Course Descriptions Spring 2016
Department of Politics and Government
POL 100: Introduction to Politics (Schachtschneider)
The phrase "politics is everywhere,” emphasizes the often forgotten reality that
every aspect of our daily lives is impacted by politics. Today, many students
interested in politics lack a basic knowledge of the concepts, theories, and methods
of the discipline of political science. This course serves to introduce students to the
"bare bones" of the study of politics while simultaneously showing students
how this material applies to them on an individual and daily basis. This is a required
course for POL majors.
POL 101 (Sec. 1): Citizens and Governance (Schachtschneider) is a
course that is available to and welcoming of students of all academic backgrounds
and interests. Its primary purpose is to provide students with an overview of the
fundamental approaches and subject matter of political science in order to increase
students' consciousness of the modern political world.
POL 101 (Sec. 2): Citizens and Governance (Replogle)
Learn about politics through movies! This course helps students discover their role
as citizens in a complex world by making politics accessible to all. We will move
beyond the headlines by examining the core concepts of politics—e.g. power, justice,
and the need for order—and applying those concepts to film.
POL 106 (Sec. 1 & 2): US Government and Civic Practices (MC-ICL)
(Rankin: Sec 1, Palmer Sec. 2)
This course serves as an introduction to American Government and will focus on the
theoretical founding of the United States. It will include discussions on: American
institutions (Presidency, Congress, Judiciary), federalism, U.S. Constitution (civil
right & civil liberties), voting and elections, media, and finish with foreign and
domestic policy.
POL 138 (Sec. 1): Quantitative Reasoning in Political Science
(Ajayi)
Uses a classroom laboratory approach to develop skills in statistical reasoning and
methods. This course will explore how research is conducted in political science. A
major focus will be the various stages in the research process including:
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Formulating research questions and hypotheses
Research design
Data collection and analysis
Drawing conclusions
POL 138 (Sec. 2): Quantitative Reasoning in Political Science
(Westerhout)
This course is about the reasoning process by which the social sciences make use of
statistics, and it serves as an introduction to data analysis and statistical inference.
The main topics to be covered in this course include the formulation of research
questions and hypotheses, concepts and measurements, and a variety of statistical
techniques. Upon completion of the course, students should be more informed
consumers of information as well as potential practitioners of quantitative methods.
POL 140 (Sec. 1): Introduction to the Politics of Africa, Asia, and
Latin America (Ajayi)
Overview of the politics and cultures of the peoples and countries of Africa, Asia, and
Latin America. This course will explore the “Third World”. What economic,
political, social, cultural and environmental state are these nations in? How did they
get there? Are they in a desirable state? If so, how is it sustained; if not how can it
be alleviated?
POL 140 (Sec. 2): Intro to the Politics of Africa, Asia and Latin
America (Parodi)
Who governs? Who are governed? What is the relationship between rulers and
ruled? Who are the winners and losers? How legitimate and sustainable is the
political arrangement? How does politics in the US compare to politics in Africa,
Asia, and Latin America?
POL 140 (Sec. 3): Introduction to the Politics of Africa, Asia, and
Latin America (Schachtschneider)
This course is an introduction to the political science subfield of comparative
politics as applied to the study of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It focuses on broad
theoretical approaches and concepts while also integrating case studies to provide
students with a full and detailed knowledge of politics in these regions. This course
addresses topics such as colonialism and its consequences, international political
economy, the power of civil society, violent and nonviolent paths to change, and the
roles and reputations of international organizations and the U.S. in regards to these
regions.
POL 151 (Sec. 1): Introduction to International Relations
(Westerhout)
In this course we will explore the themes of international politics. While no previous
expertise in the topic is required, some degree of awareness and interest in world
affairs is expected. Among other things, we will discuss the politics of economic
globalization, international organizations, conflict, and international public policy.
