PSCI 1300, INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE – A survey of the discipline of political science designed to introduce students to important theories, concepts, issues, in the study of political behavior, phenomena, and processes. The course will cover the major subfields of political science, including political theory, research methods, American government, comparative politics, public administration, public policy, and international relations. This course is a Social Science elective in the Critical Inquiry [I] component of the LD UCA Core. The course will be offered every semester. The method of instruction is lecture and discussion.
PSCI 1330, UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS – Part of the lower-division UCA core either as an American history and government elective or as a social science elective, a requirement for the Political Science major and minor (but not limited to majors and minors), and a prerequisite for most political science courses. An introduction to the principles and problems of American government, governing institutions, and political processes. Lecture and discussion. [ACTS: PLSC2003]
PSCI 2300, INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – A study of the interactions and behaviors of state and non-state actors in the international system, with particular emphasis on international security, economic security, and human society. This course is a Social Science elective in the Critical Inquiry [I] component of the LD UCA Core. This course is a core requirement in the Political Science (BA and BS degrees) major and minor and the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. The course is also a required course in the Cybersecurity major (BS degree) in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Cybersecurity Management major (BS degree) in the Department of Computer Information Systems and Analytics. This course is a prerequisite for all upper-division courses in the field of International Relations offered by the Department of Political Science.
PSCI 2312, STATISTICAL METHODS FOR POLITICAL ANALYSIS – An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, and displaying of data in various formats. This course or Political Science Applications in GIS (PSCI 2322) is a core requirement for the Political Science major and minor, and for the International Studies major and minor. This course is an introductory statistics course. No credit will be awarded for more than one introductory statistics course. Prerequisite: Any 1000-level MATH course.
PSCI 2315, INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY – An introduction to the major themes and methods of normative political theory. PSCI 2315 is a core, required course for the Political Science major and minor, but is open to all interested students.
PSCI 2320, INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS – A study of the concepts and methods of comparative politics. Special emphasis is given to comparing the types and forms of political systems and the political processes they undergo. This course is a core requirement in the Political Science (BA and BS degrees) major and minor and the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. This course is a prerequisite for all upper-division courses in the field of Comparative Politics offered by the Department of Political Science.
PSCI 2322, POLITICAL SCIENCE APPLICATIONS IN GIS – This course or Statistical Methods for Political Analysis (PSCI 2312) is a core course for a major or minor in Political Science, International Studies, and Public Administration. This computer lab-oriented course introduces the student to the spatial analysis in political science using a short lecture and lab exercise format. A lower-division course for majors and minors.
PSCI 3300, STATE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS – This course introduces students to the political processes and administrative procedures of state governments. Because state governments are “laboratories of democracy,” the course will take a comparative approach and discuss the similarities and differences among states with respect to institutional structures, laws and regulations, political cultures, histories, demographics, and economics. A requirement for the Public Administration major and minor and elective for the Political Science major and minor (but not limited to majors and minors). This course covers the American Politics subfield. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 3305, UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS – A study of the history, establishment, charter, structure, and decision-making processes of the United Nations. Students will critically analyze the role of the UN in the international system during the Cold War and post-Cold War periods, specifically in the areas of international peace and security; disarmament and arms control; human rights; humanitarian assistance and refugees; and economic and social development. This course is an elective in the International Relations subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Affairs & Security concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2300. [UD UCA Core: I]
PSCI 3313, RESEARCH DESIGN – An elective for the Political Science major and minor (but not limited to majors and minors). An in-depth examination of strategies available for performing social science research. Includes experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental, and survey research designs. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 3315, INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ORGANIZATIONS – A study of the origins and roles of international law and international organizations in the international system beginning in the 19th century. Special emphasis is placed on the extent to which aspects of international law and international organizations influence or constrain the behaviors and interactions of state and non-state actors in the international system. As a result of this course, students will be able to critically analyze the effectiveness of specific aspects of international law and international organizations in the international system since the end of the Second World War. This course is an elective in the International Relations subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degrees) major and minor and the International Affairs & Security concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2300. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
