Undergraduate Courses

Current Political Science Courses 

Please click here to view which courses are being offered each term. 

Catalog of Political Science Courses 

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Political Theory
• Political Methodology
• Variable Courses
• Honors Courses

American Politics 

POLITSC 1100 - Introduction to American Politics

Introduction to American politics, the institutions and processes which create public policy, the strengths and weaknesses of the American political systems.

POLITSC 1165 - Introduction to Politics

Introduction to politics and political science: power, democracy and authoritarianism, political participation, the state, political institutions, subfields of the discipline, and political research methodology. 

POLITSC 2110 - American Government Culture and Behavior

Focuses on political elites, theories of American Democracy, development of institutions, and importance of mass political behavior and organized interests. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.

POLITSC 2120 - Follow the Science: The Politics of Health

In the 20th Century, chronic conditions became the leading killers of Americans and the federal government came to play a much more expansive role in health, including the approval of treatments, regulation of harmful substances, promotion of healthy habits, and funding healthcare. Students will survey these developments and apply the resulting insights to contemporary health policy debates. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld and health and well-being course.

POLITSC 2145 - Native American Politics

Overview of the politics and governance of Native Americans. Topics include diversity of political structures designed by Indigenous peoples in North America, their dynamic relationships with the US federal government, the major historical events relevant to Native politics, and salient contemporary issues in Native American politics. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.

POLITSC 2150 - Voters and Elections

Students will engage in an in-depth study of the mechanics of democracy. Students will take a close look at various forms of voting and representation around the world and examine the motivation and tactics of elite actors (candidates, reporters, interest groups, political parties, media personalities, etc.) and the voting public. GE soc sci indivs and groups course. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.

POLITSC 3115 - Introduction to the Policy Process

Introduction to the workings of policy-making processes within governments, and the use of social science reasoning to evaluate and improve the content of policies. 

POLITSC 3147 - Intersectionality and Identity Politics

This course addresses American racial and gender politics based on relevant research. In particular, it focuses on research and theories centered on different facets of race, gender, and intersectionality in the United States.GE foundation race, ethnicity and gender div course.

POLITSC 3160 - Political Polarization & the Culture War

Course examines causes and implications of political polarization in the United States.

POLITSC 3170 - Political Psychology

Introduces students to political psychology, its development from parent disciplines, its topics and problems, its research results and methods, and their applications to current affairs.

POLITSC 4110 - The American Presidency

An examination of the American presidency, emphasizing the contemporary role of the president, the institutionalized presidency, and theories of presidential behavior. 

POLITSC 4115 - Bureaucracy and Public Policy

An examination of bureaucracies as political institutions, and a consideration of their role in several areas of public policy implementation. 

POLITSC 4120 - U.S. Congress

Analysis of legislatures and legislators, with a focus on the U.S. Congress and some attention to state legislatures and representative assemblies in other countries.  

POLITSC 4123 - Political Crisis and Reform

A survey of previous episodes of major reform in American politics, focusing on strategies used by reformers, evaluating the policy and political impact of their reforms, and applying lessons from these cases to contemporary political problems.

POLITSC 4125 - American State Politics

Comparative analysis of politics in the American states.

POLITSC 4126 - Ohio Politics

Examination of state politics with special reference to Ohio. 

POLITSC 4127 - Governing Urban America

This course will examine the major problems facing urban communities in the 21st Century; the economic, social, and political forces that have historically shaped - and continue to influence - their development; the role of government in addressing urban problems; and the major participants and stakeholders in city politics.

POLITSC 4130 - Law and Politics

Analysis of the roles of judges and lawyers as participants in the American political process; analysis of courts as political institutions. 

POLITSC 4131 - American Supreme Court

This course focuses on the U.S. Supreme Court as an institution and emphasizes the ways in which its formal and informal norms and structures shape the nature and content of the law the Court makes.

POLITSC 4135 - American Constitutional Law

Assessment of the contemporary realities of U.S. governmental authority as interpreted by the judiciary; emphasis on judicial review, case and controversy requirements, and legislative and executive power. 

POLITSC 4136 - Civil Liberties

An examination of civil liberties decisions by American courts, their legal and political bases, and their effects on government and society. 

POLITSC 4137 - The Politics of Legal Decision Making

An examination of the literature relating social-science theories and research to the law, focusing on the criminal justice system.  

POLITSC 4138 - Women and the Law

An examination of the legal status of women and the ways in which law affects the situation of women in American society. 

