Political Science (PSC)
PSC 100 Selected Topic: Political Science (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable
PSC 121 American National Government and Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 122 American State and Local Government and Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Role of state and local politics in American politics. Changing notions of proper political process and governance. Nature of the political process. State and local interactions. Politics and policy pursuance.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 123 Comparative Government and Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Comparison of selected governmental institutions, individual and collective political actors, and issues across the industrialized and developing world. Particular attention to dynamics of socioeconomic and political change.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 124 International Relations (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 125 Political Theory (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with PHI 125
Introduction to theories of major modern political philosophers (Locke, Rousseau, Hume, J.S. Mill, Marx). Contemporary theories of liberty, justice, and equality.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 129 American National Government and Politics (Honors) (3 Credits)
Maxwell
PSC 139 International Relations (Honors) (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills
PSC 141 Liberty and Power from the Ancient World to Modernity (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Overview of those historical, social and political processes that have led to the birth of the modern world. Offered only in Florence for Discovery Florence students.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 180 International Course (1-12 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the SU academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.
Repeatable 2 times for 12 credits maximum
PSC 200 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable
PSC 202 Introduction to Political Analysis (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Introduction to important political science concepts; basics of political argumentation and reasoning; and basic quantitative research and analysis techniques.
Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 213 Comparative Government: Western Europe (3 Credits)
Maxwell
PSC 215 The Politics of Income Inequality (3 Credits)
Maxwell
In this course, we are concerned with addressing two overarching questions: one, how has the rising level of income inequality influenced the practice of American democracy? And second, how has American politics contributed to the rise of income inequality?
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 231 Canadian Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
An introduction to Canadian politics with a comparative perspective, this course covers core features of national government (parliament, courts, federalism) plus distinctive aspects such as Quebec nationalism, multiculturalism and indigenous rights.
PSC 270 Experience Credit (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Participation in a discipline- or subject-related experience. Students must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Limited to those in good academic standing.
Repeatable
PSC 280 International Course (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.
Repeatable
PSC 290 Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
In-depth exploration of a problem or problems. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor or instructors and the department.
Repeatable
PSC 300 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable
PSC 301 Introduction to Original Research (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
Students learn how to design and conduct original research, including formulating questions, developing hypotheses, and choosing strategies for data collection. Sequences well with courses focused on data analysis.
PSC 302 Environmental Politics and Policy (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
The environmental policy process and the politics that influence the formulation and adoption of environmental policies in the United States.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 303 The Development of the American State (3 Credits)
Maxwell
The size and scope of the national government has been a central organizing principle of political conflict throughout American history. This course explores the American state's changing relationship to society and economy over time.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 304 The Judicial Process (3 Credits)
Maxwell
American legal structure and process: policy making by courts, relations with other branches of the national government, and the changing role of the Supreme Court in our federal political system.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 305 U.S. Congressional Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Functions of the legislative branch: representation, control of the public purse, and executive oversight. Recent changes brought about by electoral forces and internal reforms.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 306 African American Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with AAS 306
Introduction to the African American experience in the American political system, from the colonial period to the present. Organization/leadership, federal institutions/relations, sociopolitical movements, and electoral politics.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 307 The Politics of Citizenship (3 Credits)
Maxwell
How governments understand membership through citizenship laws and practices. Includes the history of citizenship, evolution of modern citizenship, migration, and "post-national" citizenship.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 308 The Politics of U.S. Public Policy (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Relationship between American political institutions, politics and public policy. Significance of public policies for democratization in the U.S., highlighting dynamics of race, class, and gender. Development and implementation of policies.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 309 Interest Group Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Uses theoretical and real world materials to examine the strengths and weaknesses of interest groups in American politics. The role of groups in shaping public interest and influencing policy decisions.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 310 Refugees in International Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Surveys global politics of refugees and those displaced by persecution, conflict, disasters, or development. Topics include historical trends, legal regimes, and ethical concerns. Explores causes and consequences of forced displacement, and responses by state and non-state actors.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 311 American Political Parties (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Historical and contemporary roles of political parties in American government and politics.