We will utilize the analysis of current events to illustrate the theories we learn. At
end of the semester students taking this course should have a better understanding
of how the institutions of international relations operate and how they impact our
lives.
POL 151 (Sec. 2): Introduction to International Relations (OnlineIAI) (Cox)
See catalog description
POL 161 (Sec 1 & 2): Introduction to Political Theory (Singh)
This course is designed to provide an introduction to some of the central thinkers
and texts in the history of political thought. As a thematic focus, we will pay
particular attention to the relationship between morality and politics in these texts.
LGS 201 Introduction to Law for Paralegals (Puckett – Sec. 1;
Phelan – Sec. 2)
This course introduces students to basic legal concepts, legal terminology, and the
role paralegals play in the American legal system. Students will study a variety of
areas of criminal and civil law. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 hours. This course
counts towards the Political Science Major and Minor.
POL 212: The Politics of Legal Decision-Making (Leonard)
In this course we will examine how judges make decisions. In doing so we will
address the role of ideology, the other branches of government, gender, race, and
other factors that might affect decision-making. The focus will be on the American
federal and state courts, but we will consider the constraints on the decision-making
of judges in other countries.
POL214: U.S. Political Parties (Milita)
Examines the role of interest groups in American politics. Using examples from current
events, such as net neutrality and the recent Citizens United vs. FED ruling, the course
explores how "special interests" have positioned themselves as key power brokers in
American politics.
POL 215: US Judicial Processes (Zigerell)
This course introduces the major elements of the judicial system, such as police,
lawyers, juries, and judges. The goal for the course is for students to develop a
better understanding of how the US judicial system works.
POL 217: The American Presidency (Westerhout)
The American presidency is an institution that is a product of and reflects the
changing conditions and political characteristics of the United States. From the
founders to the current day, this seat of political influence, decision-making, and
policy implementation has been a central part of what makes the American national
political system unique. In this course we will look at how and why changes have
occurred and their impact on other parts of political life.
POL 222: Urban Politics and Problems (Riverstone)
This course explores the history of urban development and politics in the United
States, with a particular focus on political and structural responses to changing
social and economic conditions. Today's city is then studied from the perspectives of
social justice, economic development, suburban development, intergovernmental
relations, and more.
POL 231: Introduction to Public Administration (Lind) is an
asynchronous online course that answers the following questions: In a larger
context, what is the role of government? There has always been conflict in our
society regarding the proper role of government. How should public organizations
be structured to reflect the will of the public? How do we ensure
accountability? What is the proper role of the public administrator/analyst in policy
implementation? How should programs be evaluated? This course will provide you
with an overview of the field of public administration, particularly the distinctions
that set management of public organizations apart from that of private-sector
organizations. There are several multiple-choice exams and discussion posts in this
class.
POL232: Politics and Public Policy (Milita)
A first introduction to understanding what public problems are, how
policies are formulated to solve them, and what the likely consequences of
those policies will be.
POL 241: European Politics (Online) (Cox)
See catalog description
POL 246: African Politics (Aideyan)
This course introduces students to the major issues, themes and perspectives for
understanding contemporary Africa, south of the Sahara. To achieve this goal, we will
study the historical patterns of traditional African political systems; a review of the
contending analytical perspectives regarding African politics and societies. The
course will concentrate on the following additional areas; colonialism, independence
and nationalism, international relations, and the enduring problems of nationbuilding and development in the post-colonial period.
POL 251: Theories and Concepts of International Relations
(Aideyan)
This course provides a foundation for understanding and describing the behavior of
states and non-state actors in an increasingly globalized world. As a political
process, it focuses upon patterns of conflict and cooperation. An important concern
is to trace the nature and dynamics of war. Why do nations go to war? Is it because
of the ego of national leaders? Is it because some states are badly structured
internally? Or is it because of the uncertainty underlying the anarchy of world
order? Of course, war and violence do not always happen. So, why do individuals,
groups, nations, and international organizations seek peace and security, expansion
of economic wealth and pursuit of justice both within nations and among nations?
