University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

2002-2003 University Catalogue

POLS - Political Science

       
102 Introduction to Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
A general introduction to basic concepts and approaches to
the study of politics and contemporary political issues and
problems.

110 American National Politics
3 crs (3-0). F, Sp.
GE-IIID
Analysis of major components of American national politics.
Includes examination of the individual's ability to affect
politics, and the impact of politics on individual lives.

121 The Politics of Global Cultural Relations
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
No credit if taken after POLS 291 sections offered Fall 1997
Introductory course on the impact of clashing cultural
orientations and competing belief systems on international
affairs. Examines how cultural forces are transforming power
and social interactions around the world.

122 Introduction to World Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
No credit if taken after POLS 188 or 255
Introductory course for the study of world politics. Focus
includes states, international organizations (private and
public), and other global interaction influencing and
shaping world politics.

125 Global Politics and Business
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
Does not count toward POLS major or minor
A course exploring international political, economic, and
institutional issues of mutual concern (though sometimes in
a different manner) to government and business. It will
include critical thinking and analysis about this important
partnership from a global perspective.

190 Dilemmas of War and Peace
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
An introductory study of the concept of security and
dilemmas. Tensions between peace and security. Exploration
of traditional and alternative strategies for peace
including gender-sensitive and ecological analyses of world
politics.

203 State and Local Supplement to Pols 110
1 cr (1-0).
P: POLS 110 or concurrent enrollment
Limited to Education majors and certification students
GE-IIID
A series of lectures on state and local politics to
supplement those on American national politics in Pols 110.

250 American Indian Politics
3 crs (3-0). Su.
GE-IIID; CD3
See also AIS 250
Credit may not be earned in both POLS 250 and AIS 250
The course will examine the recent trends in American Indian
politics beginning with the American Indian Movement through
the present. The course will include topics on tribal
sovereignty, legalized gambling, and tribal government.

260 Introduction to Comparative Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
A comparative analysis of the political systems of Great
Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia.

265 Problems of the Developing Nations
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
A critical examination of developmental concepts,
socioeconomic and political problems of the Third World;
elite groups, political ideologies, cohesive and divisive
forces influencing development.

290 Introduction to Political Analysis
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 110 or equivalent
Not for GE
Limited to political science majors
Examines the nature and design of scientific research;
raises philosophical and methodological issues regarding the
logic, theory, and empirical analysis of political research;
explores reasoning, causality, and data analysis in
scientific research.

291 Special Topics - Political Problems
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
Selected political problems and issues affecting our
political system. Examples: racism, poverty, radicalism,
pluralism. Completion of a semester's work in fewer weeks is
possible with extra classes per week.

301 /501 State and Local Politics
3 crs (3-0). F, Sp.
P: POLS 110
GE-IIID
A critical examination of federalism, localism,
intergovernmental finance, intergovernmental relations,
state and local institutions, and state and local elections.

305 Survey of U.S. Constitutional Principles
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
No credit if taken after POLS 403 or 404
Designed for POLS teaching majors and minors; majors in
criminal justice, social work, journalism, and business
Analysis of the powers of governments in the U.S. and rights
of individuals.

309 /509 Classical Political Thought
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
Minimum sophomore standing
Study of major political thinkers from the ancient and
medieval periods, with emphasis on Plato and Aristotle.

310 Modern Political Thought
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
Minimum sophomore standing
Study of major political thinkers from the Renaissance to
the French Revolution.

311 Contemporary Political Thought
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
Minimum sophomore standing
A study of major political thinkers from the French
Revolution to the present day, with emphasis on the
philosophical roots of twentieth century ideologies.

312 American Political Thought
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
The intellectual roots of American Politics, with emphasis
on the Revolutionaries, particularly Jefferson; The
Federalist; Tocqueville's Democracy in America; and Lincoln.

314 /514 The Idea of Tolerance in the Western Political
Tradition
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; CD1
Historical and philosophical consideration of the
development of the idea of tolerance in the western
political tradition, with emphasis on major philosophical
defenders and critics of the ideal of an open, tolerant
society, and on the American experiment in political,
religious, and cultural tolerance.

318 Politics of China and Japan
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
A study of cultural values, institutions, political
structures, and relevant issues in the modernization of
China and Japan.

319 Politics of Latin America
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
An examination of major institutions, groups, and selected
topics related to Latin American politics.

320 Caribbean Politics
3 crs (3-0).
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
GE-IIID; FC
The dynamics of Anglo-phone and Hispanic Caribbean politics
from Colonial rule to the present. Major topics include:
colonialism; patterns of decolonization; post-colonial state
power; the status of women; and recent trends in structures
of dependency and popular resistance.

321 /521 Politics of the Middle East
3 crs (3-0). Sp.
GE-IIID; FC
Introduces students to social, economic, political, and
cultural aspects of life in the Middle East by focusing on
specific topics such as Religion and Politics, Nationalism,
Peace and Conflict, Western Influence, etc.

