U25 PolSci 101 American Politics

This course provides an overview of the politics of American government. The topics covered are the historical developments of American politics, federalism, political participation (e.g., voting) institutions (e.g., congress), and public opinion. That political actors are strategic in their pursuit of objectives is a theme underlying our examination of these topics. Accordingly, we explore the many ways in which strategic political behavior impacts institutions and the interactions between political actors in the United States.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLH, OLI

U25 PolSci 102 Comparative Politics

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of cross-national research, study, and understanding. Comparative politics is the study of the domestic politics of other countries. Comparative political study is important because domestic politics shapes what goes on within a given country and shapes how that country's citizens and leaders interact with other countries. Comparative study is challenging because it requires both factual and theoretical knowledge about the world's political systems and how and why they function. Without a strong background in the factual information and the theoretical frameworks around which we can begin to explain and predict political decisions, we cannot understand the world. This lack of understanding impedes effective decision making at the local, regional, national and international scales. In this course, we will study the dominant structures within which politics occurs and examine how those structures shape political choices.

Credit 3 units. Arch: SSC Art: SSC BU: BA, IS UColl: CD, OLI

U25 PolSci 103 Introduction to International Politics

This is an introductory survey course. Its goal is to familiarize students with the basic concepts of International Relations (IR) as a subfield of political science and to introduce them to important issues, such as cooperation and conflict, interdependence in the era of globalization, human rights and human development, and the environment.

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 203 Topics in Politics

The topic of this course varies by semester, dependent on faculty and student interests.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI

U25 PolSci 227 Just Do It! Running for Political Office

The course will focus on skills related to the democratic expression of political rights and responsibilities. The course will balance background knowledge of the issues with application. Students will explore how to use coalition building and advocacy skills to relate to personal issues to public issues. Students will research a current Missouri bill, create a strategic plan for its passage or failure, and prepare to give testimony on such bill in a mock House of Representatives committee hearing. Students will also learn about ethical dilemmas in policy and politics and create a plan for turning their passions into policy.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 227

Credit 1 unit. A&S IQ: SSC Arch: SSC Art: SSC EN: S

U25 PolSci 230 U.S. Presidential Campaigning

With the 2016 Presidential race as our backdrop, this course will explore the road to the White House, from early primaries and caucuses through the general election. We will study the role and impact of the media, political parties, and interest groups. We will discuss campaign strategy and organization and the importance of fundraising, debates, polling, social media, and national conventions. We will assess the strengths and weaknesses of current presidential campaigns in real time. Students will select a candidate to "manage" throughout the course and develop themes, speeches, and a general election strategy for their candidate. We will not debate which candidate is the best, but we will discuss who has the best message, organization, and overall campaign.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA

U25 PolSci 260 Game Theory in Science and Culture

Introduces the major intellectual insights of game theory in a nontechnical fashion, and examines the influence game theory has had on geopolitics, social philosophy, psychology, art, and the humanities. In addition to covering the basic machinery of the theory, the class will: participate in numerous illustrative classroom games; examine game theory in film, literature, and literary criticism; see how game theory has contributed to social theory; and learn about the background of game theory and its history and perception as a hoped-for tool in the Cold War. Grades based on problems, short essays, two short-essay exams, and participation.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 260

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC

U25 PolSci 3006 Humanitarian Intervention

This course will examine the political factors that influence humanitarian intervention by studying the ethical, legal, economic, and geostrategic aspects underpinning one of the more controversial developments, namely, the use of military force to protect civilians caught up in internal conflict, such as in Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. The course reviews traditional humanitarian principles and considers how 21st-century intrastate wars have influenced humanitarian organizations. We also consider the "Responsibility to Protect" doctrine and its impact on NATO operations.

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 3031 Race and Ethnicity in American Politics

This course will examine both the historic and current role of minorities in American politics. Special emphases will be placed on political participation / voting behavior, the uses of race in campaigns and political rhetoric, race as it affects public policy, and finally, the effect of racial issues on American party alignment.

