This page lists courses that were offered during the Spring 2022 semester and fulfill minor program requirements. For a full list of courses offered by the department and the minor program requirements, please refer to the undergraduate handbook, accessible below.
Political Science Minor
The general Political Science minor accommodates the interests of students from a variety of majors who want to supplement their major with a coherent educational program in Political Science. It consists of 15 credit hours.
Students are expected to organize their program to develop a focus on a particular aspect of the political world. Of the 15 credit hours required, a maximum of 6 may be at the 2000 level; the remaining hours must be at the 3000 level or higher. A maximum of three hours of courses graded S/U may be applied to the minor. No more than three hours of transfer credit may apply.
For more information about coursework offered in Spring 2022, please check out the Political Science BA and BS spring 2022 course offerings as well as the the course search website.
Campaigns and Elections Minor
Required Course: Public Opinion (not offered this semester)
Elective Courses:
POLITSC 4164: Political Participation and Voting Behavior
Semester | 3 credit units
A study of political participation and its correlates, determinants of the vote decision, and analysis of recent American elections. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 574.
Comparative Politics
Required courses (Choose 1)
POLITSC 3220: Politics of the Developing World
Semester | 3 credit units
The international system is characterized by tremendous inequality, and the gaps between the poorest and wealthiest countries commonly grow larger and larger. This class asks, given this, what is a developing country to do? That is, what are the political strategies, institutions, and problems that shape whether rapid economic and social development is possible, or whether poverty, marginalization, and malgovernance are likely to remain endemic. The course covers experiences selected from around the developing world (from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and even the European periphery), and is organized around three periods: (1) the post-war boom from the 1945 to the mid-1970s, (2) the return of free-market economics in the 1980s-90s, and (3) the contemporary era for financial globalization and crisis. This is a class about the politics of development, and no formal economics training is presumed.
GE soc sci human, nat, and econ resources and diversity global studies course.
POLITSC 4200: Politics of Modern Democracies
Semester | 3 credit units
A survey of the basic institutions and politics of modern democracies, with emphasis on representativeness and democratic stability. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 535.
Elective Courses ( students can choose 4 in the minor. These are the ones offered for Spring 2022).
POLITSC 3220: Politics of the Developing World
Semester | 3 credit units
The international system is characterized by tremendous inequality, and the gaps between the poorest and wealthiest countries commonly grow larger and larger. This class asks, given this, what is a developing country to do? That is, what are the political strategies, institutions, and problems that shape whether rapid economic and social development is possible, or whether poverty, marginalization, and malgovernance are likely to remain endemic. The course covers experiences selected from around the developing world (from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and even the European periphery), and is organized around three periods: (1) the post-war boom from the 1945 to the mid-1970s, (2) the return of free-market economics in the 1980s-90s, and (3) the contemporary era for financial globalization and crisis. This is a class about the politics of development, and no formal economics training is presumed.
POLITSC 3910: Identity Politics
Semester | 3 credit units
Explores who controls the meaning of identity in society; examining identity from the perspective of liberal, sociological, and social psychological, structuralist, and institutionalist theories. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 547.
POLITSC 4200: Politics of Modern Democracies
Semester | 3 credit units
A survey of the basic institutions and politics of modern democracies, with emphasis on representativeness and democratic stability. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 535.
POLITSC 4218: Russian Politics
Survey of the politics of Russia and the former soviet states with emphasis on democratization, economic reform, institutional development, elites, mass behavior, and ideology. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 533.
POLITSC 4250: African Politics
Semester | 3 credit units
An introductory survey of Sub-Saharan African politics from the pre-colonial period to the contemporary era. It will examine the common themes, issues, and trends that shape politics and development across forty-nine countries. Students will gain an understanding of how context shapes political behavior and how historical and political forces have influenced African politics. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 4597.02 (Au13, African Politics), 4250H, or AfAmASt 4250. GE soc sci orgs and polities and diversity global studies course. Cross-listed in AfAmASt.
POLITSC 4285: Comparative Politics of the Welfare State
Semester | 3 credit units
Analyzes different kinds of welfare capitalism including social, economic, and political considerations shaping welfare policy; and contemporary welfare reform as an exercise in reallocation, reorganization, and budget-cutting.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 578.
POLITSC 4327: Politics in the Middle East
Semester | 3 credit units
Politics of Arab-Israeli relations, Persian Gulf, Islamic fundamentalism, and oil; processes of change and their effects on governments and international relations.
Judicial Politics Minor
Required Course (POLITSC 4130- Law and Politics)- Not offered Spring 2022
Elective Courses (minors choose 4. Here are the ones offered for Spring 2022).
POLITSC 2400: Introduction to Political Theory
Semester | 3 credit units
An introduction to the field of political theory through classic and contemporary texts and selected case studies. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 210 or 210H. GE soc sci orgs and polities course. SS Admis Cond course.