PSC 312 e New Deal and American Politics (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
The New Deal transformed American politics. This course examines the era from a range of perspectives, including economic conditions, the international context, the role of labor, the influence of southern legislators, and the Second World War. We will also examine how it set into motion shifts in party politics that would define the remainder of the twentieth century.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 313 Campaign Analysis (3 Credits)
Maxwell
In-depth analysis of specific campaigns. Review of literature, followed by analysis, involving: media review, targeting analyses, survey writing, polling, survey analysis, exit polling, and review of election results. Acquisition and application of skills.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 314 Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior (3 Credits)
Maxwell
American mass public; origins, nature, effects of its political beliefs, and patterns of its voting behavior.
PSC 315 Politics and Media (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Sometimes called the 'fourth branch' of government, the media are an integral part of the political landscape. This course explores the role of the media in the operation of government and in the conduct of politics.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 316 The Supreme Court in American Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
The Court's dual character as a legal and political institution. Explores the Court's decision-making process and the impact of those decisions on politics and policy.
PSC 317 Local Internship (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Students work in conjunction with members of Congress, state legislature, or in local political campaigns. Representatives of these offices come to seminars for discussions about working in government and politics.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 318 Technology, Politics, and Environment (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Advanced technology as a focal point of governmental and political conflict in the United States and other nations. Interplay of technology and politics as a struggle over who will control the future and for what ends.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 319 Gender and Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with WGS 319
Relationships between gender and American political institutions, law, and policymaking processes. How social movements based on gender, prevailing gender ideologies, and gender relations have shaped American politics. Exploring how the American state has shaped the political meanings and relative positions of power associated with men and women.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 320 Comparative Law and Courts (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Aims to familiarize students with major legal traditions of the world. Among the legal systems to be covered are the Common Law, Civil Law, Islamic Law, and African and Asian legal traditions.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 321 Populism and Conspiracy Culture (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Populist movements and roots of conspiracy culture in American politics. Populist ideology centered around suspicion of a manipulative power elite is a recurrent theme in American political discourse of both left and right.
PSC 322 International Security (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Introduction to the field of security studies within the discipline of Political Science. Case studies with a special focus on the U.S. role in fostering international security, and contemporary dilemmas for U.S. national security.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 324 Constitutional Law I (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Introduction to American constitutional interpretation. Historical survey of basic Supreme Court doctrines focusing on the first 150 years of judicial action. The Court's role as a political institution.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 325 Constitutional Law II (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Contemporary constitutional interpretation, focusing on the Bill of Rights and the fourteenth amendment. Issues of race, gender, privacy, property, free speech, religious diversity, and political representation.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 326 Foundations of American Political Thought (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 383
American political thought from the Puritans to Lincoln. American Revolution, establishment of the Constitution, and Jeffersonian and Hamiltonian systems.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 327 Modern American Political Thought (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 342
American political thought from the impact of Darwinian science to the present. Basic thought patterns of 20th-century public life and philosophical foundations of contemporary political movements.
PSC 328 American Social Movements (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Social movements were always integral to American politics. Includes emergence, strategies, political context and influence of temperance, abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, labor, civil rights, anti-war, feminism, nuclear freeze, gay rights, and global justice movements.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 329 The Modern American Presidency (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 341
Evolution, operation, and perceptions of the American presidency during the last quarter- century. Modern chief executives and factors contributing to their success or failure.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 330 Political Economy of Gender in Industrialized Countries (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Asks why men and women are treated differently within the family, at work, and in politics by examining the relative importance of societal norms, religion, public policy and individual economic decisions.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 333 Politics of Latin America (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with LAS 333
Political processes and institutions in Latin America. The region's experience with modernization.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 334 Mexico and the United States (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
Cross-listed with LAS 335
The history and politics of Mexico, with special attention to relations between Mexico and the United States and the politics of immigration, NAFTA, the drug trade, and other bilateral issues.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 335 Politics of East Asia (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Domestic and international politics of East Asia broadly defined. Political development and structure of major countries: Japan, Korea, and China. Politics of public policy, international, and transnational relations in the region.
PSC 336 Money and Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
This course looks at political science research on money and politics in different countries around the world. How much money is there in politics, what influence does it have, should we try to reduce it, and if so, how?
PSC 337 Politics and Economy of Japan (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
This course is about Japan's economy, politics and society. It focuses on: (i) Japan's extreme demographic aging its origins and current & future problems; and (ii) changing geopolitics in East Asia.
