RockhuRst univeRsity 2012–2014 catalog

PS 1000. Introduction to Politics (3)An exposure to the fundamental tools for understandingpolitical life. The purpose and scope ofpolitics, methods of analysis and alternative ways oforganizing the political process are studied. (SRI)PS 1100. American Federal andState Government (3)An introductory survey of the origin, principles,powers and limitations of the American federaland state governments. Recent presidential andcongressional campaigns and elections are studiedto gain insight on the political process as well asmajor issues now facing the federal government.(SRI)PS 3100. The American Presidency (AP) (3)A study of the evolution of the American presidencywith emphasis on the constitutional and politicalroles as well as personalities of presidents in guidingdomestic and foreign policy. Particular attention isfocused on the administrations of Franklin D. Rooseveltand his successors. (SRII or SRI)PS 3130. American State and Local Politics (AP) (3)This course considers the major institutions, actorsand issues of United States state and local politics.The impact of federalism on states, metropolitanregions and cities as well as the politics of governance,agenda setting and public budgeting will bestudied.PS 3150. The Congress (AP) (3)A study of the evolution of the U.S. Congress as apolitical institution. The legislative process is examinedas well as the constitutional and political rolesof the Congress. Special attention is given to howthe reforms of the 1970’s have shaped Congresstoday as well as what political scientists have recentlyhad to say about the Congress. (SRII or SRI)PS 3170. Political Leadership (CP/AP) (3)Although political leadership is the principal focusof the course, leadership is also considered in awider context. What is a leader? What are thequalities that are necessary to be an effective leader?How can leaders build credibility? How importantare the qualities of character and competence?What constitutes “successful” leadership? All ofthese questions will be addressed through the studyof individuals who have held leadership positionsin both the U.S. as well as in other parts of theworld. (SRII or SRI)PS 3190. Elections and Voter Behavior (AP) (3)Using candidate role playing and other activelearning methods, this course explores Americanpublic opinion and how it translates into electionoutcomes at the federal, state, and local levels. Itwill provide understanding of people’s held viewson political issues, particularly as interpreted bypolls. The approach of the course will be to analyzethese opinions in the context of existing votingstructures and campaign techniques. Strongemphasis will be placed on current electoral contestsand outcomes. (SRII or SRI)PS 3300. Western European Politics (CP) (3)A comparative study of the political institutions ofGreat Britain, France and Germany with particularemphasis on current problems. (SRII or SRI, GPR)PS 3310. Eastern European-RussianPolitics (CP) (3)A comparative study of the political institutionsof the former communist states in Eastern Europeand Russia with particular emphasis on currentproblems stemming from the dramatic changeswhich began in 1989. (GPR)PS 3330. The U.S. and the Pacific Rim (CP) (3)The course is a comparative study of U.S. relationswith the countries of East Asia (China, Japan,Korea and the Russian Far East) and SoutheastAsia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,Thailand and Vietnam). Besides looking atpolitical practices and institutions, the course alsoexamines how U.S. relations with these countrieshave been affected by geographical, historical, economicand cultural factors. (SRII or SRI, GPR)PS 3350. Latin American Politics (CP) (3)A comparative study of the political practices and institutionsof major Latin American states with a majoremphasis on the unique historic and cultural milieu.Particular emphasis is placed on current domestic andforeign policy issues. (SRII or SRI, GPR)PS 3355. Inter-American Politics (IR) (3)A study of current diplomatic relations of WesternHemisphere states. After consideration of historictrends from the past, the focus will be on currentissues which pose challenges as well as opportunitiesfor hemispheric states with particular emphasison the United States. (GPR)PS 3370. Middle Eastern Politics (CP) (3)A comparative study of the political institutionsof selected Middle Eastern states with particularemphasis on the Arab-Israeli conflict and the politicsof oil. (SRII or SRI, GPR)PS 3510. Politics in Fiction and Film (AP) (3)A study of how politics is depicted in fiction andfilms. Students read works of fiction and view filmsthat touch upon politics and the political processfrom both an American and international perspective.(SRII or SRI)PS 3520. U.S. Foreign Policy (IR) (3)This course initially focuses on the historical experiencesand values shaping the foreign policy ofthe U.S. The role played by the major branches ofthe federal government as well as non-governmentactors then is studied. The course concludes withan analysis of U.S. policy toward selected countriesand regions of the world. (SRII or SRI)PS 3550. International Relationsand Organizations (IR) (3)A study of the underlying forces influencing internationalaffairs and the power positions of stateswith particular attention to the role of the UnitedNations and other international organizations.(SRII or SRI, GPR)Undergraduate College of Arts Programs & SciencesCollege of Arts and Sciences155