POLITSC 4139 - Gun Politics

Examination of the arguments and issues surrounding gun control in the United States.

POLITSC 4140 - Black Politics

Economic, political, and social constraints on the development of black political power; the efforts made by black people in recent times to organize for effective political action.

POLITSC 4143 - Race, Ethnicity, and American Politics

The goal of this course is to explore, discuss, and better understand the relationship between perceptions of racial identity, attributions of racial difference, and politics, broadly defined

POLITSC 4150 - American Political Parties

Theories of political parties, party organization, individual voting behavior, nomination and electoral politics, the party in government. 

POLITSC 4152 - Campaign Politics

The organization and strategy of American political campaigns; practical politics seen in the light of knowledge about political behavior and public opinion. 

POLITSC 4160 - Public Opinion

Origins and nature of political attitudes; the content of public opinion; the public's influence on policy-making. 

POLITSC 4164 - Political Participation and Voting Behavior

A study of political participation and its correlates, determinants of the vote decision, and analysis of recent American elections. 

POLITSC 4165 - Media and American Politics

This course presents the modern study of the media and it role in the American political system, including supply and demand pressures and how they affect media content, its effects on citizens, and the emerging role of social media in politics.

POLITSC 4170 - Gender and Politics

An examination of women's participation in political activity, including changes over time in women's political roles and comparison with the roles of men. 

POLITSC 4175 - Women, Government, and Public Policy

An examination of policymaking on gender-related issues and the impact of women in government.

Comparative Politics

POLITSC 1200 - Introduction to Comparative Politics

Introduction to modern nation-states outside the United States: problems of state- and nation-building, representation, conflict, and making of government policy in selected countries.

POLITSC 3220 - Politics of the Developing World

A general introduction to the theoretical and substantive literature dealing with the historical development and contemporary characteristics of the new states of Asia and Africa.

POLITSC 3225 - Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Examines why some countries recover quickly from war while other countries remain poor and undeveloped. Examines current explanations of post-conflict development; provides background knowledge and tools to evaluated explanations. GE soc sci human, nat, and econ resources and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 3240 - Political Violence

This course will expose students to major theoretical debates and broad empirical patterns of intrastate conflict during the post-World War II era.

POLITSC 3245 - Radicalization, Deradicalization, Countering Violent Extremism

Students will gain in-depth knowledge about the multifaceted processes of radicalization and deradicalization and the various approaches to both that have been developed in countering violent extremism policies.

POLITSC 3260 - Global Politics of Health and Disease

Introduces students to the global politics of health and disease by examining the conceptual history, organizational actors, practice, and issues of global health politics through interdisciplinary texts in international relations, global health, and health policy.

POLITSC 3280 - Politics of Markets

Introduction to the interaction between politics and markets, in theory and in practice. We study how markets are embedded in political and social institutions, and how political systems and markets are organized across time and space. 

POLITSC 3290 - Comparative Public Policy

This course serves as an introduction to public policy in comparative perspective; its focus is on wealthy democracies. The first part of the course explores broad theories about how and why public policy differs so dramatically across countries. The second part of the course focuses on cross-national differences across specific policy domains.

POLITSC 4200 - Politics of Modern Democracies

A survey of the basic institutions and politics of modern democracies, with emphasis on representativeness and democratic stability.

POLITSC 4210 - Politics of European Integration

A survey of the politics of European integration since the Second World War; topics include theories of political integration, institutions of the EU, its policies and decision making, common currency, and internal and external relations.

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.

POLITSC 4240 - Latin American Politics

A study of political processes, institutions, and groups in Latin America, with emphasis on constitutional, geographical, social, and economic environments in which they operate.

POLITSC 4242 - Incomplete Democracies

Explores various forms of violence including electoral violence and political assassination, organized crime, police brutality, and other human rights abuses in Latin America.

POLITSC 4245H - Democratic Erosion

How do democracies become less democratic? This course will explore the causes and consequences of democratic breakdown in countries around the world and over time.

POLITSC 4249 - Domestic Politics of International Conflict

Examination of war and the impact of domestic politics on the war-making decision; influence of domestic institutions and public opinion on leaders' ability/willingness to wage war.

POLITSC 4250 - African Politics

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.

POLITSC 4270 - The Canadian Political System

The Canadian political system, including institutional, behavioral, socio-economic, cultural, and ideological components, often in comparison with the United States' political system.