PSCI 3316, CYBERSECURITY LAW AND POLICY – This is an upper-division political science course that examines the issue of cybersecurity from an international relations perspective, focusing on the categories, sources, motivations, and targets of global cybersecurity threats and attacks against the United States, other countries, corporations, and organizations. The course also examines the development of national, regional, and international laws and policies to deter and respond to cybersecurity threats and attacks. The course is required in the Cybersecurity major (BS degree) in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Cybersecurity Management major (BS degree) in the Department of Computer Information Systems and Analytics. This course is an elective in the International Relations subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Affairs & Security concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2300. [UD UCA Core: C]
PSCI 3320, ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY – An introduction to environmental policy at the federal and state levels. The creation and implementation of environmental policy will be analyzed. An elective for the Political Science major and minor in the Public Policy subfield and the public administration major and minor (but not limited to majors and minors). Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and PADM 2310, or consent of instructor. [UD UCA Core: I, R]
PSCI 3330, POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTORAL PROBLEMS – A study of the history, organization, and operation of political parties in the United States, with emphasis on electoral behavior. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 3336, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS – A study of local governments in the U.S. and Arkansas including cities, counties, special districts, and school districts. The following challenges are examined: taxing, spending, revenue-sharing, education, policy, crime, and welfare. An elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield and the Public Administration major and minor (but not limited to majors and minors). Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 3340, GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICS OF EUROPE AND RUSSIA – A comparative study of the governments and political systems of selected countries in Western European, Eastern Europe, and Russia since the end of the Cold War. This course is an elective in the Comparative Politics subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the Regional & Cultural Studies concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2320.
PSCI 3345, WOMEN, GENDER, AND IDENTITY IN AMERICAN POLITICS – The content of the course examines women’s political participation as citizens, voters, activists, candidates, and office holders. The lecture and reading content focuses on U.S. politics, though many of the ideas and topics in the course are relevant to women in politics around the world. This course is an upper-division elective in the Political Science major/minor. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330 or equivalent course. [UD UCA Core: D]
PSCI 3350, INTEREST GROUPS AND MONEY IN POLITICS – A study of the roles and practices of organized interest groups in the American political process, from the financing of candidates for public office through the influencing of decision-makers and of public policy. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 3355, RACE AND AMERICAN POLITICS – This course examines the history of racial stratification in American society that created obstacles to political access and participation. An upper-division elective in the Political Science major/minor. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor. [UD UCA Core: D]
PSCI 3369, CYBER CITIZENSHIP – This course discusses the relationship between modern cyber technology and democratic citizenship. Modern technologies have the potential to connect people and distribute information on a scale never seen before, yet they also have the potential to isolate individuals, enhance surveillance, and spread misinformation. How should democracy deal with the digital world? This course will explore the various ways that modern technology affects the experience of citizenship. This course will count as an upper-division elective in the Political Science major under the area of Political Theory and an elective in the Cybersecurity major in the area of Cybersecurity Strategic Policy. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and PSCI 2315.
PSCI 3370, POLITICAL THEORY I – A study of the history of Western political thought from ancient Greece to the Renaissance. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the Political Theory subfield. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2315. [UD UCA Core: R]
PSCI 3371, POLITICAL THEORY II – A study of the development of western political thought from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution. This course is an elective the Political Science major and minor in the Political Theory subfield. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2315. [UD UCA Core: I, R]
PSCI 3372, POLITICAL BEHAVIOR – A study of the various techniques of empirical research in political science with particular emphasis on the analysis of public opinion, electoral behavior, and other forms of political behavior. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 3375, THE AMERICAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM – An examination of the legal system in the United States, with emphasis upon the structure of federal and state courts, court procedure, the role of lawyers and judges, and the political impact of court decisions. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 3382, POLITICS OF DEVELOPING NATIONS – This course focuses on the causes and consequences of political and economic development in the “Third World.” This course is an elective in the Comparative Politics subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Development & Globalization concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2320. [UD UCA Core: D, C]
PSCI 4V99, STUDIES IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1 to 4 credit hours) – An elective for the PSCI major and minor (but not limited to majors and minors). Independent studies course in political science designed to meet the individual needs of a student. Credit from one to four hours may be earned in one semester. The work is chosen by the student and his tutor with the approval of the department chair. Students may arrange more than one independent study, subject to college and university rules. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and department chair.
