Political Science
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Courses
For course descriptions not found in the UC San Diego General Catalog, 2012–13, please contact the department for more information.
Lower Division
10. Introduction to Political Science: American Politics (4)
This course surveys the processes and institutions of American politics. Among the topics discussed are individual political attitudes and values, political participation, voting, parties, interest groups, Congress, presidency, Supreme Court, the federal bureaucracy, and domestic and foreign policy making.
11. Introduction to Political Science: Comparative Politics (4)
The nature of political authority, the experience of a social revolution, and the achievement of an economic transformation will be explored in the context of politics and government in a number of different countries.
12. Introduction to Political Science: International Relations (4)
The issues of war/peace, nationalism/internationalism, and economic growth/redistribution will be examined in both historical and theoretical perspectives.
13. Power and Justice (4)
An exploration of the relationship between power and justice in modern society. Materials include classic and contemporary texts, films and literature.
27. Ethics and Society (4)
(Same as Phil. 27) An examination of ethical principles (e.g., utilitarianism, individual rights, etc.) and their social and political applications to contemporary issues such as abortion, environmental protection, and affirmative action. Ethical principles will also be applied to moral dilemmas familiar in government, law, business, and the professions. Satisfies the Warren College ethics and society requirement. Prerequisites: CAT 2 and 3, DOC 2 and 3, MCWP 40 and 50, Hum 1 and 2, MMW 2 and 3, WCWP 10A–B, or WARR 11A–B.
30. Political Inquiry (4)
Introduction to the logic of inference in social science and to quantitative analysis in political science and public policy including research design, data collection, data description and computer graphics, and the logic of statistical inference (including linear regression).
40. Introduction to Law and Society (4)
This course is designed as a broad introduction to the study of law as a social institution and its relations to other institutions in society. The focus will be less on the substance of law (legal doctrine and judicial opinions) than on the process of law–how legal rules both reflect and shape basic social values and their relation to social, political, and economic conflicts within society.
87. Freshman Seminar (1)
The Freshman Seminar Program is designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments and undergraduate colleges, and topics vary from quarter to quarter. Enrollment is limited to fifteen to twenty students, with preference given to entering freshmen. May not be used to fulfill any major or minor requirements in political science.
99R. Independent Study (1)
Independent study or research under direction of a member of the faculty. Prerequisites: Student must be of freshman class standing, and a Regents Scholar; approved Special Studies form.
Upper Division
Minimum requirement for all upper-division courses is at least one quarter of lower-division political science, or upper-division standing.
American Politics
100A. The Presidency (4)
The role of the presidency in American politics. Topics will include nomination and election politics, relations with Congress, party leadership, presidential control of the bureaucracy, international political role, and presidential psychology.
100B. The US Congress (4)
This course will examine the nomination and election of congressmen, constituent relationships, the development of the institution, formal and informal structures, leadership, comparisons of House with Senate, lobbying, and relationship with the executive branch.
100C. American Political Parties (4)
This course examines the development of the two major parties from 1789 to the present. Considers the nature of party coalitions, the role of leaders, activists, organizers, and voters, and the performance of parties in government.
100DA. Voting, Campaigning, and Elections (4)
A consideration of the nature of public opinion and voting in American government. Studies of voting behavior are examined from the viewpoints of both citizens and candidates, and attention is devoted to recent efforts to develop models of electoral behavior for the study of campaigns. The role of mass media and money also will be examined.
100E. Interest Group Politics (4)
The theory and practice of interest group politics in the United States. Theories of pluralism and collective action, the behavior and influence of lobbies, the role of political action committees, and other important aspects of group action in politics are examined. Prerequisites: sophomore standing.
100H. Race and Ethnicity in American Politics (4)
This course examines the processes by which racial and ethnic groups have/have not been incorporated into the American political system. The course focuses on the political experiences of European immigrant groups, blacks, Latinos, and Asians.
