Political Science    101

3 (crs.)

Dictators and Democracies (XS)(GC)

This course provides an introduction to key concepts and issues in comparative politics in the context of case studies from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East. It explores political participation and institutions, political ideology and culture, the role of government, political parties, democratization, economic development and inequality, nationalism, and ethnic and religious conflict in a variety of national and regional contexts around the globe. Special course fees may apply.

Political Science    101Q2

3 (crs.)

Dictators and Democracies (XS)(GC)

This course provides an introduction to key concepts and issues in comparative politics in the context of case studies from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East. It explores political participation and institutions, political ideology and culture, the role of government, political parties, democratization, economic development and inequality, nationalism, and ethnic and religious conflict in a variety of national and regional contexts around the globe.

Political Science    105

3 (crs.)

American Government and Politics (XS)

Organization, principles and actual working of the American National Government in all its branches. Special course fees may apply.

Political Science    105Q2

3 (crs.)

American Government and Politics (XS)

Organization, principles and actual working of the American National Government in all its branches.

Political Science    105Q3

3 (crs.)

American Government and Politics (XS)

Organization, principles and actual working of the American National Government in all its branches.

Political Science    108Q3

3 (crs.)

Activism, Participation, and Persuasion (XS)

Introduces the student to the obligations and benefits of active citizenship and participation in their communities. Theories of citizenship and citizen activity, policy analysis, the state of public policies at the full array of governing levels from local to global, and experiential activities within the community are featured. This is the gateway course to both the Civic Engagement Minor and the Civic Engagement emphasis within the Political Science Major.

Political Science    111Q1

3 (crs.)

United Nations and Global Problems (XS)(GC)

This course focuses on a current global issue or set of issues. Students will gain an ability to analyze, understand, evaluate, and appreciate the complex dynamics that shape our collective capacity to address global challenges in a complex and interconnected world. The course provides an introduction to governance in societies with different cultural perspectives and examines different vantage points of political actors tasked with governing (global, transnational, national, and local) in societies outside the United States.

Political Science    112Q1

3 (crs.)

Great Ideas in Politics (XS)

Great Ideas in Politics introduces you to some of the most intriguing and long-discussed ideas in the field, and some new ones as well. Is it better for a political leader to be loved or feared? Should we base human societies on happiness? Do people have rights, and what are they? We discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and applicability of each of these ideas and more.

Political Science    113Q1

3 (crs.)

The Democratic Arena (XS)

Strong democracy requires citizens who are informed, knowledgeable, and actively engaged in the political process. This course will provide students with the orientation they need to make sense of the complex social questions that make up the nation’s public agenda. First, we will explore the rules of the political game. We will then examine the popular debate over major social problems. Lastly, we will devote considerable attention to those contested topics that challenge students to understand, care about, and become involved in national and local policy debates.

Political Science    114Q1

3 (crs.)

The Politics of Race and Sex (XS)(ES)

The Politics of Race and Sex invites students to explore similarities and differences in the values, history, and influence of U.S. cultural groups through the lens of representation in government. What does it mean for a group to receive representation? What forms can representation take? How does representation (or a lack of representation) impact the identities and meanings a group applies to itself, and its relationships with other groups? We will examine these questions by investigating current theories of representation, with a critical eye toward the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Moreover, we will apply these theories to the real world through attending events hosted by cultural groups present at UWO and throughout the Fox Valley.

Political Science    115

3 (crs.)

World Politics (XS)(GC)

Development of the nation-state system; role of the great powers; the struggle for power; settlement of disputes; diplomacy, the quest for law, nationalism, contemporary problems.

Political Science    115Q2

3 (crs.)

International Politics (XS)(GC)

Development of the nation-state system; role of the great powers; the struggle for power; settlement of disputes; diplomacy, the quest for law, nationalism, contemporary problems.

Political Science    116Q1

3 (crs.)