PSC 338 Race, Ethnicity, and American Politics (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
This course examines race and ethnicity in American politics, with particular attention to African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans as voters, activists, and policymakers. Among other topics, we will examine public opinion, trends in partisanship and voting behavior, the link between traditional civil rights organizations and new social movements, debates about ¿pan-ethnicity,¿ descriptive and substantive representation in political institutions, and intersectionality.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 339 Transitions to Democracy (3 Credits)
Maxwell
The underlying forces and processes of political regime change and transitions to democracy in the modern world.
PSC 341 Politics of Africa (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with AAS 341
Historical foundations of the move towards political freedom, democracy and self rule in Africa. Dynamics of the political process.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 342 Religion and Politics in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Considers the extent to which religion matters in an enduring ethno-nationalist conflict. Approaches the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from an interdisciplinary perspective that explores the intersection of religion and politics.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 343 Politics of Europe (3 Credits)
Maxwell
The politics of Western and Eastern Europe. Domestic political and political economic institutions and the process of European integration.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 344 Politics of the Middle East (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with MES 344
Religious, political, economic, and social dimensions of life in modern Middle East. Legacy of Islam, encounter with Western modernity, Arab-Israeli conflict, and political economy of the region.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 345 Capitalism, For and Against (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
Cross-listed with MES 345
This course examines the moral, social, political, and economic effects of capitalism through a study of some of the seminal philosophical discussions of commerce, private property, and economic inequality. Authors may include Rousseau, Smith, Marx, Hayek, Rawls, and Nozick.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 346 Comparative Third World Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with AAS 346
Examines thematically and comparatively the political systems of South America, Asia, and Africa, exploring topics such as colonization, decolonization, nation-building, the postcolonial state and its institutions, the recent wave of democratization, and the challenges of socioeconomic development.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 347 Politics of Russia (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Politics of Russia and the former Soviet Union. Political institutions, and political, economic, and social change, particularly since 1991.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 348 Politics and the Military (3 Credits)
Maxwell
The military's role in the modern state and in modern society. Broad geographic coverage, including the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 349 Politics of Iran (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with MES 349
Historical and theoretical understanding of modern Iranian politics and society from the late 19th century to the present time.
PSC 350 Problems in International Relations (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Selected problems and issues. Specific topics chosen by the instructor.
Repeatable
PSC 351 Political Economy of Development (3 Credits)
Maxwell
The interrelationship of political, social, and economic factors that produce development outcomes. The role of the state in markets and the relationship between democracy and development.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 352 International Law (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Fundamental principles and recognized rules that make up international law concerning conduct of nations. Protection of nationals abroad, jurisdiction in territorial waters and on high seas, rights and duties of diplomats and consuls, and the law of treaties.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills
PSC 353 International Organization (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Causes and consequences of collective actions taken by state, intergovernmental, and transnational nongovernmental individual and collective actors. May include global and regional level issues of (human) security, economic and social development, environmental protection, and resource management.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills
PSC 354 Human Rights and Global Affairs (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
Human rights are today a focal point of rhetorical contestation among states, intergovernmental organizations, and transnational networks. This seminar surveys the opportunities and limits of human rights language in promoting social and political change.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 355 International Political Economy (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Institutions and politics of international economic relations. Trade, investment, macro-economic policy coordination, economic development, global resource issues, and the causes and consequences of global economic integration.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 356 Political Conflict (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Theory and practice of political conflict and peacemaking. Issues may include class, race, gender and ethnicity, war, terrorism, and protest.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 357 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Diplomacy of the United States toward major areas or powers, i.e., Latin America, Far East, and the Soviet Union. National defense, trade, and international organization.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 358 Latin American International Relations (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with LAS 358
Examines Organization of American States and other regional institutions. Considers how regional cooperation efforts have been shaped by political, economic, and cultural diversity of the countries in the region and by the changing global context.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills
PSC 360 Sustainability Science and Policy (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with GEO 360
Examines sustainability science, communications, and public policy through the lens of climate-what is known about climate change and impacts, what motivates public understanding, and what actions through mitigation and adaptation make progress toward sustainability.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 362 Religion, Identity and Power (3 Credits)
Maxwell, Arts & Sciences
Examines ascendancy of religious movements; prominence of religious ideas; secularization and religion as a political force; conceptual and historical issues in relation to religious ideas and movements, including various Islamic revivals and the Christian right. Offered in London and Madrid only.