322 /522 Politics of Russia
3 crs (3-0).
P: One course in political science or consent of
instructor
GE-IIID; FC
A study of the transitions taking place in Russia covering
subjects such as the Soviet past, nationalism, leadership,
political institutions, and relations with the other former
Soviet republics.

323 /523 Politics of Eastern Europe
3 crs (3-0). F, even-numbered years.
P: A course in political science or consent of instructor
GE-IIID; FC
An examination of political, economic, and cultural
transitions in Eastern Europe. Topics covered include
political-historical context, democratic institution
building, market economic development, political cultural
orientation, international organizations, and ethnonational
conflict and conflict resolution.

325 /525 Model United Nations
3 crs (3-0). Sp.
GE-IIID
A study of the institutional foundation and the contemporary
role of the United Nations as a global intergovernmental
organization in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to global
conflicts and the promotion of cooperation among global
actors.

327 Politics of Continental Europe
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 102 or 110 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID; FC
An examination of the similarities and differences of
political patterns in France and Germany, focusing on
political culture, socialization, parties, leaders, and
institutions. Examination of current issues related to
Western Europe.

330 /530 National Security Policy
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 122 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID
A study of political aspects of national security as a
concept and goal. Focus is on theoretical development of the
concept and its application to current global issues and
problems facing the United States.

331 International Organization and Law
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 122 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID
An analysis of the historical and current patterns and
theoretical concepts and theories relevant to the
organization of global affairs.

333 Nonviolent Power and Action
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 122 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID
Theory and analysis of political and social power from a
nonviolent perspective. Attention given to various types,
use, and control of political and social sanctions.
Practical applications explored with special concern for
problems, tactics, and strategies.

334 /534 International Political Economy
3 crs (3-0). Sp.
P: POLS 122 and ECON 103 or 104 or 201 or consent of
instructor
GE-IIID
International political economy is the simultaneous study of
power and wealth at the international level, or it is the
study of political foundations of international economic
interactions and vice versa.

335 International Relations Theory
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 122 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID
Minimum sophomore standing
Explores various theoretical approaches on world political
order: Realism; Liberalism; Socialism; Critical Theory;
Postmodern, Feminist; and Ecological perspectives. Within
each framework, key concepts such as the state, power,
globalization, regimes, etc., are explored.

336 /536 Arab-Israeli Conflict
3 crs (3-0). F.
GE-IIID; FC
This course examines the political, socioeconomic, cultural,
and historical roots of the conflict between Arab
States/Palestinian Arabs and the state of Israel. Both
regional and international aspects of the conflict are fully
discussed.

338 Judicial Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
A study of the judicial system and judicial policy- making,
emphasizing the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal
judiciary.

339 Legislative Politics
3 crs (3-0).
P: One course in political science or consent of
instructor
GE-IIID
Examines representation and lawmaking in the U.S. Congress
and state legislatures. Topics include the role of
constituents, interest groups, money, campaigns and
elections, committees, parties, leadership, the legislative
process, and legislative reform.

341 Political Parties, Elections, and Voting
3 crs (3-0).
P: One course in political science or consent of
instructor
GE-IIID; SL-Optional
Emphasizes electoral politics in America, including the
organization and functions of American political parties,
the dynamics of campaigns and elections, and voting behavior
in the U.S.

342 Public Opinion and Political Behavior
3 crs (3-0).
P: One course in political science or consent of
instructor
GE-IIID; CD1
Development, nature and impact of political attitudes and
opinions; white and minority opinion compared; political
role of the mass media; personality and opinions; political
participation; behavioral techniques of analysis; all in an
American politics context.

343 Public Administrative Organization
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID
Minimum junior standing
Analyzes organizational structure and administrative
behavior in governmental agencies. Topics include
leadership, control, decision-making, recruitment,
communication, adaptation, and others.

344 /544 Media and Politics
3 crs (3-0). Sp, odd-numbered years.
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor.
GE-IIID
The course examines the symbiotic relationship between the
media and political actors. The course will look at how the
media influences the political agenda, how politicians
manipulate the media, and the impact of political
advertising.

345 /545 Film and Politics
3 crs (3-0). Wi.
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID
An examination of how film delivers both implicit and
explicit political themes and messages, with a focus on the
areas of plot, characterization, symbolism, and cinematic
techniques.

346 Public Policy in the United States
3 crs (3-0).
P: One course in political science or consent of
instructor
GE-IIID
Emphasizes policy analysis, the policymaking process, and
the content of American domestic policy; includes coverage
of a wide range of policy areas such as economics,
environment, energy, business, labor, poverty, welfare,
health, education, and agriculture.

348 The Presidency
3 crs (3-0).
P: One course in political science or consent of
instructor
GE-IIID
The nature and extent of presidential power; the President's
roles, functions and relations to various institutions,
including the media, the bureaucracy, Congress, the courts,
the public, interest groups, and elections.