PSCI 4300, CONSTITUTIONAL LAW – A study of the Constitution of the United States, focusing on the work of the United States Supreme Court and the effects of its decisions upon the political system of the United States. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330. [UD UCA Core: I]
PSCI 4301, CIVIL LIBERTIES – An examination of the historical background, judicial decisions and contemporary social criticisms regarding civil liberties, with a focus on the Bill of Rights. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330. [UD UCA Core: I]
PSCI 4305, THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPMENT – This course focuses on the causes and consequences of political, social, and economic development in the developing world. This course is an elective in the Comparative Politics subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Development & Globalization concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2320.
PSCI 4307, POLITICAL ETHICS – This course is a thorough study of the relationship between politics and ethics, with an emphasis on understanding the moral and political challenges of public office holders. The course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor (but not limited to majors and minors) in the Political Theory subfield. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330, 2315. [UD UCA Core: I, R]
PSCI 4310, INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY AND GLOBALIZATION – A study of the theories of international political economy and globalization. The dynamics of the global economy and the role of international financial institutions, such as the WTO, IMF, and the World Bank Group will be examined. This course is an elective in the International Relations subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Development & Globalization concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2300. [UD UCA Core: Z]
PSCI 4312, CHINA & INTERNATIONAL POLITICS – A study of China’s position and interactions in the contemporary international political system, including an emphasis on Chinese foreign policy and China’s relations with the United States, European Union, Russia, Japan, and other major global actors. This course is an elective in the International Relations subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major. The course is also an elective in the International Affairs & Security and Regional & Cultural Studies concentrations of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2300. [UD UCA Core: D]
PSCI 4313, CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN AMERICAN POLITICS – An examination of current events analyzed through an institutional framework. An upper-division elective course for the Bachelor in General Studies but open to all majors. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.
PSCI 4314, CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS – A study of global issues in the present era, including a focus on how national governments, international institutions, and other transnational actors choose to address issues that transcend national borders. This online course is an upper-division elective in the Social Science and Global Studies concentrations of the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree program. The course may also be used by students in any undergraduate degree program to satisfy the university’s requirement for at least 40 upper-division credit hours.
PSCI 4315, THE POLITICS OF PRESIDENTIAL SELECTION – A study of the process by which US presidential candidates are nominated by their parties and then elected, and the constitutional devices (federation, electoral college) that shape the process. Campaign organization, finance, and strategy are thoroughly examined, as is electoral behavior in presidential elections. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield, and is a core requirement for the Presidential Studies minor. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 4320, REVOLUTION AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE – This course focuses on the causes and consequences of mass political violence including revolutions, civil wars, and coups d’état. This course is an elective in the Comparative Politics subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Affairs & Security concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2320. [UD UCA Core: D, C]
PSCI 4325, MEXICAN POLITICS AND UNITED STATES – MEXICAN RELATIONS – This course focuses on the study of the government and politics of Mexico and the relationship between Mexico and the United States. This course is an elective in the Comparative Politics subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the Regional & Cultural Studies concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2320.
PSCI 4328, DYNAMICS OF DEMOCRATIZATION – A comparative approach to the study of democratization including the origins and causes of democracy, the problems of democratic transition, and the conditions for democratic stability and development. This course is an elective in the Comparative Politics subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Development & Globalization concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2320. [UD UCA Core: Z]
PSCI 4331, AMERICAN POLITICAL THEORY – An examination of the major theoretical ideas and issues of American political thought from the colonial period to the present. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the Political Theory subfield. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2315. [UD UCA Core: I, R]
PSCI 4334, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY – A study of the dual qualities of the American presidency focused on the institution and the occupant. The course examines key theoretical approaches to studying the U.S. Presidency, nomination, election, responsibilities and powers, and principles of contemporary executive-legislative relationships. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield and an elective for the Public Administration major. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
PSCI 4335, THE AMERICAN CONGRESS – A study of the U.S. Congress examining how people are nominated and run for these legislative offices, how the legislative branch is organized, and legislative procedures. This course is an elective for the Political Science major and minor in the American Politics subfield and the Public Administration major. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 4337, LEGISLATIVE POLITICS AND REPRESENTATION – An exploration of the role that legislatures play in democratic politics. This course will examine how legislatures (including, but not limited to, the US Congress) operate and how they represent (or fail to represent) the will of the people. This course serves as an elective in the Political Science major/minor, the Public Administration major/minor, and the Legal Studies minor. Prerequisite: PSCI 1330.