POLITSC 3440: Political Theories of Justice
Semester | 3 credit units
Focuses on debates among political theorists about the meaning of justice; "What is justice?" and "How might we order our world justly?" Prereq: 2499 (210). Not open to students with credit for 572.
POLITSC 4136: Civil Liberties
Semester | 3 credit units
An examination of civil liberties decisions by American courts, their legal and political bases, and their effects on government and society. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 519.
POLITSC 4138: Women and the Law
Semester | 3 credit units
An examination of the legal status of women and the ways in which law affects the situation of women in American society. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 514.
Legal Foundations of Society Minor
The multidisciplinary minor in Legal Foundations of Society provides students with an exposure to the legal underpinnings of society from a liberal arts perspective. It is not intended as a “pre-law” program, but rather, as a means of providing a foundational understanding of the ways society constructs and uses its legal systems.
Required Course:
SOCIOL 2309: Introduction to Law and Society
Semester | 3 credit units
Introduction to the law as a social institution, including the origins of law and its relationship to other social institutions, social control, and social change.
Required Course (choose 1)
PHILOS 2400: Political and Social Philosophy
Semester | 3 credit units
Philosophical bases of social and political institutions and practices; analysis of such fundamental conceptions as rights, justice, equality, political obligation, and civil disobedience. Prereq: English 1110.xx or 1110.xxH, or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 230. GE cultures and ideas course.
POLITSC 2400: Introduction to Political Theory
Semester | 3 credit units
An introduction to the field of political theory through classic and contemporary texts and selected case studies. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 210 or 210H. GE soc sci orgs and polities course. SS Admis Cond course.
Elective Courses (minimum 9 credit hours)
AEDECON 3170: Agribusiness Law
Semester | 3 credit units
A study of the legal system and selected areas of law that affect agricultural types of businesses, including civil liabilities, property law, business law and regulatory law. Prereq: 2001 (200), 2001H (200H), Econ 2001 (200), or 2001H (201H). Not open to students with credit for 470 or 670.
COMM 3404: Media Law and Ethics
Semester | 3 credit units
This course will explore the theory, history, and ethical issues associated with free speech and free press areas of the First Amendment. Students will analyze key legal and ethical issues that affect journalism and media, with a focus on cases that have shaped media law and theories that help journalism professionals make decisions. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 3404H.
ECON 4700: Government and Business
Semester | 3 credit units
Economic and legal aspects of government regulation of business in the United States; philosophies and concepts of public control; contemporary problems. Students planning on taking 5700 are encouraged to take it instead. Prereq: 2001.01, 2001.02 (200), or 2001.03H (200H), or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 5700 (670), or 570.
HISTORY 2015: History of American Criminal Justice
Semester | 3 credit units
The history of crime, criminal law, law enforcement, prisons, and juvenile courts. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx. Not open to students with credit for 375. GE historical study course.
PHILOS 2400: Political and Social Philosophy
Semester | 3 credit units
Philosophical bases of social and political institutions and practices; analysis of such fundamental conceptions as rights, justice, equality, political obligation, and civil disobedience. Prereq: English 1110.xx or 1110.xxH, or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 230. GE cultures and ideas course.
POLITSC 2400: Introduction to Political Theory
Semester | 3 credit units
An introduction to the field of political theory through classic and contemporary texts and selected case studies. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 210 or 210H. GE soc sci orgs and polities course. SS Admis Cond course.
POLITSC 3440: Political Theories of Justice
Semester | 3 credit units
Focuses on debates among political theorists about the meaning of justice; "What is justice?" and "How might we order our world justly?" Prereq: 2499 (210). Not open to students with credit for 572.
POLITSC 4136: Civil Liberties
Semester | 3 credit units
An examination of civil liberties decisions by American courts, their legal and political bases, and their effects on government and society. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 519.
POLITSC 4138: Women and the Law
Semester | 3 credit units
An examination of the legal status of women and the ways in which law affects the situation of women in American society. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 514.
PSYCH 4485: Psychology and the Law
Semester | 3 credit units
Contributions of psychological theories to the legal system and the role of mental health professionals in this system. Prereq: A grade of C- or above in 2220 and 2300. Not open to students with credit for 485.
SOCIOL 2209: Introduction to Criminal Justice
Semester | 3 credit units
Examination of the development and administration of criminal law and agencies (police, courts, corrections); emphasis on criminal proceedings and their justification. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 209.
SOCIOL 4507: The Criminal Justice System
Semester | 3 credit units
Advanced study of the role and operation of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections. Prereq: Jr standing or above, or permission of instructor or department.
SOCIOL 4509: Sociology of Law
Semester | 3 credit units
The relationship between law and social order emphasizing the structure of law, social origins of law, and law as a source of social change. Prereq: Jr standing or above, or permission of instructor or department. Not open to students with credit for 509.