PSC 363 Ethics and International Relations (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with PHI 363
The role of ethical concerns, imperatives, and restraints in international relations. Includes realism, just war theory, the ethics of nuclear deterrence, and other topics at the discretion of the instructor.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 364 African International Relations (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with AAS 364
The place of Africans in the international system; specific issues emanating from the decolonization process. Issues of militarism, humanitarianism, peacekeeping, and genocide; challenges of globalization.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 365 International Political Economy of the Third World (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with AAS 365
Political and economic problems developing countries face in international economic relations, attempts to solve them. Discusses the making of the international system, the "third world," globalization, trade, debt, multinational corporations, multilateral lending agencies (IMF, World Bank).
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 368 Islam and the West (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Topics include globalization and interdependency of faiths, the "clash of civilizations", relations between religion and state in Islam and Christianity and whether it is possible to separate the world into monolithic entities "Islam" and "West". Offered in London only.
PSC 371 Democratic Theory and Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Democracy as a political concept and political process, in a comparative context. Some critiques and challenges facing democratic theory and practice.
PSC 373 Political Philosophy: The Social Contract Tradition and its Critics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with PHI 317
Political obligation in the writings of the three major social contract theorists, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. Additional reading from their critics such as Burke, Mill, and Marx.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 374 Law and Society (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Interaction of law with social values, customs, and organization. Relationship between a society's law and its broader environment.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 375 Philosophy of Law (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with PHI 397
Central issues in the philosophy of law such as the nature of law and obligation to obey the law; justification of punishment and of state restrictions on individual liberties; justice and the law.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 376 The Creation of the U.S. Constitution (3 Credits)
Maxwell
This course examines the creation of the U.S. Constitution in 1787-1788. The first half focuses on the debates at the Philadelphia Convention, the second half on the ratification debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 377 Religion and Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Reciprocal relations between religious groups and political systems, especially in the United States. Religious groups as the objects of policy decisions, as sources of governmental legitimacy, and as agents of political and social change.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 378 Power and Identity (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
Examines classic and contemporary theories of identity and their manifestation in political practice. Also examines basic theories about how identities are constructed and their meaning/import. Covers race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and foreignness.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 380 International Course (1-12 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the SU academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.
Repeatable
PSC 381 Islamic Law & Society (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
This course introduces students to classical/modern Islamic law by analyzing Islamic constitutionalism, criminal laws, family laws, gender, political violence, and Islamic banking, through the examination of Middle Eastern and South Asian legal systems.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 382 Contemporary Political Philosophy (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with PHI 417
Contemporary contractualist, rights-based, and communitarian theories of social justice.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 383 Black Feminist (Insurgent) Politics (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
This seminar critically examines key issues, assumptions, and debates in contemporary, post-civil rights Black Feminist thought, action, and behavior. As such, we will understand that Black Feminism is global and diasporic. We will begin with a survey and broad analysis of Black Feminist history and origins.
PSC 385 Classical Political Philosophy (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
Cross-listed with PHI 305
Exploration of the enduring questions of ancient political philosophy¿questions about justice, the best regime, and the best way of life¿through a study of Plato¿s dialogues, Aristotle¿s Politics, and Machiavelli¿s The Prince.
PSC 386 Gender, Militarism, and War (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Examines militarism and war and their relationship to gender and power. Particular attention is given to how war impacts people differently across axes of race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, and other forms of identity.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 387 Ethnic Conflict (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Examines ethnicity and its effects on politics. Engages the concept of ethnicity, how it structures politics and sparks conflict, and what political tools exist to manage these conflicts.
Shared Competencies: Communication Skills
PSC 388 Globalization & the Rise of Populism (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Examines the causes and consequences of globalization. In particular we explore who wins and who loses from political and economic globalization.
PSC 390 Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.
