2007-2008 Academic Catalog (4-Aug-2007).indd - AUK

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY of KUWAIT
2007-2008 ACADEMIC CATALOG
PHYS 389 Special Topics (1-3)
Permission of Instructor. Can be repeated for credit.
POLITICAL SCIENCE (PLSC)
PLSC 200 Introduction to Political Science (3) [S]
An investigation into the nature of government and politics; exploration of the basic
philosophies, principles, and concepts of governance, and of the structures and processes of
political systems. Topics include the structure and function of states, forms of government,
public administration, the nature and character of domestic, foreign, and national security
policy, relations between states, the international system and international organizations.
PLSC 202 International Relations (3) [S]
An examination of the basic factors and conditions which determine or influence relations
among governments and states. Analysis of conflict and cooperation in a rapidly-changing
world; impact of non-state actors and international organizations such as the United Nations;
determinants of foreign policy; and sources of national economic and political power. Some
attention is paid to contemporary developments including the post-Cold War unipolar order.
PLSC 203 Comparative Politics (3) [S]
Analysis of how varied Western and other polities address the enduring problems of order,
political responsiveness, political change, and the legitimacy of government structures. The
course includes the comparative investigation of the relationships between the individual,
social groups, and the state. Issues of individual freedom and collective responsibility are also
addressed.
PLSC 204 International Political Economy (3) [S]
An examination of the interaction between politics and economies in international affairs.
The course includes the effect of economic conditions on foreign military and security policy,
and the impact of foreign and military policies on economic relations. Topics also include
imperialism, globalization, regional economic systems and international economic institutions
such as the WTO, World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Prerequisite: INST 101 or
PLSC 200.
PLSC 207 International Relations of Arab States (3) [S]
Historical and contemporary analysis of the foreign policies of Arab States. Intra-Arab state
relations; the Arab League; Euro-Arab relations, US-Arab relations, Arab-East Asian relations
and Arab-African relations. Prerequisite: INST 101.
PLSC 210 Methods of Research in Political Science (3) [S]
Introduction to scientific method, data gathering, research design, statistical analysis, and
computer applications for international relations and comparative studies research. The
course develops analytical skills that students need as active consumers of research findings.
[Cross listed with INST 210].
179