Course Catalogs

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  
American political institutions. Basic principles embedded in structure and practices of American government. Practical consequences of this political system for the citizen. Credit is given for PSC 121 or PSC 129, but not both.
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.
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  
Foreign policy, decision making, comparative foreign policy, international transactions, and the international system. Credit is given for PSC 124 or PSC 139, but not both.
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  
American political institutions and their founding. The public role in a democratic regime. Ability of contemporary arrangements to meet the demands of the modern world. Credit is given for PSC 121 or PSC 129, but not both.
PSC 139  International Relations (Honors)  (3 Credits)  
Maxwell  
Major world views which comprise contemporary international relations. Lectures, readings, journal writing, and small group discussion. Credit is given for PSC 124 or PSC 139, but not both.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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  
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PSC 342  Religion and Politics in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict  (3 Credits)  
Maxwell  
Cross-listed with MES 342, REL 342, JSP 342  
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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  
Cross-listed with REL 355, SOC 362  
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.
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.
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  
Cross-listed with HST 368, MES 368  
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.
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  
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  
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  
Cross-listed with REL 361, MES 381  
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  
PSC 383  Black Feminist (Insurgent) Politics  (3 Credits)  
Arts & Sciences, Maxwell  
Cross-listed with AAS 383, WGS 383  
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  
Cross-listed with WGS 354, SOC 354  
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  
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  
Cross-listed with MES 392, REL 362  
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  
Politics of European integration from a variety of perspectives: theoretical, historical, institutional, and policy-making. Fundamental post- war political process in modern-day Europe. Offered only through SU Abroad. Students cannot get credit for both PSC 396 and PSC 405.
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.
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.
Prereq: PSC 124 or 139  
PSC 413  Identity and Difference  (3 Credits)  
Maxwell  
Cross-listed with PHI 413, WGS 413  
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  
Cross-listed with IRP 314, HST 471  
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  
Cross-listed with HST 420, IRP 320  
Double-numbered with PSC 620, HST 620  
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.
PSC 424  Dictatorships, Human Rights, and Historical Memory in the Southern Cone  (3 Credits)  
Maxwell  
Cross-listed with HST 424, IRP 424, LAS 424  
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.
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  
Cross-listed with IRP 334, LAS 334, HST 406, SPA 334  
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  
Cross-listed with CRS 303, HST 433  
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.
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.
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.
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  
Cross-listed with HST 444, IRP 444, INB 444  
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.
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.
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  
Cross-listed with IRP 458, SOC 458  
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.
PSC 464  Borders in Flux: Identities and Conflict in Ireland  (3 Credits)  
Maxwell  
Cross-listed with HST 464, REL 328  
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.
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.
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.
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