Environmental Politics and Sustainability (XS)

This course examines the political forces and challenges to developing and adopting sustainable environmental policies in the United States. This course provides an overview of the U.S. political system, sustainability as a lens of inquiry, and the policy making process. What values do we want to sustain? Do environmental policies support these values? Specific policy areas examined include air, water, land, energy, waste, plant, and animal life.

Political Science    212

2 – 6 (crs.)

Study Abroad Optional Content (XS)

Study Abroad is a course offered by our faculty with most of the content delivered off campus, usually but not always outside of the United States. These courses introduce places and subjects through reading and lecture but heavily emphasize experiential learning in the location of study. Courses offered under this title may include such offerings as: British Politics, German Politics, Comparative Genocide, Comparative West European Politics, and US Supreme Court. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

Political Science    212Q3

2 – 6 (crs.)

Study Abroad: Optional Content Quest III (XS)

Study Abroad is a course offered by our faculty with most of the content delivered off campus, usually but not always outside of the United States. These courses introduce places and subjects through reading and lecture but heavily emphasize experiential learning in the location of study. Courses offered under this title may include such offerings as: British Politics, German Politics, Comparative West European Politics, and US Supreme Court. Course includes significant community experience while abroad. Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Political Science    214Q3

3 (crs.)

The Politics of Food (XS)

In this course, we’ll learn about how food policy is made at the national, state, and local levels. Then we’ll examine how those policies impact the type and quantities of the food we eat, food distribution, food safety, and nutrition. Throughout, we’ll have an eye to the future: is our current food system sustainable: That is, will it last beyond our lifetimes? Our class will encounter these issues not only in the classroom, but through our work with partners in the Oshkosh community.

Political Science    215

3 (crs.)

Media and Politics (XS)

An examination of the impact mass media has had on democratic politics in the United States, including the role media plays in influencing political behavior and attitudes. Topics covered in the class include media bias, media power, use of media by government and interest groups, the role of media in campaigns and elections, and the influence of media on policy makers.

Political Science    231

3 (crs.)

Sex, Power, and Public Policy (XS)

Examination of controversial issues of gender that affect equality and power. Includes women’s movement and the search for equality, justice and freedom. Examines political and judicial policies that exemplify success and failure. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 231/WG STDS 231.

Political Science    231Q3

3 (crs.)

Sex, Power, and Public Policy (XS)

Examination of controversial issues of gender that affect equality and power. Includes women’s movement and the search for equality, justice and freedom. Examines political and judicial policies that exemplify success and failure. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 231/WG STDS 231.

Political Science    245

3 (crs.)

Political Methodology

Designed to acquaint students with the process of exploring political questions and conducting research.  Topics include theory definition, hypothesis development, concept definition, and data collection and analysis.  This course will also expose students to a variety of data sources and methods of collection such as survey research, content analysis, and experimentation.

Political Science    253

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Law (XS)

The development of political systems of jurisprudence, the judicial system of the United States and Wisconsin together with a survey of the major branches of law designating the place of law in society.

Political Science    261

3 (crs.)

Environment and Society (XS)

Examines the relationship between social structure, culture and natural environments; compares different modes of production and cultural systems. Examines economic, political and ideological structures of industrial and industrializing societies. Analyzes the impact of these structures upon natural environments and analyzes the impact of natural environment upon these structures. Cross-listed: ENV STDS 261/POLI SCI 261/SOC 261. Special course fees may apply.

Political Science    301

3 (crs.)

European Union Politics

Examines the history and theories of European integration and provides a detailed introduction to each of the institutions of the European Union. Some of the major issues that the EU has worked through in its short history (e.g., agricultural policy, economic and monetary union, constitution, enlargement) as well as current challenges facing the organization are also covered.

Political Science    303

3 (crs.)

Women, Politics and Policy – A Global Perspective (GS)

This course examines how women’s political power varies around the globe. Topics may include women’s representation in government, women’s movements locally and globally, and gender policy that affects women’s political and economic empowerment. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 303/ SOC JUST 303/WG STDS 303. POLI SCI 101 or 105 is recommended but not required.

Political Science    304

3 (crs.)