POL 254: Global Issues: Politics of Culture and Identity (Sarfati)
The aim of this course is to make students familiar with the major debates
surrounding the politics of culture and identity by introducing critical and
mainstream texts. In the first part of the course, we will evaluate different
theoretical approaches that study the relationship between culture and politics in
the national and global contexts. In the second part of the course, we will focus on
the political salience of culture as group membership by discussing the politics of
ethnic, national, racial, gender, and sexual identities from a comparative
perspective. We will conclude our course by examining how democratic institutions
can accommodate diverse - and sometimes contradictory- cultural demands in
multicultural settings.
POL 255: International Conflict and Security (Replogle)
This course invites students to join scholars, politicians, and practitioners in
attempting to understand the muddied, complex, and ever-changing political
context of violent conflict and its peaceful resolution. By balancing case studies with
an ethical and theoretical exploration of war’s most pressing issues--such as
intervention, the changing character of war, insurgency, and post-conflict
challenges--students will explore the complicated relationship of armed conflict to
security—of nations, groups at all levels, and to regular people commonly
termed “civilians.”
POL 262: Theories of Recognition in the Modern Era (Webber)
Central to modern political thought is the idea of the "self." We will explore in detail
how canon thinkers have conceptualized the self, especially in
relation to "others." The consequences of this self-formation for
politics (democracy, representation, equality, authority, liberty and
freedom) will be examined through several examples from popular film,
literature and social media. Examples: Fanon, Astell, de Beauvoir,
Lorde, Hegel, Rousseau, Honneth.
265: Anti-intellectualism in American Political Thought and
Practice (Webber)
In this course, we examine the American historical tradition of
supplanting intellectual erudition with religious, belief, common
sense, national past times and business acumen. We also examine how
non-dominant American citizens have their knowledge discredited or
stolen by media and political elites. Examples: Hofstadter, DuBois,
Stewart, Cady Stanton, Wright, (not related to the others, Trump).
POL 266: American Legal Theories (Shapiro)
In this course, we will examine selected topics in American legal theories as they
bear on the powers of government and the liberties of citizens. In particular, we will
focus on legal doctrines and interpretations of punishment (the most direct
application of the law to individual citizens), privacy (the use of the law to protect
citizens from state power) and executive power exercised beyond ordinary statutes,
or in “states of emergency.”
POL 296: Professional Development (Major Required) (Rankin)
Have you ever asked yourself the question: what’s next? How do I search for jobs in
a digital environment? Do I need to clean up my social media pages? What is
LinkedIn? Can I go to graduate/law school? What is an assistantship? This course
seeks to prepare you for that giant step that comes after college. We will work to
build a resume and cover letter, while practicing our mock interviewing skills. This
class will utilize numerous guest speakers from the political and business world.
We will also look at the process to attend graduate school and/or law school,
including how to finance it. This is a major required course, designed to be taken in
your junior/senior year, PRIOR to your required internship.
POL300/302: Senior Seminar/Honors Seminar: Direct Democracy
(Militia)
Examines the role of direct democracy is shaping the policy landscape in America.
Are the initiative & referendum a safety valve that allow citizen legislators to
reprimand an unresponsive state government? Or simply a tool for "special
interests?"
POL 324: Topics in Public Law (Zigerell)
This course examines scientific evidence in the legal context. Goals for the course
include an increased understanding of scientific methods, increased understanding
of science related to the legal field such as DNA, and rules of admissibility for
scientific testimony in federal and Illinois courts.
POL 325: Constitutional Law: Functions and Powers (Leonard)
In this course we will examine how the Supreme Court has determined the
limitations on the powers of Congress and the President. Focusing on Articles I, II,
and III of the Constitution, we will address how the Court has interpreted this power
over time, and the political implications of these decisions. We will also address
power of the two branches during wartime, the power to tax and spend, the
commerce clause, and the takings clause among others.
