Political Science Department
- Course Descriptions
I. AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICSPOL 121 American Government and Politics
Surveys major parts of American national government—including Congress, the presidency, and the courts—as well as campaigns and elections, federalism, interest groups, and political parties.
POL 122 Metropolitan Complex
Examines politics in metropolitan areas, emphasizing central cities and focusing on influences on urban public policy. Includes case studies of the Twin Cities metro area.
POL 124 American Women and Politics
Investigates the roles women play in the political system. Political, economic, and social issues will be explored from contemporary and historical perspectives.
POL 241 Environmental and River Politics
This course explores the politics of the communities and ecosystems of the Upper Mississippi River watershed, including controversies about river pollution, the lock and dam system, regional water supply, flood control, and farming practices. Includes site visits to see how local policy-makers and stakeholders are trying to achieve sustainability in the watershed.
POL 323 Social and Political Change
Examines interaction between cultural, social, and political change, looking primarily, but not exclusively, at the United States. Also looks at how individuals can try to effect political change. (Prereq.: one previous course in political science, or junior or senior status or consent of instructor)
POL 325 Politics and Public Policy
The domestic policy making process, emphasizing how elected officials, bureaucrats, and interest groups shape government policies in various areas, including taxes, the environment, and social welfare policy. How public policies are formulated and implemented.
POL 326 Political Parties and Behavior
Emphasizes study of public opinion and political parties in the electoral process. Field work with political parties, interest groups, and media in presidential elections (optional in non-presidential election years). (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor. Fall term of election years)
POL 342 Mass Communication in Society
Studies effects of new information technology (such as the Internet) and of the traditional electronic media. Covers uses of technology and media for newsmaking, selling, entertainment, and public affairs. (Prereq.: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing)
POL 370 Constitutional Law
(See Section IV for description.)
POL 375 Media Law
(See Section IV for description.)
POL 421 Topics in American Politics
Topics include legislative, executive, or judicial politics, public policy, and leadership. Can include focus on national, state, or local level. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
II. COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND ANALYSIS
POL 158 Political Patterns and Processes
An analysis of basic patterns in the political system and decision-making process with some comparison of major political systems and discussion of contemporary issues.
POL 350 Topics In European Politics
Study of the political behavior, institutions, and processes of European states. The course will focus on either European community law and politics or domestic politics in European states. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
POL 351 Topics In Communist/Post-Communist Systems
Analysis of the former Soviet Union and/or other communist/post-communist states in terms of political behavior, evolution, institutions, and political processes. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
POL 359 Topics: Women in Comparative Politics
Various aspects of women in comparative politics will be explored. Themes and countries vary. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
POL 459 Topics in Comparative Politics
Selected themes including interpretations of political systems and comparisons of political processes such as political participation, political development, political change, and revolution. Topic to be included in subtitle. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
III. INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
POL 160 World Politics
Introduction to the processes and issues of international politics, including the dynamics of the international system, theories of international relations, and a focus on recent problems.
POL 363 Russian and Chinese Foreign Policies
Analysis of theory and policy in the foreign policy process in Russia (and the former USSR) and China. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
POL 461 Topics in International Politics
Selected themes including interpretations of international politics, foreign policy decision-making, simulations of international problems. Topic to be included in subtitle. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
POL 490 Seminar in International Relations
Capstone seminar for students majoring in international relations; analysis of some methods for studying international relations; analysis of major trends; senior thesis. Open to other students by consent of instructor. This course satisfies the Keystone requirement for International Relations majors. (Prereq.: four courses in the international relations sequence)
IV. PUBLIC LAW
POL 170 Law in the United States
A survey of American law and legal process. Theories of law; law and society; roles of courts, police, lawyers, and juries; the United States Constitution as “supreme” law; law as politics; historic and contemporary legal issues.
POL 370 Constitutional Law
The legal-political-philosophical role of the Supreme Court in the American political system in significant decisions affecting the allocation of powers in the national government and in the federal system. (Prereq.: POL 170 or at least junior status and one previous course in political science)
POL 371 Topics in Constitutional Law
Selected topics in constitutional law. Content will vary, defined by the subtitle of the course. (Prereq.: POL 170 or consent of instructor)
POL 375 Media Law
Study of key issues and contemporary conflicts in media law and regulation, including the uses of law to settle disputes about media content, access, ethics, and ownership. (Prereq.: one course in political science, POL 342, or consent of instructor)
V. POLITICAL THEORY AND ANALYSIS
POL 140 Social Justice in America
Examines social justice in urban policies such as housing and education (issues may vary). Students develop their own arguments about social justice. Emphasis on class discussion; substantial participation required.
POL 158 Political Patterns and Processes
(See Section II for description.)
POL 282 Understanding Asian America
Asian Americans and their place in American politics and society. Includes some coverage of Asian American history and looks at the struggle to define Asian Americans.
POL 380 Western Political Thought
A study of influential political philosophers, emphasizing the values, goals, and assumptions that continue to inform and to rationalize human governance. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
POL 381 Topics in Democratic Theory
Selected topics including the emergence of political democracy in comparative perspective and American political thought. Topic to be included in the subtitle. (Prereq.: one course in political science or consent of instructor)
POL 484 Political Analysis Seminar
An analysis of different approaches and theories in the study of politics including an examination of the requirements of science as a model for political study. Major research is required. This course satisfies the Keystone requirement. (Prereq.: POL 158, POL 483, and two upper division courses, or consent of instructor)
VI. SEMINARS, INDEPENDENT STUDY, AND INTERNSHIPS
POL 295 Lower Division Seminar
Special topics. Consult department chair concerning terms and subject matter. (On demand)
POL 483 Seminar in Political Statistics and Methodology
Introductory survey of political science methods. Covers experimental design, descriptive and inferential statistics, computer methods, and issues in the construction and execution of political surveys.
POL 495 Seminar
Selected topics. Consult department chair concerning terms and subject matter.
Internships and Independent Study Courses:
POL 199 Internship
P/N grading unless internship supervisor grants exception.
POL 299 Directed Study
POL 399 Internship
POL 499 Independent Study/Research