Race and Ethnicity in United States Politics (ES)

How issues of race and ethnicity have been defined and by whom, and their impact on communities of color; the strategies used by minority groups to become equal participants in the political system; how economic and social conditions might affect political opportunities for minority groups. This course will examine these topics in a historical perspective, with an eye to the interplay between national, state, and local political outcomes. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 304/SOC JUST 304.

Political Science    305

3 (crs.)

Constitutional Law

The American Constitution as seen in the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court; judicial review; federalism; the contract clause; taxing and spending power; interstate commerce.

Political Science    308

3 (crs.)

International Law (GS)

This course introduces students to the key components of the international legal system and its primary institutions. Does international law matter? Does it constrain state behavior? When does it apply? Can it be enforced? Students will answer these questions as they not only read about principles of international law but put those principles to use wrestling with problems based on actual cases.

Political Science    309

3 (crs.)

West European Politics (GS)

This course examines the large issues facing European countries today and how they impact not only Europe, but the entire world. Examples include the refugee crisis, the rise of the far-right, independence movements, and the European Union membership, in addition to others that may arise in this rapidly changing environment. We’ll use the U.K., France and Germany as core case studies, adding Sweden, Italy, or Belgium as necessary to illustrate important concepts.

Political Science    312

2 – 6 (crs.)

Experiential Study: Optional Content

Experiential Study is a course offered by our faculty off campus, usually but not always outside of the United States. These courses introduce places and subjects through reading and lecture but heavily emphasize experiential learning in place of study. Courses offered under this title include British Politics, German Politics, Comparative Genocide, Comparative West European Politics, and US Supreme Court. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

Political Science    313

3 (crs.)

Politics of Genocide

In this course, we examine the sad phenomenon of genocide from two distinct perspectives in our discipline: comparative politics and international relations. In the beginning of the course, we look inside the state to get an idea of the social, economic and political situations that make a state more susceptible to genocide and see if there are indicators common to most genocides. The second part of the course examines several genocides in detail. In the final section of the course, we attempt to figure out why preventing and punishing genocide and other crimes against humanity is so difficult, and evaluate the methods used for prosecution and punishment to date. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 313/SOC JUST 313.

Political Science    315

3 (crs.)

Policy Design and Analysis

This course introduces techniques for analyzing policies and evaluating the consequences of governmental decisions. Consideration is given to the factors that affect policy success, including problem definition, implementation challenges, and enforcement issues. Prospects for reforming existing policies are also discussed in depth.

Political Science    316

3 (crs.)

Environmental Law

This course focuses on U.S. (federal) environmental law, with particular focus on common law and administrative law. The course examines legal frameworks for environmental law in the federal court system, including how federal courts review the policies of administrative agencies that regulate the environment. The course also probes philosophical and social underpinnings of environmental law, such as ecofeminism, capitalism, collectivism, and cost-benefit analyses. One of the main course themes is examining environmental law through a sustainability lens. Cross-listed: ENV STDS 316/POLI SCI 316.

Political Science    317

3 (crs.)

United States Foreign Policy

Formulation, implementation and objectives of United States foreign policy; role of president, bureaucracy, Congress, public opinion, and other forces.

Political Science    321

3 (crs.)

American Public Policy

An examination of some of the major political issues facing American society today, including the environment, criminal justice issues, equality, education and health care politics. The issue of how public policy is made in this country will also be examined in some detail.

Political Science    322

3 (crs.)

International Political Economy (GS)

This course examines the evolution of ideas on the nature of international and comparative economics during the last two centuries, performs comparative analysis of political effects of economic policies in selected countries, including United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and others, examines the problems faced by developing countries in a globalizing world, and examines measures undertaken to create a stable global economic environment during the last two centuries.

Political Science    324

3 (crs.)

US Presidency

This course examines the presidency through study of its constitutional position and historical development, presidential elections, the power of the office, relations with other political actors, how the president relates to the public, and presidential performance.

Political Science    328

3 (crs.)

Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism (GS)

The purpose of the course is to develop an understanding of the phenomenon of terrorism, including theories of terrorism, political violence, and terrorism as a social movement. In addition to providing the historical context, the course focuses on recent and contemporary terrorist groups operating in Europe and the Middle East and on international terrorist groups, and examines approaches used by United States, European Union countries, Russia, and Israel, to cope with their respective terrorism challenges.

Political Science    329

3 (crs.)

Political Psychology

This course will focus on politically relevant aspects of human psychology and behavior, both individual and group. Topics discussed will include individual needs and preferences, the concept of rationality and alternative views on the conception of self-interest, factors affecting perception of the surrounding political environment, and how these phenomena translate into individual and group political activity.

Political Science    335

3 (crs.)

State and Local Government

Examination of the institutions and policy-making of state political systems, with special emphasis given to Wisconsin. Topics to be examined include: the changing nature of federal-state relationship; electoral rules and their political parties, candidates, and outcomes; how the executive, legislative and judicial branches are structured and how they jointly create policy in selected areas.

Political Science    336

3 (crs.)

Russian Politics

Even though Russia and the United States share many similarities, including large territorial size, wealth of natural resources, highly diverse population, and major power status, Russia’s political system has developed along very different lines from that of the United States. The course examines the factors influencing the development of the Russian political system, occasionally delving into the reasons for the US-Russian political divergence, including the causes and effects of Russia’s two regime changes during the 20th century. While predominantly a study of domestic policies, the course also evaluates the influence of the international environment of Russia’s political system during different periods of its existence and discusses the impact of Russia’s political influence on its neighboring states.

Political Science    342

3 (crs.)

Gender, Law and Policy

The course offers students the opportunity to engage in a critical analysis of the relationship between law and gender that is grounded in court decisions and legal commentary and centered on competing theoretical frameworks of gender equality in a democratic society. The course does not assume prior background in political science, law, or women’s studies; however, prior coursework in any of these areas will be helpful. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 342/ WG STDS 342.

Political Science    343

3 (crs.)

African Politics (GS)

This course will introduce you to the complexities of African politics. While we cannot cover the entire continent, we’ll explore two “core” sub-Saharan case studies (the Great Lakes region and South Africa) and examine how they influence the countries around them, paying particular attention to the roles colonialism, ideology, nationalism, ethnicity, foreign influence and democracy play on the continent.

Political Science    346

3 (crs.)

Queer Politics and Policy

What role does sexual identity play in American politics? In what ways has domestic politics shaped the U.S. LGBT community? In this course, we will debate the meaning of sexual identity and ideologies and explore how they have been viewed throughout American history. Next we will examine the impact of sexual identity on public opinion and political participants, particularly candidates and officeholders. We will look at the unique experiences of LGBT groups in the U.S., and consider the relationships between sexual identity, race, class, and gender. Finally, we will look at the relationship between sexual identity and public policy, particularly: same-sex marriage, adoption rights, anti-sodomy laws, and hate crimes legislation.

Political Science    349

3 (crs.)

Power, Justice, and the State

Power, Justice, and the State invites you to consider critical themes of public interest. Why do we have a state? What should the state do and why? What should it not do and why should it not? State power may obviously be used for ill, but when and how can it be used for good? Does citizenship create obligations about how to treat others as well as benefits citizens? We will consider several major schools of thought about this, theories of justice, including rights-based theories, utilitarianism, and libertarianism. We will discuss the strengths and shortcomings of these theories in practice.

Political Science    350

3 (crs.)

Campaigns and Elections

Examines national and statewide political campaigns and elections. This includes analysis of the U.S. publics’ political participation, mass opinion, and understanding of democratic citizenship.

Political Science    351

3 (crs.)

Political Film

Examines, through the study of film, topics in political leadership, party politics, justice, social problems, political theory, comparative government, and international relations.

Political Science    352

3 (crs.)

Politics of National Security

The purpose of the course is to develop an understanding of the issues and controversies surrounding US national security policy, with particular emphasis on the US military as a tool of US foreign policy.