POLITSC 4282 - The Politics of Income Inequality

Introduces fundamental politics of income inequality and redistribution, including social policy development, redistributional policy differences between countries, and popularity of differing welfare programs.

POLITSC 4285 - The Comparative Politics of the Welfare State

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.

International Relations

POLITSC 1300 - Global Politics

Cooperation and conflict in world politics. Covers basic theories of international relations and key issues, including security, political economy, international organizations, and the environment. 

POLITSC 2300 - American Foreign Policy

The role of the United States in world politics since the Second World War, emphasizing structural change in economic and political-military relations. 

POLITSC 2367 - Contemporary Issues in American Politics

Discussion of and critical writing about controversies in contemporary American politics; aimed at fostering analytical abilities in reading comprehension, oral, and written expression.

POLITSC 3310 - Defense Policy and National Security

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 3380 - Political Analysis of International Economic Relations

Examines the relationship between political and economic events in the international system; topics include global interdependence, inequality, scarce resources, and periphery nation strategies. 

POLITSC 4300 - Theories of International Relations

Various theories of world politics, such as realism, liberalism, long cycles, domestic and bureaucratic politics, and decision-making level theory.

POLITSC 4305 - International Theory

Various theories of world politics, such as realism, liberalism, long cycles, domestic and bureaucratic politics, and decision-making level theory.

POLITSC 4310 - Security Policy

National security and military policy issues and trends since 1945; covers containment, deterrence, Vietnam, nuclear weapons, terrorism, and globalization.

POLITSC 4315 - International Security and the Causes of War

Examines various issues regarding international conflict and cooperation, including theories of strategic interaction and the causes of war.

POLITSC 4318 - The Politics of International Terrorism

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.

POLITSC 4320 - Strategies for War and Peace

Examination of how political leaders make decisions, emphasizing such issues as leaders' reasoning processes and the impact of public opinion and foreign policy bureaucracies.

POLITSC 4326 - Russian Foreign Policy

Basic concepts about, and choices in, Russian foreign policy; development and presentation of patterns of relations with key nations; major problems in future relationships.

POLITSC 4327 - Politics in the Middle East

Politics of Arab-Israeli relations, Persian Gulf, Islamic fundamentalism, and oil; processes of change and their effects on governments and international relations.

POLITSC 4330 - Global Governance

Examination of emergence and form of global governance, including questions of legitimation, democratization, and enforcement; as well as collective security, humanitarian intervention, and proliferation.

POLITSC 4331 - The United Nations System

Activities and potential of the United Nations system in promoting economic well-being, environmental management, resource sharing, social justice, and control of violence.

POLITSC 4332 - Politics of Globalization

Examines globalization's origins, impacts on human welfare, and political conflicts that arise from it, including actions of governments, multinational corporations, and the anti-globalization movement.

POLITSC 4335 - International Environmental Politics

Theories and debates over sustainable development, environment, and security, and effectiveness of international regimes with a focus on international fisheries management and global climate change.

POLITSC 4381 - Comparative International Political Economy

A survey of foreign economic policies followed by European and other advanced industrial economies since the Napoleonic Wars, with a special emphasis on Britain, France, Germany, the United States, and Japan.

POLITSC 4385 - Quantitative Studies of International Conflict

Acquaints students with the quantitative literature on conflict and war.

Political Theory 

POLITSC 2400 - Introduction to Political Theory

An introduction to the field of political theory through classic and contemporary texts and selected case studies.

POLITSC 3420 - Political Theories of Democracy

An examination of theories of democracy, focusing on normative and descriptive dilemmas such as participation versus liberty in democratic societies. 

POLITSC 3430 - Political Theories of Freedom

Provides an overview of the various ways in which the value of human freedom has been understood and pursued in political life. 

POLITSC 3440 - Political Theories of Justice

Focuses on debates among political theorists about the meaning of justice; "What is justice?" and "How might we order our world justly?" 

POLITSC 3450 - Ethics and Public Policy

Contemporary approaches to public policy evaluation and their ethical foundations, including efficiency, security, rights, welfare, and equity. 

POLITSC 3460 - Global Justice

Examines the idea of justice between states and among the people of the world. What would a just world look like? How should we live in our unjust world? Current debates about war, the environment, diversity and poverty will be considered.

POLITSC 4420H - Debating Democracy

Intensive examination of theories of democracy, focusing on normative and descriptive dilemmas such as participation versus liberty in democratic societies.

POLITSC 4455 - Human Rights

Examines human rights, including the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights; coercive enforcement of rights; as well as hunger, violence, persecution, and economic rights.

