

This course compares the political systems of five or six countries, reflecting the range of political institutions and political behavior around the world. Students will learn to develop explanations for similarities and differences in the political life of countries around the world, e.g. why are some countries democratic and others authoritarian?

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POLITICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS

POLISCI 301

An introduction to basic research methods in political science. Topics will include various data collection and analysis techniques on the U.S. Presidency, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, political socialization, political parties, interest groups, civil violence, rebellion, and revolution. Students will obtain "hands-on" experience with computer software designed specifically for political science and the social sciences. This is not a statistics course, and no previous knowledge of statistical methods is assumed.

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THE AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

POLISCI 317

The study of the organization and functioning of the legislative bodies, with particular attention to Congress: functions, membership, committee system, executive-legislative relations, pressure groups, lobbying, movement for reform.

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POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT

POLISCI 340

This course focuses on the comparative analysis and contending interpretations of development in the developing countries. Emphasis will be given to the role of the state intervention and the coalitional politics of dominant class factions in capital accumulation and allocation of surplus for development. The analysis also includes the influence of international economic system as exercised through direct foreign investment and commercial lending institutions. Special attention will also be paid to the impact of militarism on the Third World countries and the problems of environment and sustainable development.

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INTERNATIONAL LAW

POLISCI 350

A study of international law, its sources, development and content. Selected readings on theory, and form decisions and opinions of the Permanent Court of International Justice and the International Court of Justice.

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

POLISCI 351

An introductory survey of political relations among nation-states, including the topics of war and peace, nationalism, elements of national power, conventional and nuclear weaponry, diplomacy, economic interdependence, the Third World, and international and regional organizations.

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PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL BEHAVIOR

POLISCI 357

An examination of public opinion in the United States as it concerns political and social behavior. Major topics are the acquisition of beliefs, leadership and opinion formation, voting behavior, and propaganda.

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RESOURCES FOR LEGAL RESEARCH

POLISCI 360

A course to acquaint students with the major resource materials for the study of law and the legal process with an emphasis on library assignments utilizing the various resources of the UW-Whitewater legal collection.

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BLACK POLITICAL AND SOCIAL THOUGHT

POLISCI 365

This course will utilize a Pan-African approach to provide an organized and systematic pattern of social and political ideologies/thought put forth by Black publicists and theorists concerning the organization of their society. As such, it will survey the principal personalities and major protest movements that have emerged in the Diaspora African Community, as well as pay special attention to selected African ideologies and personalities involved in shaping Black political and social thought.

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CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THOUGHT

POLISCI 412

A study in depth of certain selected topics of contemporary importance, such as the resolution of power conflicts, the theory and practice of nonviolence, and the existentialist dilemma.

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THE CONSTITUTION AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

POLISCI 414

A course focusing on the constitutional development of equal protection and of the rights and freedoms of individuals and the limitations upon the powers of government, both state and national.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE CONSTITUTION

POLISCI 415

This course examines the role of the major participants in the criminal justice system-defendants, police, prosecutions, courts, and corrections-and the development of constitutional law regulating their behavior.

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PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION

POLISCI 421

A critical study of problems of public personnel, with particular emphasis on the process of recruiting and managing people in the public services.

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FORMATION OF PUBLIC POLICY

POLISCI 430

This course will examine the major public policy problems facing the United States today and the political processes seeking to resolve these problems. Special emphasis to be given to governmental cooperation in seeking to resolve these problems. An additional research paper will be required for the graduate students.

Class Schedule

POLITICS OF THE METROPOLIS

POLISCI 446

A treatment of social, economic and political forms, structures, processes and behavior in metropolitan communities. Ideas concerning the power structure and decision-making process, the role of the citizen, and the complex whole of metropolitan life will be discussed.

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SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY

POLISCI 462

Provides students with the analysis and critical understanding of the policy issues surrounding historical and current social welfare programs, of new social welfare issues and of policy decisions that lead to changes in programming. Community organization, as an intervention approach, will be explored.

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WOMEN IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

POLISCI 464

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study and analyze international relations from a multi-disciplinary perspective. It will examine current understandings of the causes, processes and structures of international relations, violent conflict, as well as resolution of those conflicts and peace within the context of Feminist theories. The goal is to examine the role of women in international relations, international security, conflict and peace through different approaches to the study of conflict and how it is understood. The course will consider both the strength and limitations of various disciplinary approaches. The traditional approaches to international relations, international security, international conflict and peace reflect viewpoints consistent with masculine perspectives on power and security. The goal is to consider how the limitations of the approaches can be effectively challenged and what alternatives might be offered. Themes for discussion will include gender, race, ethnicity, nationalism, state, community, conflict and peace.

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SEMINAR IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

POLISCI 489

A study of the complex aspects of administrative organization, behavior and decision-making in the area of public policy through the examination of a variety of pertinent cases.

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INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

POLISCI 493

Study and work with a government unit or in some area of public affairs under the direction of a faculty supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to combine academic learning with practical experience in government and politics. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits in major/degree.

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EXCHANGE STUDY

POLISCI 497

Variable topics. See Schedule of Classes.

Class Schedule

INDEPENDENT STUDY

POLISCI 498

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits in major/degree. Department Consent required.