Credit 3 units. Arch: SSC Art: SSC BU: BA EN: S UColl: PSA

U25 PolSci 3032 Global Energy Policy: From Israel to Iran

This course examines how the global energy markets operate and how energy policy is formulated, with a special focus on the Middle East. Students interested in working in the energy and/or policy world will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in energy policy formulation and its profound impact on national security, the economy, and foreign policy. Students will deal with issues such as securing energy markets and suppliers, managing oil revenue, deciding on the country's fuel mix for electricity, promoting nuclear energy in the Middle East, engaging with environmental concerns, using energy resources as a "weapon" in foreign policy, subsidizing renewable energy, and the role of energy in war. After learning the basics of the energy market, students will focus on the major players in the Middle East and examine their energy markets -- from Israel to Saudi Arabia and Iran -- including the involvement of foreign actors such as the United States and Russia. They will then be tasked with writing their own op-eds and policy papers to try and influence the process of energy policymaking and to gain experience writing for different audiences. The course will include a guest lecture by an executive from a major coal producer operating in St. Louis (depending on availability) and an optional class visit to a renewable energy project near St. Louis.
Same as U94 JME 303

Credit 3 units. UColl: CD, OLI, PSI

U25 PolSci 3050 Politics of International Law

In this course, we will focus on key issues of international law and international politics, and how issues of law and politics intersect at the international level. This will include a focus on theories of international relations, theories of international law; conflicts regarding resources, territory and ideology; the military-industrial complex; globalization, privatization and commercialization; international trade; international treaties; international institutions; the limits of international law; customary international law; the law of the sea; space law; the concept of empire; unilateralism; human rights; and war law.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSI

U25 PolSci 3061 Sex, Race, and Justice: The U.S. Supreme Court Year Review

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 3103 Topics in Politics: Middle East Politics

This course is designed to explore the historical background, social and political environment, political structure, political dynamics, foreign policy, and future prospects of the most influential and "hotspot" countries of Middle East: Turkey, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, and Yemen.

Credit 3 units. BU: BA UColl: CD, OLI, PSC, PSI

U25 PolSci 3111 The Trump Administration: An Examination of a New Paradigm for Presidential Leadership & Governance

This course will examine and assess the promise, progress, and performance of the Trump administration by addressing Trump as the president, the politician, and the person. We will examine Trump's historic upset victories in the Republican primary and the Presidency, including his populist-nationalist political philosophy and campaign strategy. We will study how Trump, the politician, has been able to successfully win the right, despite controversial positions. We will examine how he implements his brand of political-economic strategy and global world view across contemporary issues, including public activism and Black Lives Matter, immigration and civil liberties, fake news and media literacy, gender issues, the environment, and globalization. The syllabus schedule may change in response to political events.

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 3153 Local Economic Development

This course introduces students to the concepts and practices of local economic development.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA, PST

U25 PolSci 3191 Topics in American Politics

This course is intended primarily for sophomores and juniors. The topic of this course varies by semester, dependent on faculty and student interests.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI, PSA

U25 PolSci 323 Introduction to Quantitative Methods

This course introduces the basic concepts of data analysis and statistical computing, both increasingly used in the social sciences and the humanities. The emphasis is on the practical application of quantitative reasoning and data analysis. The general goal is to provide students pragmatic tools for assessing statistical claims and conducting their own basic statistical analyses. Topics covered include basic descriptive measures, measures of association, sampling and sample size estimation, and simple linear regression. Assignments are based on real-world data and problems in political science. Basic math skills (algebra) are recommended.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI

U25 PolSci 3232 Introduction to Data Analysis for Public Policy and Politics

The goal of this course is to establish a baseline understanding of the qualitative and quantitative techniques, tools, and processes used to wield data for effective decision making in government, politics and the nonprofit sector. Its approach focuses on pragmatic, interactive learning using logical methods, basic tools, and publicly available data to practice extracting insights and building recommendations. It is designed for students with little prior statistical or mathematical training and no prior experience with statistical software.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI

U25 PolSci 3252 Topics in Comparative Politics

This course is intended primarily for sophomores and juniors. The topic of this course varies by semester, dependent on faculty and student interests.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSC, PSI

U25 PolSci 3267 Research in the Contemporary Academic Library: Prison Education Project Research Partnership

This course has a dual role as an introduction to political science research approaches and methods and as a practical training opportunity in library research. Students will have opportunities for direct application of their information and data literacy as research assistants working with faculty and incarcerated students in the Washington University Prison Education Project. This course is appropriate for political science and other social studies students as well as students participating in any scholarly community.