POLITSC 4465 - Feminist Political Theory

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.

POLITSC 5411 - Justice, Sin, and Virtue: Ancient & Medieval Political Thought

This course focuses on foundational texts in western political thought: from ancient Athens, republican and imperial Rome, the Christian middle ages, and the Italian Renaissance. These works deal with themes that remain central in modern political life, including social justice, political action and religious faith, and the struggle between civic virtue and self-interest.

POLITSC 5412 - Life, Liberty, and Property: Early Modern Political Thought

Why do we have government? What are the proper limits of its authority? What should we do when its demands conflict with our moral or religious beliefs? These questions lie at the center of early modern political thought, and gave rise to the idea of the social contract.

POLITSC 5413 - Democracy, Equality & Revolution: 19th Century Political Thought

This course examines some of the earliest and most influential attempts to wrestle with the practical implications of living in a world where people were not only considered equal in theory, but were becoming equal in fact. Topics of discussion will include the relationship between liberty and equality, individualism and conformity, alienation and exploitation, and morality and power.

POLITSC 5414 - Liberalism, Totalitarianism, and Empire: 20th Century Political Thought

The 20th century was a time of unprecedented transformations: world wars, genocide, the collapse of colonialism and the spread of capitalism. This course examines the political theories that contributed to these developments as well as efforts to understand these changes.

Political Methodology 

POLITSC 3500 - Political Games: Rational Choice Theory and the Study of Politics

Are political outcomes and institutions the result of decision-making by rational, self-interested political actors? This course explores how the assumption of individual rationality has shaped the field of political science.

POLITSC 3549 - Survey Research in Political Science

The conducting of public opinion polls.

POLITSC 3596 - Nationalism and Ethnicity

Explores socio-political identities, especially ethnicity and nationality, from a comparative perspective. Drawing upon theories from political science, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and economics, we will study the origins and characteristics of these identities, as well as their consequences for democracy, economic development, and violent conflict. GE soc sci indivs and groups and cross-disciplinary seminar course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 4553 - Game Theory for Political Scientists

Provides entry-level understanding of the basic concepts of game theory and how these concepts are applied to the study of political phenomena.

POLITSC 4597.02 - Political Problems of the Contemporary World

Critical political problems of industrialized and developing societies, including governmental legitimacy, conflict and violence, social welfare, equality, and economic development.

POLITSC 4597.03 - Gender and Democracy in the Contemporary World

Highlighting perspectives from various contexts across the globe, this course explores issues of gender and democracy in the contemporary world.

Variable Courses 

POLITSC 1910 - Introduction to the Politics of Identity

This course is designed to introduce students to the continued significance of race, gender, and ethnicity in American society with a focus on identity. Examines how various identities and combinations of identities (namely race, ethnicity, and gender) are associated with sociopolitical experiences and attitudes. GE foundation race, ethnicity and gender div course.

POLITSC 3001 - Economy, Polity, and Community

Examines how different ways of thinking about human nature shape our understanding of philosophy, politics, and economics. 

POLITSC 3002 - Tradition, Progress, and Utopia

Examines how different ways of thinking about social and political change shape our understanding of philosophy, politics, and economics.

POLITSC 3780 - Data Literacy and Data Visualization

Introduction to the tools of data analysis in political science, with an emphasis on data visualization. GE data anly course. GE foundation math and quant reasoning or data anyl course.

POLITSC 3780H - Data Literacy and Data Visualization

Most social science debates can be addressed with data, and sources of data are growing exponentially. This course introduces students to tools of data analysis and principles behind their use in the context of social-science applications. GE data anly course. GE foundation math and quant reasoning or data anyl course.

POLITSC 3785 - Data Science for the Social and Behavioral Sciences

Introduction to new issues in data science, including big data, machine learning, network interdependencies, and automated extraction of meaning from widely varied sources of data.

POLITSC 3798 - Field Research Methods for Politics & Development in Africa: Education Abroad in Malawi

This education abroad course focuses on research methodologies used to understand political and economic outcomes in Africa. The course will be especially useful for undergraduate students who plan to conduct research or design programs and interventions in the developing world.

POLITSC 3905 - Political Manipulation

Examines how political actors manipulate the rules and the salience and availability of information to shift political outcomes in their favor. 

POLITSC 3910 - Identity Politics

Explores who controls the meaning of identity in society; examining identity from the perspective of liberal, sociological, and social psychological, structuralist, and institutionalist theories. 