Repeatable
PSC 391 Revolutions in the Middle East (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with MES 391
A comparative study of revolutions in the Middle East in terms of causes, processes and outcomes.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 392 Islamism and Islamist Movements Today (3 Credits)
Maxwell
A study of the historical, religious, social and political origins of Islamism and Islamist movements around the world today.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 393 Middle Eastern Political Systems (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with MES 393
Study of Middle Eastern political systems in terms of cleavages and crisis.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 394 History of Islamic Political Thought (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with MES 394
A study of Islamic political and social attitudes pertaining to contemporary issues.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 395 Democratization in the Muslim World (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with MES 395
Reasons for and dynamics of democratization in some Muslim countries.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 396 European Integration (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with GEO 396
Focuses on the origins, nature, and likely future course of the European Union. More generally, examines five long-range challenges facing contemporary Europe: Demographic decline; Globalization; Civic Integration; Great Power Rivalry; and Sustainable Development. Please note that PSC 396 and PSC 405 cannot both be taken for credit.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 397 Realism and Power Politics in International Relations (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Realism lies at the core of American international relations. It has been the dominant approach to national security issues since the 1940s. The course covers several important realist theories, as well as critiques and applications.
PSC 398 How the United States Became a Great Power (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Between 1785 and 1900, the USA grew into a great power. This course investigates the foreign relations of the USA during this period. Which international relation theories best explain America's relationship with the European great powers?
PSC 400 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable
PSC 404 Strategic Choice and Politics (3 Credits)
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell
This course introduces the student to game theory and its application in political science, economics, and business.
PSC 405 Politics of the European Union (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 406 Citizenship from Modernity to Globalization (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with PHI 406
Offered only in Florence. Citizenship as a major crossroads in European political thought: key thinkers; permutations throughout European history; impact of globalization and European unification on concepts of citizenship, liberty, and justice.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 407 Designing Surveys and Experiments (3 Credits)
Maxwell, Arts & Sciences
Cross-listed with SOS 407
This laboratory class offers students hands-on experience interpreting and designing surveys and experiments. Students will work in groups to create an original survey experiment on a political topic of their choosing, then analyze and present the results.
PSC 408 Politics of Immigration in Europe (3 Credits)
Maxwell, Arts & Sciences
Cross-listed with SOS 408
Offered regularly through Syracuse Abroad. Analyze immigration policy in the European Union and its individual member states with attention to its residual socioeconomic and political implications. Special focus on gender, ethnic, and religious identities as they relate to immigration policy.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Communication Skills
PSC 409 The European Union (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Creation and current workings of the European Union. The relationship between the member states and issues such as a United States of Europe. Mandatory trip to Brussels (EU Commission, Parliament, and U.S. EU delegation). Offered in London only.
PSC 410 Political Mapping (3 Credits)
Maxwell
This course focuses on how geography affects politics. We will discuss cases across American Politics and Comparative Politics, and will use the QGIS mapping software to create maps and visualize political and spatial data.
PSC 411 Senior Seminars (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Integrates student coursework by providing in-depth analysis of a particular topic. Recommended seminar choice is one in a subfield of the discipline in which the student has some prior preparation.
PSC 412 Global Governance: The United Nations System (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with IRP 412
The theory and practice of global governance and international diplomacy through an in-depth study of the United Nations system. Critique readings and discuss current UN-related events. Fulfills the IR capstone for International Law and Organizations (ILO). Permission of instructor.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 413 Identity and Difference (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Interdisciplinary approach to examine concepts of identity and difference, challenges notions of subjectivity, nation and gender. Philosophical, political, and gender-related dimensions explored. Offered only in Florence.
Shared Competencies: Ethics and Integrity
PSC 414 European Identity: Shifting Borders (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered regularly through Syracuse Abroad. Seminar including field study in multiple Central Europe locations. Examines how borders and identities have shifted over time, and the role of these shifts on the current rise of populism in the region.
Repeatable 2 times for 4 credits maximum
PSC 415 European Identity: Multicultural Europe (3 Credits)
Maxwell, Arts & Sciences
Cross-listed with IRP 315
Seminar including field study in multiple Western Europe locations. Examine how the national identities of these countries, and of Western Europe as a whole, are being transformed through immigration and the ideology of multiculturalism.
PSC 420 The East Asian Century? Opportunities and Challenges for the Region & the US (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Examines the trajectories of and interactions between China, Japan, and Korea, with a focus on the implications of these developments for the region and the United States.