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 3291 Modern South Asian Politics

This course will focus on the recent political history and development of South Asia. It will begin with a review of the British colonial period and the Independence movement. The remainder of the course will examine different political issues in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Topics will include political mobilization, land reform, law and politics, social movements, religious and caste politics, the rise of religious nationalism, and political control of the economy.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 3292

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, SSC Art: SSC BU: IS

U25 PolSci 330 Topics in Political Science: Theoretical Foundations of the Movement for Black Lives

This course explores the theoretical underpinnings of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) policy platform. Since its emergence, BLM has articulated an intersectional critique of anti-black violence in the United States (and, to a certain extent, globally). BLM and the larger M4BL coalition provide an in-depth analysis of the specific ways structures of oppression such as white supremacy, patriarchy, and racial capitalism affect Black populations. By historically, theoretically, and politically situating BLM and the M4BL policy platform in the context of Black radical thought, including but not limited to abolitionist thought, intersectionality, and conceptualizations of racial capitalism, we will trace the ways BLM and M4BL adopt and build on various lineages of critique to diagnose contemporary forms of anti-black violence.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA, PST

U25 PolSci 331 Topics in Political Science

Varies by semester

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSI

U25 PolSci 3310 Topics in Politics: Theories of Social Justice

This course is intended primarily for sophomores and juniors. The topic of this course varies by semester, dependent on faculty and student interests.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 331

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC Arch: SSC Art: SSC BU: ETH, HUM EN: S

U25 PolSci 3312 Environmental and Energy Issues

This course considers the major issues in these increasingly important areas of public policy. We discuss the importance of political processes and actors on such phenomena as global warming, endangered species, and public lands. This course emphasizes the American experience but also considers international implications.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI, PSA

U25 PolSci 3313 St. Louis Metropolitan Urban Politics

This course examines the evolution of politics, government, and political and economic behavior in the greater St. Louis metropolitan region and selected suburban communities. We will study how the St. Louis metropolitan region has rapidly developed into a major Midwestern political and economic center. We also will consider the role of influential institutions such as the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, and Civic Progress. Students will conduct research on major political issues facing the greater St. Louis metropolitan region.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA

U25 PolSci 3322 Sustainability Policy

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 3326 Topics in Politics: Constitutional Politics in the U.S.

This is a topics course in Political Science.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 3325

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC Art: SSC BU: BA EN: S

U25 PolSci 3331 Topics in Politics: Social and Political Movements

This course is intended primarily for sophomores and juniors. The topic of this course varies by semester, dependent on faculty and student interests.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 333

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC Art: SSC BU: BA EN: S

U25 PolSci 3383 National Security, Civil Liberties and the Law

This course is intended primarily for sophomores and juniors. The topic of this course varies by semester, dependent on faculty and student interests.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 3381

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC Art: SSC BU: BA EN: S

U25 PolSci 3401 Topics in Politics

This course varies from semester to semester.

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 3402 Influencing Public Policy on Climate Change

We have ten years to cut greenhouse gas pollution in half to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. To achieve these reductions, massive public policy changes must be made, including switching electricity generation from fossil fuels to wind and solar, adopting aggressive building energy efficiency standards, protecting forests and prairies, and electrifying the transportation sector. This class will teach students how to design winning campaigns to change public policy at the local, state, and federal levels to drastically cut carbon pollution. Students will be able to apply this learning in a variety of settings, including climate advocacy, clean energy deployment, public health, civil rights, and reproductive rights.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA

U25 PolSci 341 American Electoral Politics: The 2020 Elections

This course will track many elements of the presidential election process. In particular, we shall examine the reason and role of the primary and caucus process in choosing delegates to the national conventions; the role of campaign donations and political action committees; how and why various aspects of the media cover campaigns, the more powerful role of social media, why journalists choose certain narrative lines; how televised debates and polls sort out the leading contenders; how the base of both leading parties have considerable leverage in choosing their party's nominee, and how polls work and shape public perceptions.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA

U25 PolSci 3411 Topics in Politics: Party Politics in America

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 343 Constitutional Law

This course presents an introduction to constitutional law and practice in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the role of the U.S. Supreme Court as an interpreter of the Constitution.

