[IAI Code: S5903] Surveys the major concepts and approaches employed in the study of politics.
[IAI Code: S5900] Examines the organization and development of national, state, and local governments in the U.S.; the federal system; the U.S. Constitutions; civil and political rights; the party system; and the nature, structure, powers, and procedures of national political institutions. This course may require limited participation as a subject in research.
An examination of political Washington and policymaking. Through visits to think tanks, nonprofit organizations and agencies we will examine the policymaking world in Washington and get to know different participants in this process, what they do, and how they interact and work to affect policy and express their ideas. This course is a required component of the Illinois in Washington Program. Prerequisite: Acceptance to and enrollment in the Illinois in Washington Program.
Study of how political institutions and laws can be both the vehicle and target of social and political transformation. Situates ideas about freedom of speech, civil disobedience, and political protest in historical context, showing how the contemporary political landscape has come to be what it is. An entry level course, it provides students with the fundaments of civic literacy and ideas and analytic tools needed to understand and engage political life.
Introduction to the politics of globalization; identification of the principal actors, properties, and patterns of the politics of globalization that distinguish global politics from other forms of politics between and within groups, communities, states, and international organizations.
Explores strategic and moral issues associated with unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones. Robotic aircraft already play an important role in 21st century warfare, counter-terrorism, and intelligence operations, and will become increasingly prominent as the technology advances. Students will develop an understanding of drones, asymmetric warfare, and related concepts, will explore academic findings and debates on these topics, and will develop the ability to critically engage with media coverage and politicians’ statements on these topics.
Examines efforts by racial and ethnic communities to organize politically and by society to allocate resources based on race or ethnicity. Topical focus includes African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and white ethnics. The primary goal of the course is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of racial and ethnic politics by identifying commonalities and differences among these groups and their relationship to the state. Same as AAS 201, AFRO 201, and LLS 201.
Examines how religion and politics influence each other in the United States, both historically and in contemporary society.
Examines the role of American Indians and Indian law in the US political system. Beginning with the core concept of sovereignty, the course then looks at Indian political mobilizations, tribal political economy, tribal governance, relations between tribes and states and between tribes and the federal government, and laws governing religious freedom and environmental issues. Same as AIS 214.
Surveys the policy process including adoption, implementation, and evaluation. Topics may include reviews of substantive policy issues such as crime, energy, environment, poverty, foreign policy, civil liberties, or economic regulation. Prerequisite: PS 100 or PS 101, or consent of instructor.
Surveys the principles that guide empirical research in political science; emphasizes definition of research problems, principles and practices of measurement, use of data as evidence, and data analysis. Prerequisite: PS 100 or PS 101, or consent of instructor.
Introduces strategic models of political behavior and their implications for our understanding of politics. Uses simple models, inspired by game theory, to examine fundamental political questions.
[IAI Code: S5906N] Provides comparative and historical insights into the problems affecting the developing world by examining social, economic and political changes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
[IAI Code: PLS913] Introduces the nature, structure, and purposes of political theory; examines major works on the problems of political order, obedience, justice, liberty, and representation to distinguish and clarify different theoretical approaches.
Surveys the major issues associated with arms control, disarmament and international security. Also examines the military, socio-economic, and political dimensions of weapons systems, military strategy, the ethics of modern warfare, nuclear proliferation, and regional security issues. Same as GLBL 283.
Selected readings and research in political science. See Class Schedule for current topics. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours if topics vary. Prerequisite: Six hours of political science, or consent of instructor.
Analyzes issues related to judicial interpretation of the constitution; the separation of governmental powers; federalism; checks and balances among the three branches of the national government; and the jurisdiction of federal courts. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines how the modern Supreme Court resolves major issues in American constitutional politics. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor; PS 301 or PS 302.