POL 327: Constitutional Law: Freedom of Expression (Zigerell)
This course reviews major Supreme Court decisions involving discrimination and
the freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion. Goals for the course include an
improved understanding of the development of the law regarding equality and free
expression and an improved ability to make a persuasive legal argument using
precedent.
POL 331: Human Resource Management (Lackland)
This course reviews the personnel process in American bureaucracy; matching the
individual and the job; employer-employee relations; employee motivation;
problems and prospects. Prerequisite: POL 231 or consent of the instructor.
POL 338: Gender and Political Theory (Singh)
This course provides an advanced survey of feminist thought and critically examines
gender and sexism as organizing categories of our social and political lives. We will
also examine how sexism intersects with others forms of oppression like racism,
classism, and imperialism, and explore the demands of social justice with respect to
these oppressions in both local and global contexts.
POL 345: Topics in Asian Politics: South Asia in Transition (Riaz)
In the past decades South Asia (i.e., Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal,
Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives), as a region, has drawn attention of the
international community for a number of reasons. The rise of India as a potential
global power, the successes of Bangladesh in achieving a number of millennium
development goals, and the end of civil war in Sri Lanka illustrate the positive
developments, while Nepal’s faltering democracy, Afghanistan’s contentious
election, weakness of governing institutions in Pakistan, and growing trend of
authoritarianism in many countries reveal the political challenges the region in
facing. Despite the projected growth of about 6 percent in the coming years,
addressing poverty and disparity remain a daunting task for all the governments.
The threat terrorism pose is not only to Afghanistan, but to other countries as well
in various measures. This course will address these issues and discuss the relevance
of these to the United States.
POL340: Topics in Latin American Politics (Parodi)
The course is a study of Peru in comparative perspective in the context of Latin
America covering issues such as development, transitional justice, and elections.
POL 344: Topics in Global Studies – The Wealth and Poverty of
Nations (Aideyan)
This course seeks to address this question: why have a small number of Western
countries and Japan emerged as wealthy, industrial societies, while the great majority
of countries have not? Put in another way: Why are some countries rich and others
poor? The immediate answer is we do not know for sure. However, this class will
teach us the extent of what is known about this question, from the specific
perspectives of political economy and institutional analysis. While conceding that we
can think of development as an economic phenomenon, it might be more useful to
think of the process as deeply political.
POL 349: Topics in Middle East Politics: Popular Protests and the
Quest for Democracy (Sarfati)
The aim of this comparative politics course is to introduce students to the debates
on popular protests, social mobilization and democratization in the context of
current popular uprisings in the Middle East. The course’s aim is twofold. On the one
hand, we will consider different theories pertaining to protest movements,
revolution and democratization. On the other hand, we will implement the insights
drawn from these theories to the cases of Arab uprisings, Green Protests in Iran and
the Gezi Park Protests in Turkey. At the end of the semester, the students are
expected to gain a firm grasp of the major debates pertaining to the popular protests
and democratization literature in comparative politics, implement these theoretical
insights to specific country case studies, and gain basic knowledge about the
dynamics of the uprisings in the Arab world and beyond.
POL 351: International Law (Cox)
See catalog description
POL 352: Human Rights (Shawki)
This course focuses on the broad and diverse range of issues related to human
rights and international human rights politics. We will study the modern human
rights movement, the international human rights regime, and regional human rights
regimes. We will also examine the role of different actors in human rights politics. In
addition, we will discuss some of the controversies and dilemmas surrounding the
pursuit of human rights at the domestic and international levels. The issue areas we
will be studying include: the human right to food, women’s rights, and human
trafficking and contemporary forms of slavery.