PSC 421 Contemporary Central and Eastern Europe (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 411
Offered only in Strasbourg. This course is designed to help students grasp the overall nature of contemporary Eastern and Central Europe, with emphasis on the breakup of the Soviet Union, and challenges of democratization and of EU unification.
PSC 422 Modern Spain: History and Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 412
Offered only in Madrid. Starting with an analysis of current political, social, economic, and cultural issues in Spain, students define problems and questions, then review Spanish history to find the roots of those problems.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 424 Dictatorships, Human Rights, and Historical Memory in the Southern Cone (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Double-numbered with PAI 624
Offered only in Santiago. The time period (1940-present) and its significance and contributions to the configuration of social, political and economic aspects of Chile today. Relies on primary sources, comparisons within the Southern Cone, and a focus on US role and influence during this period.
Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 426 Religion and Diversity in London (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with REL 325
Offered only in London. This course examines London's perspective on global issues of religion, identity, and power. Using the city's unparalleled networks of diverse religious and faith communities, architecture and infrastructure, this class will explore the contrast between religious animosity and coexistence.
Shared Competencies: Ethics and Integrity
PSC 427 Policy Seminar/Contemporary Europe (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered only in Strasbourg. Course gives a coherent contemporary picture of Europe in political/social/economic area and position in the world, with particular emphasis on the European Union.
PSC 428 Contemporary Issues in Chile and Latin America (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered only in Santiago. This seminar features in-situ lectures and activities in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay introducing important political, sociological and environmental issues in the Southern Cone region.
Shared Competencies: Communication Skills
PSC 429 European Human Rights (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered only in Strasbourg. Introduction to current European human rights law. Through study of European Convention on Human Rights, students learn about culture/morals/values of peoples of Europe.
University Requirement Course: IDEA Requirement Eligible
Shared Competencies: Communication Skills
PSC 432 The Pale and Beyond (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with SOC 312
Field studies seminar based in Dublin and Belfast, explores whether a shared sense of being Irish exists despite the struggle and separation between the largely Catholic south and the largely
PSC 433 Negotiating Identity Across Europe's Borders (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Through comparative study in six countries and their urban centers, students will explore some of the most rapidly changing regions in Europe with attention paid to issues of identity, memory and history of Central Europe. Offered only through Syracuse Abroad.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Communication Skills; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 434 Pursuing Sustainability Policy (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with GEO 434
An introduction to sustainability policy-examining the complex systems approach to sustainable development, comparing conventional approaches and analytical tools for environmental policy, and drawing from case studies and theoretical materials.
PSC 435 Humanitarian Action in World Politics (3 Credits)
Maxwell
This course deals with the global politics of humanitarianism. Topics covered include the historical evolution of humanitarian norms and principles, key actors in the humanitarian sector, and institutional frameworks governing humanitarian action. We also explore the challenges associated with emergency relief, development aid, and military intervention.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Ethics and Integrity
PSC 436 Healthcare in Europe: A Comparative Approach (0-3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with ECN 336
Offered regularly through Syracuse Abroad. How healthcare systems work in the world; focusing on European systems and comparing with US model. Study, compare and contrast different models with respect to economy, financing and public policies used by national and local governments.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking; Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 441 Europe and International Security Issues (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 441
Offered only in Strasbourg. Historical evolution of the concept of international security within the framework of European security-related institutions and the place of Europe in the context of new security challenges.
PSC 442 Democratization in East Asia (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered only in Hong Kong. Examines the efforts at democratization in East Asia, including such early efforts as the May Fourth Movement in China (1920s-1930s) and the Taisho Democracy in Japan (1920s). Comparisons are made with current situations in Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea.
PSC 444 Culture, Business and Political Economics in East Asia (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered only in Hong Kong. Examines the historical and contemporary forces that shape the cultural, social and economic institutions in East Asia and how these institutions affect one another.
PSC 445 Contemporary British Politics and the Modern World (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 445
Offered only in London. British political system and the historical factors shaping it, as well as Britain's role in creating the modern world and its place in the world today.