POLITSC 3912 - Political Leadership

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. 

POLITSC 3950 - Careers in Political Science

Designed to help students explore different career paths related to Political Science, engage with professionals working within a range of careers, and build a portfolio in preparation for entering the job market.

POLITSC 4781 - Data Analysis in Political Science I

Covers basic techniques for analyzing data in political science.

POLITSC 4782 - Data Analysis in Political Science II

Covers advanced techniques for analyzing data in political science.

POLITSC 4784 - Complexity Science and the Study of Politics

Familiarize students with agent-based models and complexity science to better understand political behavior.

POLITSC 4920 - Politics in Film and Television

Political films and TV shows often convey an understanding of the political world. How films portray the political process may influence society's attitudes toward politicians and government. Students will compare the portrayal of politics in films and TV to the reality as understood through political science. This is not part of the Film Studies major and does not count toward requirements.

POLITSC 4940 - The Politics of Immigration

Provides overview of international migration phenomenon: patterns of international migration, reasons for immigration, acceptance of immigrants by governments and public, dynamics of anti-immigrant sentiment.

POLITSC 5000 - Quantum Mind and Social Science

Examines the growing, if still speculative, possibility that consciousness and therefore society are macroscopic quantum mechanical phenomena. If that's right, today's social sciences are based upon a fundamental mistake since they assume that human beings are classical machines. Replacing classical assumptions in social science with quantum ones would be a revolution in thought.

Honors Courses

POLITSC 1100H - Introduction to American Politics

Introduction to American politics, the institutions and processes which create public policy, and the strengths and weaknesses of the American political systems.

POLITSC 2400H - Introduction to Political Theory

An introduction to the field of political theory through classic and contemporary texts and selected case studies.

POLITSC 3310H - Honors Defense Policy and National Security

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 student with the analytical tools and factual knowledge that they will need to identify and assess current and future threats to national security.

POLITSC 3780H - Data Literacy and Data Visualization

Most social science debates can be addressed with data, and sources of data are growing exponentially. This course introduces students to tools of data analysis and principles behind their use in the context of social-science applications.

POLITSC 4127H - Governing Urban America

This course will examine the major problems facing urban communities in the 21st century; the economic, social, and political forces that have historically shaped--and continue to influence--their development; the role of government in addressing urban problems; and the major participants and stakeholders in city politics.

POLITSC 4132H - Supreme Court Decision Making

Study of explanations for Supreme Court decisions; use of those explanations and independent research to predict justices' positions in current cases. 

POLITSC 4135E - American Constitutional Law

Assessment of the contemporary realities of U.S. governmental authority as interpreted by the judiciary; emphasis on judicial review, case and controversy requirements, and legislative and executive power. 

POLITSC 4139E - Gun Politics

Examination of the arguments and issues surrounding gun control in the United States.

POLITSC 4245H - Democratic Erosion

How do democracies become less democratic? This course will explore the causes and consequences of democratic breakdown in countries around the world and over time.

POLITSC 4385E - Quantitative Studies of International Conflict

Acquaints students with the quantitative literature on conflict and war.

POLITSC 4420H - Debating Democracy

Intensive examination of theories of democracy, focusing on normative and descriptive dilemmas such as participation versus liberty in democratic societies.

POLITSC 4553H - Game Theory for Political Scientists

Provides entry-level understanding of the basic concepts of game theory and how these concepts are applied to the study of political phenomena.

POLITSC 4597.02H - Political Problems of the Contemporary World

Critical political problems of industrialized and developing societies, including governmental legitimacy, conflict and violence, social welfare, equality, and economic development.

POLITSC 4784E - Complexity Science and the Study of Politics

Familiarize students with agent-based models and complexity science to better understand political behavior.

POLITSC 4893H - Honors Seminar in International Politics

Intensive study of selected political science topics and issues in a seminar format; topics vary.

POLITSC 4894H - Honors Seminar in Political Theory

Intensive study of selected political science topics and issues in a seminar format; topics vary.

POLITSC 4920H - Politics in Film and Television

Political films and TV shows often convey an understanding of the political world. How films portray the political process may influence society's attitudes toward politicians and government institutions. Students will compare the portrayal of politics in films and TV to the reality as understood through political science. This is not part of the FilmStd major and does not count toward requirements.

POLITSC 4999H - Honors Thesis Research

Honors thesis research with thesis adviser. Minimum of two semesters required of candidates for BA with distinction in political science.