POL 361: Topics in Political Theory: Representing Race: American
Democracy and Black Lives Matter (Shapiro)
This course explores the entanglement of racism and American democracy, tracing
historical precedents for current conflicts. It highlights the reproduction of racial
divisions and hierarchies through law and policing, popular violence, social science,
and the media. In turn, it considers both historical and current examples of antiracist literature, art, social movements, and counter-media.
POL 398.01 Public Service Internship (Lind) is a required course for POL
majors. The Public Service Internship programs have provided hundreds of students
with hands-on experience and professional development invaluable to their
education. Students find their own internships in public, private or nonprofit
agencies and work 45 hours per credit earned. The Public Service Internship
programs incorporate reflection and education with the action that student interns
take at their host sites. 6 credits maximum in major/16 credits maximum toward
senior hours.
POL 412: Topics in American Politics: Political Psychology
(Palmer)
This course is designed to be an overview of the topics in the field of political
psychology. We will focus on psychological factors that influence the ways which
citizens approach the political world, receive and process information from peers
and political elites, form and express attitudes and opinions, and evaluate political
candidates.
POL 422: Seminar in Urban Politics (Riverstone)
Using primary and secondary resources, this graduate seminar explores the
development and importance of cities in American society. The changing social,
political, and economic conditions of the city are explored, as are the political
responses to those changes. A focus on economic and community development is
a common theme throughout the course, as is the relationship of the city to other
governments in the United States.
POL 431: Seminar in Public Administration (Lind) is a graduate course
designed for students expecting to enter the public or nonprofit sectors after
graduation. It is an elective for Stevenson Center students. This course focuses on
tensions and trade-offs between important values in public administration and the
institutional foundations of the public service in political, bureaucratic, and legal
settings. In particular, this course is intended to increase your awareness of
theoretical and practical aspects of the field of public administration.
POL 442: Topics in Comparative Politics: Democratization (Sarfati)
This graduate level seminar aims to introduce students various empirical and
methodological debates revolving around the concepts of democracy and
democratization in comparative politics by reading classical and contemporary
works. Throughout the semester we will explore several types of theories regarding
the requisites of democratic regimes, including theories that emphasize
socioeconomic factors, class relations, political institutions, civil society, and cultural
variables. Moreover, we will get familiar with the literature on democratization,
including theories on democratic transition, democratic consolidation, relationship
between religious actors and democratic governance, and social movements and
democratization. The objective of this seminar is to help you think critically and
comparatively about empirical theories of democracy and democratization.
POL 497: Quantitative Research Methods (Wang) is designed for
graduate students in political science and in other social science disciplines who
intends to use advanced statistical techniques in their research. Students must have
basic knowledge of hypothesis testing and multiple regression analysis. Topics
covered in this class include linear regression and its diagnosis, regression with
dummy variables, binary logit model, multinomial logit model, ordered logit model,
and event count models. To achieve the course objective, a series of homework
assignments combining analytics with statistical software applications (SPSS and
Stata) will be provided. Students are also required to complete a final research
project employing the statistical techniques covered in the class analyzing originally
collected data.
POL 498.11: Public Service Internship (Lind) is an elective course for
graduate students to gain hands-on experience in public or nonprofit agencies.
Students find their own internships in public, private or nonprofit agencies and
work 45 hours per credit earned. 3 credits maximum.
IDS 111: Introduction to Peace Studies (Westerhout)
Peace cannot be studied or understood in isolation of other social processes.
Throughout the course of this semester we will work to understand historical
conceptualizations of peace, to define peace for ourselves, and to see how peace is
both enabled and constrained by larger social, economic, and political structures.
IDS 125: Foundations of Citizenship: Introduction to Civic
Responsibility (Poffenbarger)
This gateway course introduces students to concepts about civic engagement and
active citizenship. Using a variety of methods, this course motivates students to
develop constructive citizenship attributes that contribute to an enlightened society
and sustainable community. The course is designed to enhance students’ basic
knowledge, understanding, and skills in active citizenship and civic responsibility
through introductory concepts.