PSC 450 Undergraduate Research Program (1-4 Credits)
Maxwell
Repeatable
PSC 451 Italian Politics: Laboratory of Populism (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered only in Florence. Identify elements and characteristics of different kinds of populist movements, with a special focus on Italy. Examine how such movements impact both the national and international political context and the potential risks they pose to democracies.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Communication Skills
PSC 452 Italy: Past, Present and Future Challenges (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 452
Offered only in Florence. Italian society and politics from unification to present. Topics include role of the family, emigration and immigration, stereotypes and regional identities, processes and components of Italian society and culture. Analysis of current situation and future challenges.
Shared Competencies: Communication Skills
PSC 453 Twentieth Century Europe (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 453
Politics, society, war, and peace in Europe, 1919-1992. Nazi Germany, WW II, the Cold War, post-war reconstruction, social and economic transformations, and the revolutions of 1989 in Eastern Europe. Offered only in Florence.
Shared Competencies: Communication Skills; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 456 Religion and Conflicts in Contemporary Europe (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with REL 356
Offered only in Strasbourg. Examines continent's long history of religious conflict, especially ways in which local and global religious tensions have developed in recent years.
PSC 458 Contemporary Issues in Turkey (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Double-numbered with PAI 658
Offered only in Istanbul. Key political and social issues in contemporary Turkey. Democratization; relationship between secularism, the role of the military and Islam in political life; foreign policy including Turkish-US relations; nationalism, minorities, gender, human rights. Additional work required of graduate students.
PSC 462 Globalization Development and Environment (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with ECN 362
Offered only in London. Differing perspectives on changing global economy and nature of modern state. Key ideas regarding development through experiences of developing countries in Asia and Africa.
Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 464 Borders in Flux: Identities and Conflict in Ireland (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered only in London. Students travel to Dublin, Derry, and Belfast to learn how Ireland's past is entangled with its present. Concepts of Irish and British national identities; religious conflict and peace-making attempts within Ireland; new tensions wrought by international migration and regional politics.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility
PSC 469 Global Migration (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Why do people move across international borders, and where do they go? How should local communities, national governments, and international institutions respond? What are the goals of these policies, and are they effective?
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking
PSC 470 Experience Credit (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Participation in a discipline- or subject-related experience. Students must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Limited to those in good academic standing.
Repeatable
PSC 471 Internships: International, National, State (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Internships spent off campus in Washington, a state capitol, or an international or foreign organization. Proposal required; faculty sponsor must be arranged. May be counted toward major or minor by petition.
PSC 478 Politics of China (3 Credits)
Maxwell
This course offers an inside look into the domestic politics and foreign policy ambitions brewing inside a fragile but increasingly assertive China.
Shared Competencies: Civic and Global Responsibility; Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 480 International Course (1-12 Credits)
Maxwell
Offered through SUAbroad by educational institution outside the United States. Student registers for the course at the foreign institution and is graded according to that institution's practice. SUAbroad works with the S.U. academic department to assign the appropriate course level, title, and grade for the student's transcript.
Repeatable
PSC 481 East Central Europe in the 20th Century (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Cross-listed with HST 481
Examine twentieth-century history of East and Central Europe by focusing on key socio-political phenomena of nationalism, dictatorship, and civil society. Look at political and social history through the lens of arts, literature and film.
PSC 489 Readings in Political Science (Honors) (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Directed tutorial-type program of readings in selected aspects of political science.
PSC 490 Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
In-depth exploration of a problem or problems. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor or instructors and the department.
Repeatable
PSC 495 Distinction Thesis Seminar in Political Science I (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Individual research work in conjunction with seminar participation guided by faculty seminar instructor and individual mentors. Defining thesis projects. Senior political science students only. Permission of instructor.
Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 496 Distinction Thesis Seminar in Political Science II (3 Credits)
Maxwell
Thesis students present ongoing research, constructively engaging with other thesis writers, and working with faculty mentor to complete research. Individual research work in conjunction with seminar participation. Senior political science students only. Permission of instructor.
Shared Competencies: Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills
PSC 499 Honors Capstone Project (1-3 Credits)
Maxwell
Completion of an Honors Capstone Project under the supervision of a faculty member.
Repeatable 3 times for 3 credits maximum
PSC 500 Selected Topics (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable
PSC 570 Experience Credit (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Participation in a discipline or subject related experience. Student must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Permission in advance with the consent of the department chairperson, instructor, and dean. Limited to those in good academic standing.
Repeatable
PSC 590 Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Maxwell
Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.
Repeatable