Surveys the origins and evolution of state government in the United States. Topics include history, structure and dynamics of state governments, laws and the judiciary, state legislatures, political parties, organized interests, bureaucracies, demographic change and electoral patterns, and political conflicts, and coalitions. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Introduction to the study of public organizations with a focus on formal political organizations including parties, legislatures, and bureaucracies. In-depth analysis of two of the main problems confronted by organizations: collective action problems and delegation problems. Students will acquire an understanding of these problems as well as different ways in which they can be addressed. A strong emphasis is also placed on developing the analytical skills necessary for informed analysis of political interactions involving formal organizations. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines the role of Latino electorates in shaping state and national politics. Reviews the histories of Latino national origin groups, examines public policy issues of concern to Latinos, successes and failures of Latino empowerment strategies, and the electoral impact of Latino votes. Focus will be primarily on Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans and an assessment of the degree to which their political agendas are likely to merge over the coming years. Same as LLS 316. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines different approaches to evaluating the performance of public sector organizations, including private sector accountability principles. Focuses on how to improve the performance of governmental agencies, as well as corporate social responsibility. Same as ACCY 321, ACE 321, and BADM 303. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines the nature of law, law makers, and law appliers; the determinants of law-making; and the societal impact of law. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examination of the conceptual issues associated with citizenship and immigration, considering current political debates from a variety of perspectives: empirical, historical, and normative. Focuses on the United States but will also examine the immigration and citizenship processes of other nations as well. Among topics considered: why people migrate; consequences of migration; efforts to integrate immigrants; public opinion, citizenship traditions and rationales; membership; belonging, and national identify; post national citizenship. Prerequisites: PS 101, 6 hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Analyzes the relationship between political attitudes and public opinion formation. The course also discusses political participation, political tolerance, and attitudes toward political leaders. Prerequisite: PS 101, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines the ways in which the wealthy countries of the world, international organizations and non-governmental organizations have tried to catalyze or facilitate economic and human development in the poorer countries of the world. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241 or PS 281, or six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines contemporary economic, social, and political processes in Africa, focusing on three basic explanatory themes: historical patterns of development; emerging patterns of class and interest; and leadership strategies. Same as AFRO 341. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
This course will examine a range of topics relevant to understanding the development of Japanese politics in the postwar era. A central theme of the course will be to understand the processes of continuity and change through various lenses, including but not limited to history, culture, and institutions. Same as EALC 344. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines the major governmental systems of continental Europe; the evolution, structure, and functioning of the political institutions of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian countries. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines the origin and development of Latin American political institutions. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines the global process of democratization, with special attention to gains and failures in selected areas since 1974. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Explores fundamental questions about the ideal of a just society. Introduces students to the close connection between theories of justice and legal reasoning used by courts. Court cases and topics include enforcing sexual morality, protecting free expression, religious liberty, regulating labor markets, guaranteeing the rule of law, ensuring equal opportunities through schools and elections, establishing group rights, and regulating reproductive rights.
Examines visions of the future drawn from science fiction literature as a way to engage with political and social theory and to cultivate the political imagination. Prerequisite: Six hours of political science credit or consent of instructor.
Surveys American political thought from colonial times to the present. Prerequisite: PS 270, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Surveys theoretical debates about the nature, source, and authority of law. Examines various philosophical accounts of law, different kinds of law, the relationship between law and justice, the interpretation of law, and the role of law in dynamics of justice and oppression. Prerequisite: PS 170, PS 270, or instructor approval.
A study of cooperation among states. Cooperation dilemmas and their solutions, with focus on institutional arrangements that are aimed to facilitate cooperation among states. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Examines the salient issues and dynamics that structure the international relations of East Asia, which includes China, Taiwan, Japan, and the two Koreas. This course examines both theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding the dynamic, yet stable nature of East Asian international relations. The central theme of this course is to examine whether the region is moving towards increasing conflict or cooperation. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, or at least six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
The dynamics of material asymmetry characterize wars involving the United States since World War II, from Vietnam to Afghanistan, and offer a framework for understanding the struggle against al Qaeda, ISIS, and the future of the War on Terrorism. This course explores the strategies of both sides of an asymmetric conflict, especially the weaker actor. How do terrorists, insurgents, guerrillas, revolutionaries, and freedom fighters design strategies to achieve their goals against powerful states? Credit is not given toward graduation for PS 383 if credit for PS 300 Section T (Special Topics: Terrorism) has already been earned. Prerequisite: PS 100. Restricted to sophomore, junior, or senior standing.
Considers the history of the European Union and its current functions and operations. Focuses on the ongoing process of political and cultural integration. Consists of sections in Illinois and abroad, interacting extensively via the worldwide web. Same as EURO 385, FR 385, and GER 385. Prerequisite: PS 240 or PS 241, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor; cross-listings require language training appropriate for enrollment in the respective overseas programs.
Considers the major foreign policy decisions currently confronting the United States government: analyzes their background, principal issues, and alternative actions, as well as the policy formulation process. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 283, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Practical introduction to the study of international organizations, consisting of three parts: academic modules in Urbana-Champaign; guest lectures and site visits in Vienna, Austria, and field trips TBA; and a final research paper based on fieldwork in Vienna, extending into late June. Enrollment requires prior admission to the Vienna Diplomatic Program.