350 Group and Minority Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; CD3
Examines the role, status, and experiences of minority
groups within the American political system. Emphasis placed
on an interest group perspective.

351 /551 Women and Politics
3 crs (3-0). On demand, odd-numbered years.
GE-IIID
See also WMNS351
Credit may not be earned in both POLS 351 and WMNS 351
Analysis of women's roles and participation in politics: as
citizens, voters, candidates, and officeholders. The impact
of feminism and the women's movement on issues and
policymaking.

353 Afro-American Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; CD3
The dynamics of Black American politics from the mid-
twentieth century to the present. Using a cultural studies
and political economy approach, the course examines the
social, economic, cultural, and political determinants of
Afro-American politics after 1945.

380 /580 Contemporary Political Issues
1-3 crs.
GE-IIID
Consult the Political Science department
The examination of selected political issues. The class will
normally be scheduled through Credit Outreach and will
utilize programs developed and broadcast through PBS or the
state radio and television networks.

384 /584 The Vietnam War
3 crs (3-0).
P: One political science course and one history course
or consent of instructors
GE-IIID; FC
See also HIST384
Credit may not be earned in both HIST 384 and POLS 384
A multidisciplinary perspective on the various conflicts in
Vietnam, 1945-1975. Emphasis is on the roles of France and
the United States in Vietnam. History and Political Science
perspectives will be employed in the analysis. This
multidisciplinary course is also offered as Hist 384/584, GE-
IVC.

390 Culture and Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
Explores cultural and societal context of contemporary
politics through various literary media and selected
political studies. A cross-cultural approach examines
national character, class, race, ethnic and religious
differences, socialization, and cultural conflict.

395 /595 Directed Studies
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply
Get form from department office
Study of a political problem or topic.

397 Teaching Mentorship in Political Science
1-6 crs.
P: Nine credits and a 3.3 GPA in POLS course work; B+ or
above in the assigned course
SL-Full; Not for GE
Course may be taken for a maximum of 6 credits
Cannot mentor in the same course twice
Instructor approval required
Qualified students work under close supervision of faculty
exploring methods to teach political science and assisting
in the teaching of a course or courses. Students enhance
their understanding of the discipline and their
communication skills.

399 Independent Study - Juniors
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
Minimum junior standing
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply
Get form from department office

403 /603 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Powers of Government
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID
Designed for POLS majors and minors, comprehensive POLS
majors with a legal studies emphasis, and pre-law students.
American constitutional principles as interpreted by the
Supreme Court; the constitutional structure of the U. S.
government. Emphasizes powers of Congress, President,
Judiciary; principles of federalism and separation of power.
Focus on study of Supreme Court cases.

404 /604 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Civil Liberties and
Equal Protection
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
GE-IIID
Designed for POLS majors and minors, comprehensive POLS
majors with a legal studies emphasis, criminal justice
majors, and pre-law students.
American constitutional principles concerning the relations
between individual and government. Emphasizes freedom of
speech, press, religion; separation of church and state; and
equality. Focus on study of Supreme Court cases.

405 /605 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Due Process and
Criminal Law
3 crs (3-0).
P: POLS 110
GE-IIID
Designed for POLS majors and minors, comprehensive POLS
majors with a legal studies emphasis, criminal justice
majors, and pre-law students.
American constitutional principles concerning the criminal
process and criminal law. Emphasizes the rights found in the
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments and theories of
due process and incorporation.

480 Political Science Capstone
3 crs (3-0). Sp.
P: POLS 290, at least one course in each of the four
areas of the discipline
Not for GE
Capstone experience for majors in this department
Limited to political science majors
Minimum senior standing
A team-taught capstone experience for political science
seniors. It will emphasize the synthesis of concepts across
the discipline. A theme will be used to provide continuity
in integrative political analysis.

491 /691 Special Topics - Advanced Political Problems
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
May be repeated when topic differs
Selected political problems and issues affecting our
political system. Examples: racism, poverty, radicalism,
pluralism. Completion of a semester's work in fewer weeks is
possible with extra classes per week.

492 Honors Proseminar
3 crs (3-0).
P: 3.50 GPA in political science courses or consent of
instructor
Not for GE
Course may be taken for a maximum of 6 credits
A proseminar in selected areas of political science.

496 Honors Independent Reading
2-3 crs.
P: 3.50 GPA in political science courses or consent of
instructor
Not for GE
Course may be taken for a maximum of 8 credits
Independent reading and research in selected areas of
political science.

498 Internship
1-6 crs.
P: POLS 110
SL-Full; Not for GE
Limited to POLS majors/minors and criminal justice majors
Course may be taken for a maximum of 6 credits
Department permission required
Assignment to a political or administrative situation for
practical experience. The work experience will be related to
the fundamental theories of the discipline.

499 Independent Study - Seniors
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
Minimum senior standing
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply
Get form from department office

795 Research Paper
1-2 crs.
Not for GE
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply

797 Independent Study
1-3 crs.
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply
Get form from department office


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Updated: May 8, 2002