Political Science
This program will officially come to a close by spring of 2026. Explore CAPS’s exciting, new undergraduate offerings, including the reimagined Integrated Studies undergraduate degree programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Political Science offers students the opportunity to study all aspects of politics using cutting-edge technical and theoretical tools. Courses are animated by long-standing problems related to the use of power, its rightful exercise by governments and individual actors, and the institutions that affect how that power is exercised. Reflecting the breadth of the discipline, students can take a range of classes, including courses on elections and electoral politics, international political economy, justice and the state, and comparative analyses of political institutions across states.
A major in political science thus exposes students to the primary themes of the discipline: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, political methodology and political theory. A political science major offers students the opportunity to study political life as part of a broad liberal education, and it is a useful step toward law or business school. Other political science students pursue careers or further education in public administration, urban planning, journalism, education and social work or in federal, state or local government.
Contact Info
Phone: | 314-935-6700 |
Email: | CAPS@wustl.edu |
Website: | https://caps.wustl.edu/programs/undergraduate/bachelors-political-science |
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
All School of Continuing & Professional Studies undergraduate students must satisfy the same general-education requirements.
Required: 30 units minimum
To major in political science, students must complete a minimum of 30 units of political science course work, including at least 6 units of introductory course work and the course U25 PolSci 323 Introduction to Quantitative Methods. Of the remaining 21 units of elective course work in political science, at least 18 units must be at the 300 or 400 level. The 18 advanced units for the major must include at least one 3-unit course from three of the following five fields:
- American politics
- Comparative politics
- International politics
- Political and social theory
- Methods of political research and analysis
The department encourages students to explore a wide variety of courses in political science. A student's program should be planned in close consultation with an academic advisor.
The Minor in Political Science
Required: 15 units
15 units of course work in political science, including at least 9 units of advanced-level courses, are required.
This program is offered either mostly or fully online. Students entering the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 Visa must enroll in a program full time. F-1 students are only permitted to enroll in one online course per semester and J-1 students may only enroll in non-credit online courses that do not count toward their degree program. The School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) cannot guarantee face-to-face enrollment options each semester of full time enrollment, therefore cannot issue an I-20 or DS 2019 to F-1 and J-1 students for this program. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student and wish to enroll in a CAPS program while here on a Visa, please contact our recruitment team to discuss your options for face-to-face program enrollment. F-1 and J-1 students should not enroll in online courses or programs without first consulting the university’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS).
Visit online course listings to view semester offerings for U25 PolSci.
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 U.S.
Credit 3 units. UColl: OLH, OLI
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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U25 PolSci 3061 Sex, Race, and Justice: The U.S. Supreme Court Year Review
The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding some of the most important, and most contentious, issues of our time.During the past year, the Court upheld universal health care, placed new restrictions on affirmative action, ruled unconstitutional the federal government's Defense of Marriage Act, and supported new restrictions on voting rights. In this one-week intensive course, and using approaches from political science and law, we will study the Court's highest-profile cases decided last summer--those involving same-sex marriage, affirmative action, and voting rights.We will explore difficult questions such as: How does the Court decide which cases to hear?Are justices' decisions driven by law, ideology, or both?Is the current Supreme Court particularly "activist"? Is the current Supreme Court particularly ideological? Readings include court cases, newspaper articles, and essays from political science and law journals. Course participants will write both informal reading responses as well as a longer final paper due 2 weeks after the last day of the course.
Credit 3 units.
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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
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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 worldview 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.
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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
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U25 PolSci 3190 Planning Sustainable & Racially Equitable Urban Communities
This course explores principles, ethics and practice for planning sustainable and equitable urban communities. Learning how to manage resources for both current and future generations, students will gain greater understanding of the importance of integrating environmental, economic, social and institutional efficiency. With a focus on communities in the St. Louis region, students in this course will focus on equity and community capitalism aimed at ensuring that fairness and well-being are inclusive for all people in providing for health, safety and the built environment. You will learn to integrate and utilize a racial equity lens, trauma-informed approaches, cultural competence and Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism practices to help lead to better decision-making and creating solutions aimed at reducing adverse impacts on the environment, preventing gentrification, improving the welfare of people, and shaping urban areas and neighborhoods into healthier, robust and more equitable communities. This course will prepare the student to be a leader-advocate for sustainable urban planning and community development, whether as an elected or public official, a professional staff person, or a citizen volunteer.
Same as U19 SUST 319
Credit 3 units. UColl: LCD, ML, OLH, OLI
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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. Course website: http://artsci.wustl.edu/~polisci/parikh/asian/
Same as L32 Pol Sci 3292
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, SSC Art: SSC BU: IS
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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
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U25 PolSci 331 Topics in Political Science
Varies by semester
Credit 3 units. UColl: PSI
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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
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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
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U25 PolSci 3401 Topics in Politics
This course varies from semester to semester.
Credit 3 units.
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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
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U25 PolSci 341 American Electoral Politics: The 2020 Elections
This course will track many elements of the presidential election process as it happens this fall. 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 US and China). In this class we will study its history and relevant theoretical perspectives, its institutions and policies as well as its sucesses, failures, and challenges.
Credit 3 units. UColl: OLI, PSC
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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
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U25 PolSci 375 Topics in International Politics: International Organizations and Global Governance
This class focuses on the politics of global governance, including history and contending theoretical perspectives. Its goal is to familiarize students with the role and performance of intergovernmental as well as non-governmental organizations, state and non-state actors, and their interactions in an increasingly interdependent world. We will specifically examine the role of international organizations and institutions in important issue areas such as human development, human rights, peace and security, and the environment.
Credit 3 units. Art: SSC BU: IS UColl: PSI
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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
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U25 PolSci 382 Introduction to Public Policy
In this course students will learn the structures, processes, and actors comprising policy making 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
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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
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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.
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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 amedments offered, the strategic intentions of the amendments' sponsors, the agenda process, and the role of party. Prerequisite: Poli Sci 101B.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 4013
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: SSC, WI
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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
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U25 PolSci 4093 Politics of the European Union
This course provides a political overview of the European Union and its 27 member states. Attention is paid to the emergence of European supranational governance in the 1950s and its trajectory to the present day. We also consider the interplay of geographical, economic, and cultural factors, together with an assessment of the EU and its place in the larger global political sphere.
Same as U85 IA 5093
Credit 3 units. UColl: IAA, OLI, PSC, PSI
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U25 PolSci 410 The United Nations and International Security
The aim of this course is to gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations (UN) and its role in world politics. Beginning with an examination of the history of the UN and its precursors, we will discuss the UN's structure and its three-part mission as outlined in the UN Preamble: international peace and security; human rights; and development. We will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the UN and its agencies in these three substantive areas, within the context of a rapidly shifting geopolitical climate. Attention will be paid to the ongoing debate among proponents and detractors of the UN, and the unique role played by the US in this debate.
Same as U85 IA 510
Credit 3 units. UColl: IAC, IAI, OLI, PSI
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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.
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U25 PolSci 414 Directed Field Work
A field work project carried out under the direction of the department. Must be taken pass/fail.
Credit variable, maximum 9 units.
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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
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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 Order; Przeworski on Democracy and Development; Ferguson on Money; Collier on Wars Guns and Votes. If time permits I also hope to discuss recent work by Stern on the Economics of Climate Change. Students will be expected to work on two short research paper, 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
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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. Prerequisite: 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.
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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.
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