200

PSC 202 International Political Economy

Introduces the contours of the international economic system, including issues of dependency, aid, trade, multinational corporations and the politics of economic exchange.

Credit Hours: 4
(IG) (NW) (SS)

PSC 206 Contemporary Latin America

This course analyzes the cultural, economic, social and political dimensions of Latin America. Focuses primarily on how several broad issues shape contemporary Latin America.

Credit Hours: 4
(IG) (NW) (SS)

PSC 208 Political Networks: Travel to Washington DC

This course will serve as an introduction to the politics and policymaking of a specialized policy area in the United States and will rotate each time the course is taught to a different policy area. The course has two components: a semester length class and a travel component to Washington, D.C.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

Department chair approval required. Restricted to students selected through an interview process.

PSC 215 Introduction to Public Policy

This course examines the politics and practice of public policy, including theories of policy change, the dynamics of agenda setting and problem definition, and policy implementation and feedback. The course also covers specific topics such as energy and the environment, health care, business regulation and cybersecurity.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS) (W)

PSC 269 Research Methods for Political Science

Trains students in the research design strategies and data collection techniques relevant to the field of political science.
Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

PSC 270 Political Analysis

Trains students in the methods of quantitative analysis used for political science.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS)

Prerequisites

PSC 269

PSC 280 Introduction to Peace Studies

An introduction to peace studies with a focus on the meanings and nature of peace and non-peace, the origins and causes of conflict and war, and the quest for achieving peace.

Credit Hours: 4
(SS) (W)

PSC 282T Development Strategies and Projects in Africa: A Travel Course to Ghana

Through class readings, films, discussions and a travel component, this course focuses on development as part of an academic discourse and as an underlying assumption behind applied service projects. Students begin by questioning what development is and who defines it, and they explore who benefits from it. They then read about a wide range of development projects and evaluate them for effectiveness. Finally, students and residents of the poor and rural villages of Nabdam, Ghana, put together developmentally oriented service projects and implement them during a trip to Ghana.

Credit Hours: 2-4
(IG) (NW) (SS) (W)

PSC 285 Environmental Politics in the Developing World

Politics is about who gets what, when, and how.  This course explores the ways in which environmental policies benefit some while harming others, with a predominant emphasis on the developing world or "Global South." Through hands on data collection techniques (interviews, surveys and observation) students explore the ways particular policies designed to promote environmental protections impact individuals. We also explore how a lack of environmental protections has consequences not just for flora and fauna but for humans. Students will learn to perform a cost/benefit analysis of environmental policies that takes into account residents of the impacted area and the world. 

Credit Hours: 4
(IG) (NW) (SS)

PSC 290 Special Studies

Special courses that are not part of the regular PSC program are offered occasionally.

Credit Hours: 2-4
(SS)