SOCIOL 4510: Gender, Crime, and the Criminal Justice System
Semester | 3 credit units
Analysis of females as participants in and victims of crime, the treatment of women in the criminal justice system, women as workers in criminal justice fields. Prereq: Jr or Sr standing; or permission of instructor, or department. Not open to students with credit for 510.
SOCIOL 4511: Juvenile Delinquency
Semester | 3 credit units
A sociological perspective in youth and crime; special attention to the magnitude of youth crime, theories, juvenile justice systems, and prevention and control efforts. Prereq: Jr or Sr standing; or permission of instructor, or department.
SOCIOL 4611: Prisons, Jails, and Community Corrections
Semester | 3 credit units
Overview of prisons, jails, and community corrections from institutional and prisoner perspectives. Prereq: Jr or Sr standing; or permission of instructor, or department. Not open to students with credit for 611.
SOCIOL 4615: Control and Prevention of Crime and Delinquency
Semester | 3 credit units
Analysis of the operational effectiveness of special measures and programs pointed toward the control and prevention of crime and delinquency. Prereq: Jr or Sr standing; or permission of instructor, or department. Not open to students with credit for 615.
Political Decision Making Minor
Required Course: POLITSC 4120 (US Congress) not offered Spring 2022
Elective Courses (minors choose 4. Here are the ones offered for Spring 2022).
POLITSC 3910: Identity Politics
Semester | 3 credit units
Explores who controls the meaning of identity in society; examining identity from the perspective of liberal, sociological, and social psychological, structuralist, and institutionalist theories. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 547.
3912: Political Leadership
Semester | 3 credit units
Establishment of a working definition of political leadership, investigation of recruitment of leaders, analysis of major functions political leaders perform, and assessment of consequences of political leadership. Prereq: 1100 (100), 1200 (101), or 3100 (300). Not open to students with credit for 612.
POLITSC 4164: Political Participation and Voting Behavior
Semester | 3 credit units
A study of political participation and its correlates, determinants of the vote decision, and analysis of recent American elections. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 574.
Political Theory Minor
Required Course:
POLITSC 2400: Introduction to Political Theory
Semester | 3 credit units
An introduction to the field of political theory through classic and contemporary texts and selected case studies. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 210 or 210H. GE soc sci orgs and polities course. SS Admis Cond course.
Elective Courses (minors choose 4. Here are the ones offered for Spring 2022).
POLITSC 3430: Political Theories of Freedom
Semester | 3 credit units
Provides an overview of the various ways in which the value of human freedom has been understood and pursued in political life. Prereq: 2400 (210). Not open to students with credit for 570.
POLITSC 3440: Political Theories of Justice
Semester | 3 credit units
Focuses on debates among political theorists about the meaning of justice; "What is justice?" and "How might we order our world justly?" Prereq: 2499 (210). Not open to students with credit for 572.
POLITSC 4465: Feminist Political Theory
Semester | 3 credit units
Examines concepts in feminist political theory including the articulation of feminism, the subjects of feminist theory, the relation of race, class and sexuality to gender experience, and the use of feminist theory to transform conceptions of justice. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for WGSSt 4465. Cross-listed in WGSSt.
World Politics minor
Required Course:
POLITSC 2300: American Foreign Policy
Semester | 3 credit units
The role of the United States in world politics since the Second World War, emphasizing structural change in economic and political-military relations. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 245 or 245H. GE soc sci orgs and polities and diversity global studies course.
Elective Courses (minors choose 4. Here are the ones offered for Spring 2022).
POLITSC 3310: Defense Policy and National Security
Semester | 3 credit units
This course addresses some of the basic issues surrounding national security policy. The primary focus is on policy issues related to the use of force between and within countries. The goal of the course is to provide the analytical tools and factual knowledge that are necessary to identify and assess current and future threats to national security.
POLITSC 3910: Identity Politics
Semester | 3 credit units
Explores who controls the meaning of identity in society; examining identity from the perspective of liberal, sociological, and social psychological, structuralist, and institutionalist theories. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 547.
POLITSC 4310: Security Policy
Semester | 3 credit units
National security and military policy issues and trends since 1945; covers containment, deterrence, Vietnam, nuclear weapons, terrorism, and globalization. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 552.
POLITSC 4315: International Security and the Causes of War
Semester | 3 credit units
Examines various issues regarding international conflict and cooperation, including theories of strategic interaction and the causes of war. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 544.
POLITSC 4318: The Politics of International Terrorism
Semester | 3 credit units
Examines international terrorism's concepts and actors, the motivations and causes of terrorism, the experience of the United States, and tensions between freedoms and security. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 548.
POLITSC 4327: Politics in the Middle East
Semester | 3 credit units
Politics of Arab-Israeli relations, Persian Gulf, Islamic fundamentalism, and oil; processes of change and their effects on governments and international relations.