Political Science    355

3 (crs.)

Modern Political Thought

This course examines the theory of how politics works and how it should work by reading and considering major political thinkers from the Renaissance forward to modernity. These thinkers make claims about humans and societies that cross time and context. Thus, we consider how their arguments have been employed and their continued relevance given today’s issues and challenges. A number of theorists we meet are among the most influential writers in human history and we assess how our thinking has been affected by them. Alternative visions of the way things should be and explanations of how society works are considered as well. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 355/SOC JUST 355.

Political Science    357

3 (crs.)

Environmental Policy

This course examines the process in which environmental policy is made. The course will introduce students to interdisciplinary approaches used to analyze environmental problems. The role of political actors, scientific experts and the citizenry in identifying problems and developing solutions in considered. Emphasis is also placed on the use of scientific information and values in the decision-making process. Topics to be covered include major US and international legislation protecting air and water quality, climate change, natural resource extraction, agricultural production, and land management. Cross-listed: ENV STDS 357/POLI SCI 357. Prerequisites: POLI SCI 105 or ENV STDS 261 or instructor consent.

Political Science    361

3 (crs.)

Special Topics in Political Science

Experimental courses and curriculum innovations within the program. Courses may be from any subfield of Political Science and will be open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Descriptive titles, abbreviated course descriptions, and number of credits will be announced in the class schedule prior to the beginning of the semester during which the course is to be offered. Prerequisite: To be stated when title is announced. May be repeated in different terms.

Political Science    365

3 (crs.)

Congress in the American Political System

Examination of the organization, membership, and powers of the U.S. Congress.  It will focus on Congress as both a legislative and representative institution, and will examine the relationship between Congress, the President, and the courts.

Political Science    370

3 (crs.)

Special Topics – Group I

Experimental courses and curriculum innovations within the program. Descriptive titles, abbreviated course descriptions, and number of credits will be announced in the class schedule prior to the beginning of the semester during which the course is to be offered. Prerequisite: To be stated when title is announced. May be repeated in different terms.

Political Science    372

3 (crs.)

Special Topics – Group II

Experimental courses and curriculum innovations within the program. Descriptive titles, abbreviated course descriptions, and number of credits will be announced in the class schedule prior to the beginning of the term during which the course is to be offered. Prerequisite: To be stated when title is announced. May be repeated in different terms.

Political Science    373

3 (crs.)

Special Topics – Group III

Experimental courses and curriculum innovations within the program. Descriptive titles, abbreviated course descriptions, and number of credits will be announced in the class schedule prior to the beginning of the term during which the course is to be offered. Prerequisite: To be stated when title is announced. May be repeated in different terms.

Political Science    376

3 (crs.)

International Conflict

A multi-disciplinary approach to study the causes and conditions of war and peace in our world. Simulations of situations of war and peace will be researched in the classroom with student participation.

Political Science    377

3 (crs.)

Foundations of American Political Thought

This course introduces some of the key themes, thinkers, and decision points in American history from the American founding forward to the New Deal. The ideas of prevalent commentators and political practitioners will be featured. Through them we will attempt to discern the values which have shaped and influenced the United States government and American attitudes. Alternative visions of government and paths not taken will also be considered. Those who complete the course will come to appreciate the great variety of American political thought. Readings and discussion will help us to discern what kind of community we have been and how ideas have shaped the American nation, matters of utmost concern for the politically literate citizen. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 377/SOC JUST 377.

Political Science    378

3 (crs.)

Modern American Political Thought

An exploration of key themes, dilemmas, and decision points in American political history from the New Deal to the present. The ideas of influential thinkers and political practitioners like John Dewey, Milton Friedman, Michael Walzer, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama are featured, as well as those who present alternative visions of the American political landscape. Cross-listed: POLI SCI 378/SOC JUST 378.

Political Science    379

3 (crs.)

