2019-2020 BSC Catalog

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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examined but with an emphasis on the interdependent nature of country relationships.
Prerequisite: GCS 100, PS 238, or PS 240.
PS 368 Political Violence (1)
An examination of the sources, theories, evolution, and outcomes of political violence
and revolution, emphasizing the reasons, justifications, and rationalizations for violence
in its various manifestations within nation-states. The intersection between violence,
religion, and politics will be explored, as well as sources and types of terrorism.
Prerequisites: GCS 100 or PS 238; and at least junior standing.
PS 370 GP Environmental Hazards and Urban Social Risks (1)
An examination of environmental hazards (tectonic-earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes,
extreme weather, hydrological events, disease epidemics) and urban social risks (poverty,
war, starvation, crime) utilizing analytical perspectives from both the physical and social
sciences. The social and political construction of risks and hazards and mitigation
strategies are examined, and resources from local, national, and international
governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in risk reduction are utilized.
The course may include fieldwork and/or travel. A Global Perspectives designated
course. (Also listed as GCS 370 and UES 370.) Prerequisite: at least sophomore standing.
PS 400 International Political Economy (1)
An advanced seminar course that surveys the relationships between international politics
and economics. Contending theoretical approaches to explaining a variety of IPE
phenomena, from mainstream to radical, will be considered and critically examined.
Topically, this course covers issues ranging from trade, debt, aid, and development to the
role of states, multinational corporations, and international institutions. An emphasis will
be placed upon threats to political and economic stability in developing countries.
Prerequisites: GCS 100, PS 235, or PS 238; and at least junior standing.
PS 434 Introduction to International Human Rights Law (1)
A seminar on international law with an emphasis on human rights. Concepts and
principles, functions and processes associated with international law are applied to
general categories of human rights. Special attention is paid to the International Criminal
Court, war crimes, genocide, children’s rights, human trafficking, modern slavery,
workers’ rights, gender and health issues, the environment, indigenous rights, torture, and
punishment. Student engagement with a human rights institution is a requirement. (Also
listed as HRC 434.) Prerequisite: at least junior standing. Spring of odd-numbered years.
PS 445 Democracy and Radical Politics (1)
An advanced course approaching democracy and other "radical" political ideas and
movements from a comparative perspective. Factors and conditions contributing to
democratization, democratic consolidation, and democratic erosion are explored. The
impacts of fringe and radical politics in democratic and authoritarian regimes are also
analyzed. Prerequisite: GCS 100 or PS 238.
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2019-2020