Political Science

Examination of theories, concepts, and structures instrumental in understanding international relations. Includes a realistic, systematic and political economy analysis of actions and interactions, images and realities in international affairs. Topics include great power rivalry, the arms race, great power intervention in the Third World, trade war and conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.

This course surveys the scope and methods of the study of political behavior and political systems. It examines political ideologies; the emergence and evolution of nation-states; government policies; the pursuit and uses of power; the role of parties, interest groups and social movements in influencing decision-making institutions; the primary forms of governing institutions (parliamentary and presidential); and relations between nations.

Surveys the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the national government; the role of political parties, interest groups and public opinion. Includes discussion of local and state government and the political uses of the law.

Examines the role of states in the American federal system. Analyzes intergovernmental relations and issues of current interest such as taxing powers, grants, and responsibilities for providing public services such as education, policing, welfare, and environmental protection. Special attention to Minnesota.

This course surveys the government and politics of local governments, including counties, cities, and townships. Major topics include contrasts between major urban governments and local governments in Greater Minnesota, intergovernmental relations between local, state and federal levels, elected and appointed leadership, local budget policy, economic development, and land use issues.

A survey of the study of comparative politics. Students examine political concepts (including representation, legitimacy, and the state), ideologies, institutions and processes as applied to selected industrial democracies, authoritarian, totalitarian, communist regimes, and developing countries, ending with a discussion of ethics from a comparative political perspective.

An examination of history, function, dynamics and future of the United Nations and its role as an international organization. Students will be involved in case studies and problem resolution.

A study of more advanced topics in political science not normally provided as part of the curriculum.

An independent study course designed primarily for Honors Program students. This course allows more in-depth or comprehensive study or research.

Covers the basics of research methodology and an introduction to statistical analysis and data processing with computers as applied to Political Science.

This course surveys the government and politics of local governments, including counties, cities, and townships. Major topics include contrasts between major urban governments and local governments in Greater Minnesota, intergovernmental relations between local, state and federal levels, elected and appointed leadership, local budget policy, economic development, and land use issues.

This course considers the role of government in the regulation of the market. In doing so, we consider regulatory practice and the mechanisms to adjust market behavior. To that end, we consider rulemaking, adjudication, enforcement, licensing, the collection of information, judicial review, and public sector personnel management.

An examination of the role of the U.S. Constitution and the state and federal courts in handling crime and justice in America. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of legal precedents, recent Supreme Court decisions, federalism, criminal procedure, and efforts to reform the American criminal justice system.

The study of political thought from Plato to the 17th century. Special attention is paid to Plato and Aristotle. Various ideas are examined, including the nature of rights, absolutes, the nature of human beings, the necessity of laws and the state, and the relationship between people and society.

A broad overview of public administration, including policy analysis, budgeting, personnel, organization, leadership, decision-making and ethics in a political environment. Examination of the theory and application of public management practices at all levels of government.

An examination of the various rights, responsibilities, and liberties guaranteed Americans in the U.S. Constitution. Special attention is paid to First Amendment speech, assembly, press and religious rights; governments ability to conduct searches; equal protection; economic liberties; protection against self-incrimination, and rights before and during criminal trials.

A traditional regional approach to geography combined with a survey of several important subfields, such as urban geography, geopolitics, political geography, and economic geography.

A study of the impact of American laws, courts, and judicial practices on American society. Includes examination of significant Supreme Court decisions; the changing role of lawyers; the plight of the nations poor; problems associated with civil litigation; public perceptions of the nations judicial system, and efforts to reform the national legal system.

A survey of American political ideas, and their consequences, from the American Revolution to the present. Includes an examination of the European origins of the American political tradition. Among the figures studied are John Locke, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John C. Calhoun, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of the dialogue between conservatism and liberalism since World War II.

An examination of the history, functions, and characteristics of the United States Supreme Court. Special focus is given to the contemporary Supreme Court, current legal and judicial controversies, and the Supreme Courts individual members. The central feature of the course is a mock U.S. Supreme Court trial, which engages all class members (through research, preparation of written briefs, and presentation of oral arguments) in a term project. The trial is judged by local attorneys and other members of the legal community, all of whom appear clad in black judicial robes.

This course considers the legal regimes that govern how international law is employed, how it is created, its sources, and the substantive bodies of law that have evolved to shape the field. That is, we take a look at human rights, humanitarian law, private international law, and the development of international organizations, all of which influence the structure and governance of the international community.

Selected topics in Political Science. Special emphasis will be given to individual research projects.

Seminar devotes intensive study to selected topics in the fields of government and statecraft. Includes exposure to scholarly literature in the field, student-led discussions of course material, a major research project, and formal presentation of findings.

A study of politics through individual research projects. Topic to be selected by the student.

The course gives credit for supervised work assigned in a government agency, political campaign, or interest group for selected and qualified students. Preparation and final report required.