Democracy, Inequality, & Violence in Latin America (GS)

This course examines the governmental institutions, political processes, and political cultures of Latin America and explores issues of democracy and development. Topics of focus may include political regime transition, electoral politics, social policy, indigenous politics, environmental policy, economic reform, political violence, corruption, and drug trafficking. POLI SCI 101 is recommended but not required.

Political Science    380

3 (crs.)

Political Parties and Interest Groups

Party organization, nominations, campaigning, election behavior. Interest group organization, pressures on electoral and governmental process.

Political Science    386

3 (crs.)

Politics of Developing Countries (GS)

This course examines experiences of economic and political development in the developing world in order to understand the political roots of diverse government policies to confront major development issues such as poverty, injustice, corruption, democratization, environmental degradation, and deadly conflict. Cross-listed: ENV STDS 386/POLI SCI 386/SOC JUST 386. POLI SCI 101 or 115 are recommended.

Political Science    388

3 (crs.)

Global Politics of Climate Change

Examination of the role of environmental issues in international relations. We will look at such issues as global warming, global pollution, management of scarce resources, and eco-development. How have various countries responded to these problems? How should they respond? What is the role of international institutions such as the World Bank? What is the role of non-governmental organizations such as Greenpeace? How have countries and international institutions interacted to deal with these environmental problems? Cross-listed: ENV STDS 388/POLI SCI 388. Prerequisite: POLI SCI 101 or 115, or SOC 261 or ENV STDS 261 or POLI SCI 261 or instructor consent.

Political Science    392

3 (crs.)

Judicial Process in America

Focuses on courts in the political process. Examines decisions by judges, juries and other decision-makers in the judicial process. Emphasizes explanations for decisions rather than simply describing decisions. For example, attention is given to the effects of race, social class and other demographic characteristics of a defendant on the verdict or sentence imposed. Other related topics include selection of judges and impact of judicial decisions.

Political Science    396

1 – 8 (crs.)

Internship in Government

Internships generally fall into the following categories: 1) administrative internships; 2) legislative internships; 3) judicial or court-related internships; 4) international internships; 5) internships with law firms; 6) law enforcement internships; 7) fieldwork in political campaigns or with political parties; 8) internships with other groups seeking to influence public policy.  Internships are offered for up to 8 units (crs.) and may be applied to the major.  Prerequisite: Generally internships will be open only to juniors or seniors who have had at least one relevant course in Political Science, or demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge about the political system before the internship.

Political Science    401

3 (crs.)

Political Analysis

Political Analysis is a seminar designed to provide a capstone experience for majors. The course will assess the student’s mastery of the discipline of Political Science. Possible areas of study include the proper methods of political analysis, revision and extension of previous work, advanced analysis of texts, and/or a culminating research project. In addition, students will take a comprehensive exam covering the discipline and prepare a portfolio of their undergraduate work in the discipline. Prerequisite: POLI SCI 245, Senior standing and Political Science major. Special course fees may apply.

Political Science    403

3 (crs.)

Feminist Thought and Practice

Explores the distinct but intersecting explanations for women’s personal, professional, and political conditions, as well as various recommendations for improving or transforming those conditions.  This course may be offered using different content. Cross-listed: ENGLISH 403/POLI SCI 403/SOC JUST 403/WG STDS 403.

Political Science    446

1 – 3 (crs.)

Independent Study

See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.

Political Science    456

1 – 3 (crs.)

Related Readings

See Related Readings under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.

Political Science    474

3 – 6 (crs.)

Honors Thesis

The Honors Thesis is one of two options offered to Honors students to meet the senior capstone requirement of The Honors College. Students who choose the thesis engage in research as an independent study over two semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) with the support of a faculty advisor. They decide on a topic in their major or minor, address recent scholarship, develop a prospectus, and produce substantial work (e.g., a written thesis, scientific experiment or research project, or creative arts exhibit or production). At the end of the term in which the capstone is completed, students give presentations at the Honors Thesis Symposia. Credits are applied to the respective program. Prerequisites: In good standing with The Honors College, prior enrollment in HNRS 175Q and HNRS 275Q, and senior status.