Credit 3 units. Arch: SSC Art: SSC BU: BA EN: S

U25 PolSci 344 Courts and Civil Liberties

Introduction to the philosophical bases and historical development of constitutional civil liberties. Substantial emphasis on the Supreme Court's interpretation of First Amendment guarantees and of the right to privacy. Prerequisite: sophomore standing, or permission of instructor.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA

U25 PolSci 3441 Courts and Civil Liberties: Defendant's Rights

This course explores the operations of the American criminal justice system. Substantial emphasis on the constitutional rights accorded to the criminally accused. Readings consist primarily, but not exclusively, of Supreme Court cases.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 3441

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC Art: SSC BU: BA, ETH EN: S

U25 PolSci 3521 The Politics of Privacy in the Digital Age

This course explores the changing nature of privacy in contemporary society.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 3462

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC Arch: SSC Art: SSC BU: ETH UColl: PSA, PSC

U25 PolSci 364 The New Space Rush

This course will introduce students to new activities regarding outer space. New types of spaceships and space hotels are being designed. Vast quantities of natural resources such as gold, platinum, iridium, osmium, helium 3 and water were recently discovered in outer space. These new advances in space exploration, science, technology and architecture can be analyzed through the lens of political science. Across various disciplines, these accomplishments in physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine and computer science, along with the likely economic implications, can be explained by political science concepts, theories and analytical tools. Students from many disciplines can learn more by understanding the big picture of patterned activities relevant to outer space. Newly emerging industries such as space tourism, space mining, commercial space settlements and outer space colonization will be discussed.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI, PSC, PSI

U25 PolSci 367 Ancient Political Thought

Same as U02 Classics 367

Credit 3 units.

U25 PolSci 370 Topics in Politics: The European Union

The European Union is a unique phenomenon in international politics. It is also the largest single market and one of the three top players in international trade (together with the United States and China). In this class we will study its history and relevant theoretical perspectives, its institutions and policies as well as its successes, failures, and challenges.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI, PSC

U25 PolSci 374 American Foreign Policy

American foreign policy from the end of World War II to the present; the domestic constraints on America's ability to create a coherent, effective foreign policy.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSI

U25 PolSci 375 Topics in International Politics: International Organizations and Global Governance

This course surveys postwar American foreign policy in historical perspective. It begins by evaluating the rise of the United States as a world power during the 20th century, its current position of primacy and its consequences in the post-Cold War period, and the distinctive traditions and institutions shaping the making of American foreign policy. It then examines the origins of the strategy of containment during the early Cold War period before considering how these debates animated the changing course of American foreign policy through the various phases of the Cold War conflict. The course concludes by analyzing American foreign policy since the end of the Cold War, up to and including debates about the consequences of September 11, 2001, for the United States' position of primacy, the Bush Doctrine, and the American-led intervention in and subsequent occupation of Iraq.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, SSC Art: SSC BU: IS

U25 PolSci 3781 Israeli Politics

Places Israeli political issues and events within the context of existing political theories. Discusses the politics and ideology of pre-state Israel and the foundation of the state. The creation of modern Israel political institutions, elections, and government coalitions. Also, Israeli foreign policy and international involvement.

Credit 3 units. UColl: CD, PSC, PSI

U25 PolSci 382 Introduction to Public Policy

In this course students will learn the structures, processes, and actors comprising policymaking in the United States at the national and state level. Using various models of the policy process, students will gain understanding of policies in a variety of policy arenas. The core project of the course will help students develop their analytic and writing skills by applying the models learned in class to a specific policy debate within one of the areas discussed in the course.

Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI, PSA

U25 PolSci 3911 History of Political Thought: Justice, Virtue, and the Soul

This course offers a critical introduction to the main issues and debates in western political theory, including but not limited to the topics of justice, legitimacy, equality, democracy, liberty, sovereignty, and the role of history in the political and social world. This course is designed to be the first in a three-semester sequence on the history of political thought, and students are encouraged, but not required, to take the courses in chronological sequence. The first semester begins with ancient Greek political thought, and follows its development up to the early 16th century.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 391

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, SSC Arch: SSC Art: SSC BU: BA EN: S UColl: ML

U25 PolSci 400 Independent Study

Must complete independent study forms with signatures from faculty, University College Coordinator and dean at University College.