PSCI 4340, SEMINAR IN SELECTED TOPICS – An elective for the PSCI major and minor (but not limited to majors and minors). Investigation of a significant issue or field of study in political science. Prerequisite: Junior, senior, or approved graduate standing with the prerequisites varying according to the topic and degree of specialization required. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic. Lecture and discussion.
PSCI 4345, GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICS OF AFRICA – A broad study of African traditional and modern political institutions as well as a specific examination of selected cases. This course is an elective in the Comparative Politics subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the Regional & Cultural Studies concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2320. [UD UCA Core: D]
PSCI 4348, GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST – A comparative approach to the study of governments and politics of the Middle East including the region’s pre-colonial and modern political institutions, political culture, and democratization process. This course is an elective in the Comparative Politics subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the Regional & Cultural Studies concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2320. [UD UCA Core: D]
PSCI 4388, AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY – A study of the foreign policy of the United States since the end of World War II, with emphasis on the goals and instruments of U.S. foreign policy, as well as the individual, societal, governmental, interstate, and global influences on U.S. foreign policy decisions. This course is an elective in the International Relations subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Affairs & Security concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2300.
PSCI 4389, RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY – This is an upper-division political science course that focuses on Russian foreign policies in the 21st century. The course examines the history of Russian foreign policy from 1945 to 1999, including Soviet foreign policy during the Cold War (1945-1991) and Russian foreign during the post-Cold War period (1992-2000). The course examines the domestic sources of Russian foreign policy, including geography, political culture, public opinion, system of government, and political system. The course examines the dimensions of power used in the implementation of Russian foreign policy, including diplomatic, geopolitical, economic, military, and cyber. The course examines Russian foreign policies toward other countries and regions, including Europe and the European Union (EU), the United States, China and East Asia, Ukraine and the former Soviet Republics, India and South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. This course is an upper-division elective in the International Relations subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Affairs and Security concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. The course is also required in the Cybersecurity Strategic Policy concentration of the Cybersecurity major (BS degree) in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2300.
PSCI 4390, INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE – This course provides a structured, supervised work experience in a public agency, a political campaign, or the office of an elected official. Each internship is unique to the needs of the student and the participating employer, but each student will complete between 120 and 150 hours of work during the semester. The activities and work hours will be determined by the student and the employer prior to the first day of the internship. An elective for the political science major and minor, this internship will count as the upper-division elective in one of the issue areas; the determination of the appropriate issue area will be made by the chair and the internship coordinator. The student must consult the internship coordinator before the start of the internship for approval. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
PSCI 4392, INTERNSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES – This upper-division course is an elective in the Experiential Learning component of the International Studies major in the Department of Political Science. With the approval of the Director of the International Studies Program and the Internship Coordinator in the Department of Political Science, students may enroll in this course to earn academic credit for completion of internships with U.S. or foreign government agencies, multinational corporations. inter-governmental organizations. international non-government organizations. or other relevant organizations. This three-credit hour course may be taken up to two times in the same semester or two different semesters for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and PSCI 2300 or PSCI 2320.
PSCI 4393, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES OR POLITICAL SCIENCE – This upper-division course is an experiential learning elective for the majors in International Studies and Political Science. With the approval of the Director of the International Studies Program (for majors in International Studies) or the Department Chair (for majors in Political Science), students may enroll in this course to earn academic credit for participation in a university-sponsored travel/study abroad program or participation in a collegiate Model United Nations conference. This three-credit hour course may be taken up to two times in the same semester or two different semesters for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and PSCI 2300 or PSCI 2320.
PSCI 4394, RESEARCH IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES OR POLITICAL SCIENCE – This upper-division course is an experiential learning elective for the majors in International Studies and Political Science. With the approval of the Director of the International Studies Program (for majors in International Studies) or the Department Chair (for majors in Political Science), students may enroll in this course to earn academic credit for an independent research project focusing on a topic in international affairs or political science. This three-credit hour course may be taken up to two times in the same semester or two different semesters for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and PSCI 2300 or PSCI 2320.
PSCI 4395, INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT – A study of the concepts and theories of crisis, conflict, and war, as well as the techniques and theories of conflict management. This course is an elective in the International Relations subfield of the Political Science (BA and BS degree) major and minor and the International Affairs & Security concentration of the International Studies (BA degree) major and minor. Prerequisites: PSCI 1330 and 2300.