How does climate change affect politics in the developing world? How do domestic and international actors confront the challenges of a warming world? What explains different strategies for mitigating climate change? This upper-level political science course equips students to answer these questions by introducing key concepts in climate politics and development discourse. Topics include climate migration, conflict, adaptation and mitigation, and the global energy transitions. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281 or PS 283, or at least six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of the instructor.
Examines the life-cycles of violent non-state actors (VNSAs), like ISIS, Sudan’s Janjaweed, and the Mexican Los Zetas Cartel. Some of the most pressing security concerns facing the world’s governments today stem from non-state actors, not other states in the international system. This course examines the development of these organizations, their political and military structures, their activities, the alliances and rivalries they form, and the processes by which they sometimes evolve into legitimate, non-violent political actors. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: PS 280 or PS 281 or PS 283, or at least six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
How does international order emerge and evolve? This course examines international order as facilitated by international law and organizations, across diverse issue areas including international security, trade, human rights and the environment. We examine topics such as the role of the United States in creating and leading the international order, discontent among elites and the public in Western industrialized nations over the contemporary order, and the growing contention from the enlarging BRICS+ and the global South about the future of the international order. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: PS 180, PS 280, PS 281 or PS 282, or at least six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.
Special topics not treated in regularly scheduled courses; designed primarily for juniors and seniors. 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Evidence of adequate preparation for such study; consent of faculty member supervising the work; and approval of the department head.
Students follow a program of study and research related to an approved internship under the direction of the internship director and/or a faculty sponsor. Consult departmental undergraduate advisor or internship director. 0 to 6 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 undergraduate hours. Prerequisite: 45 credit hours completed, one year in residence at an institution of higher learning, minimum 2.5 grade point average, coursework related to the internship, and acceptance to the internship director or undergraduate director and by faculty sponsor. Students enrolled in internship courses may not register for more than 18 hours total for all courses during the semester of the internship course.
Assist departmental faculty in on-going research. Topics and nature of assistance vary. Capstone paper required. 0 to 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Credit is not given for more than nine hours toward completion of the political science major from any combination of PS 490, PS 491, and/or PS 492. Prerequisite: Evidence of adequate preparation for such study; consent of faculty member supervising the work; and approval of the department head.
Research, reading, and discussion in selected topics and works in literature of political science. A major research project is required in preparation for PS 495. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours if topics vary. Credit is not given for non-honors courses and honors seminar on the same topic. Prerequisite: Admission to Political Science Honors Program or consent of department.
Provides an advanced overview of methodological issues in political science especially identification of research questions and design of research strategies in political science appropriate for a senior thesis. Requires completion of a substantial research proposal. 3 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. Credit is not given for more than six hours towards any combination of PS 495 and PS 496. Neither PS 495 nor PS 496 counts towards the 30 hours required for completion of the political science major. Prerequisite: Admissions to Political Science Honors Program or consent of instructor.
2 to 6 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Written consent of instructor of department approval; open only to seniors whose major is political science and who have a general University grade point of 3.0.
Involves intensive analysis of major institutions and processes of democratic politics (national, state. local); research on selected topics in American government.
Introduction to the collection and analysis of qualitative data in political science. We consider strategies for systematic research based on small numbers of cases with attention to issues of conceptualization, measurement, and analysis as they apply to methods such as cross-case comparison, within-case process tracing, and multi-method research.
Introduction to data analysis and inferential statistics, including data collection, analysis and interpretation, sampling, and measures of statistical association and significance. Also introduces statistical software.
Select topics in inferential statistics, including models for limited dependent variables. Topics vary by semester and may include spatial econometrics, bootstrap models, ecological inference, and causal inference. Prerequisite: PS 531 or consent of instructor.
Selected topics designed for graduate study in international relations. May be repeated under different instructors to a maximum of 12 hours. Prerequisite: PS 580 or PS 524, or consent of instructor.
Research in selected topics by arrangement with the instructor.
Accompanies the Politics Workshop, which brings in speakers from outside the department to present their research. The goal is to expose graduate students to the practice of engaging critically with research presentations from all fields of political science. Students will learn "best practices" in providing feedback about ongoing research projects. They will have the opportunity to utilize these skills both in class discussions and as discussants for the speakers in the Workshop Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated for up to 4 graduate hours in separate semesters. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in political science required.