Credit variable, maximum 6 units.

U25 PolSci 4013 Negotiating Major Legislation in Congress

This course examines the outcomes of the legislative process in the United States. The first third of the course will examine key concepts and major determinants of the negotiation process: majority rule instability, agenda control, political parties, the amendment process, and the uncovered set. The rest of the course will examine the negotiations that led to some of the most significant legislation in the past 100 years, from the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 through the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to the immigration bill of 2006. Along with other assignments, each student will write several drafts of a major research project on a major piece of legislation. Each research project will examine the amendments offered, the strategic intentions of the amendments' sponsors, the agenda process, and the role of party. Prerequisite: PolSci 101B.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 4013

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC, WI

U25 PolSci 4080 Voting Rights and Election Law

This course will study legal concepts of voting rights and election law that impact the ability of citizens participate in the democratic process. What is the nature of the right to vote? Who gets to participate and on what terms? This question has been an ongoing source of debate and controversy since the founding of our nation, and remains so today, as the vote is symbolic of voice, presence and power in a democracy. As debates of race, class, citizenship, power and the role of government play out in how we exercise our political voice, this course will look at the timely and dynamic debates on voting and the underlying legal, historic, policy and political movements surrounding them. Many find it hard to believe that there is no explicit "right to vote" in the U.S. Constitution - part of a compromise inextricably tied to the history of race in America. Yet there are more constitutional amendments governing the right to vote than any other, prohibiting the abridgment of voting based on race, gender, property ownership, age and other qualifications. Legislative enactments have also established rights with respect to voting. Each extension of voting rights has been a product of and brought about, social and political change. Today there are more laws conditioning access to the ballot than at any other time since the post-reconstruction era, and many states will be facing new rules heading into upcoming mid-term elections and in anticipation of redistricting following the 2020 census. This course will examine the interplay of law and politics, history and political movements in the right to vote. The course will begin with a historical look at the development of voting rights from the founding of our country to the present. What factors have caused us to redefine who gets to participate in the electoral process and how? We will then apply these principles to current controversies in voting rights, through examination of current litigation and policy debates, and by assessing proposed solutions for voting rights going forward. The course involves study of fundamental court cases, interactive discussion of contemporary debates, and review of current litigation and legislative proposals. The course will be supplemented by occasional media and guest visits by election officials, lawyers, lawmakers, advocates or others.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA

U25 PolSci 4131 Directed Research in Political Science

Research activities or project in political science under the supervision of an instructor in the department.

Credit variable, maximum 3 units.

U25 PolSci 414 Directed Fieldwork

A fieldwork project carried out under the direction of the department. Must be taken pass/fail.

Credit variable, maximum 9 units.

U25 PolSci 422 Topics in American Politics

The topic of this course varies by semester, dependent on faculty and student interests.

Credit 3 units. UColl: PSA

U25 PolSci 4552 Comparative Political Economy

This seminar will introduce the student to aspects of social choice theory, applied to themes to do with the economic origins of democracy, democratization and the stability of social orders. We shall read and discuss a number of recent books: Acemoglu and Robinson on Economic Origins; North, Weingast and Wallis on Violence and Social Orders; Przeworski on Democracy and Development; Ferguson on Money; Collier on Wars, Guns, and Votes. If time permits we also hope to discuss recent work by Stern on the Economics of Climate Change. Students will be expected to work on two short research papers, either empirically or theoretically based, and make a presentation of their work near the end of the semester.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 4552

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC Arch: SSC Art: SSC EN: S

U25 PolSci 482 Public Policy Internship

Internships in such places as legislators' offices, public interest groups, regional or community organizations, or private businesses with active public policy research interests. Prerequisites: 12 hours of political science course work; advanced standing; permission of University College, the instructor, and the department chair. Must be taken for letter grade. Must be taken concurrently with U25-414.

Credit variable, maximum 3 units.

U25 PolSci 483 Legal Internships

The legal internship program is designed to allow advanced undergraduates the opportunity to undertake an internship in one of a variety of public and private law offices. Must be taken for letter grade. Must be taken concurrently with U25-414.

Credit variable, maximum 3 units.