100J. Race in American Political Development (4)
Readings examine how the multiracial character of the United States has shaped the broad outlines of American politics. Cases include the founding/the Constitution, southern politics, social organization in formerly Mexican regions, the New Deal, consequences of limited suffrage. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
100K. Railroads and American Politics (4)
The railroads transformed the economy and politics of the United States in the nineteenth century. The railroads were the first big businesses and their sheer size lead inevitably to conflict with governments at all levels. This conflict shaped modern politics. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
100M. Political Psychology (4)
We begin with hypotheses about how people develop political attitudes, and methods to test those hypotheses. The second half focuses on emerging cognitive neuroscience insights, including brain imaging, and asks how these inform theories of political cognition, affect, and behavior. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
100N. Politics in Washington (4)
Examines Washington as a political community, its institutions, culture, and history. In addition to its elected officeholders and senior government officials, it examines Washington’s subcommunities: the national news industry, diplomatic service, the representation of interests. Prerequisites: department approval is required.
100O. Perspectives on Race (4)
Drawing heavily from the political psychology literature, this course looks at race in American politics from a variety of perspectives. We consider psychological, genetic, neuroscience, economic, political, sociological, and legal views of what drives powerful dynamics of race in our country. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
100P. Economic Entrepreneurs and American Politics (4)
This course is concerned with the interaction between representative democracy and capitalism in American political history. The key to understanding this interaction is the role of the entrepreneur in the economy and how unexpected economic change shapes politics. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
100Q. Advanced Topics in Racial Politics (4)
This course explores how race shapes outcomes in American democracy through in-depth exploration of key issues in American politics. Topics include race in the voting booth, immigration, discrimination, and inter-minority conflict.
102C. American Political Development (4)
Examines selected issues and moments in the political history of the United States, comparing competing explanations and analyses of US politics. Likely topics include the founding, “American exceptionalism,” change in the party system, race in US politics, the “new institutionalism.”
102E. Urban Politics (4)
(Same as USP107) This survey course focuses upon the following six topics: the evolution of urban politics since the mid-nineteenth century; the urban fiscal crisis; federal/urban relationships; the “new” ethnic politics; urban power structure and leadership; and selected contemporary policy issues such as downtown redevelopment, poverty, and race.
102F. Mass Media and Politics (4)
This course will explore both the role played by mass media in political institutions, processes and behaviors, and reciprocally, the roles played by political systems in guiding communication processes.
102G. Special Topics in American Politics (4)
An undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of American politics. May be repeated for credit two times, provided each course is a separate topic, for a maximum of twelve units.
102J. Advanced Topics in Urban Politics (4)
(Same as USP 110) Building upon the introductory urban politics course, the advanced topics course explores issues such as community power, minority empowerment, and the politics of growth. A research paper is required. Students wishing to fulfill the paper requirement with field research should enroll in the subsequent Poli Sci 102JJ course (offered Summer Session 2). Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
102JJ. Field Research in Urban Politics (2)
(Same as USP 111) To be taken with the approval of the Poli Sci 102J instructor, this course allows students to do original field research on topics in urban politics. This course is offered in Summer Session 2 subsequent to a 102J course. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. May not be used to fulfill any major or minor requirements in Political Science.
102K. The Urban Underclass (4)
The lives of individuals living in ghetto poverty in the United States. Causes and consequences of ghetto poverty. Political debates surrounding the underclass and different possible solutions. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
102L. The Politics of Regulation (4)
Politics and policy-making issues in regulation. Themes: regulation versus legislation; general versus specific grants of regulatory power; market versus command mechanisms; private property; and risk assessment. Emphasis on American regulatory policy, examples from current regulatory debates (e.g., health care and environment). Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
103A. California Government and Politics (4)
(Same as USP 109) This survey course explores six topics: 1) the state’s political history; 2) campaigning, the mass media, and elections; 3) actors and institutions in the making of state policy; 4) local government; 5) contemporary policy issues; e.g., Proposition 13, school desegregation, crime, housing and land use, transportation, water; 6) California’s role in national politics.
103B. Politics and Policymaking in Los Angeles (4)
(Same as USP 113) This course examines politics and policymaking in the five-county Los Angeles region. It explores the historical development of the city, suburbs, and region; politics, power, and governance; and major policy challenges facing the city and metropolitan area. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
103C. Politics and Policymaking in San Diego (4)
(Same as USP 115) This course examines how major policy decisions are made in San Diego. It analyzes the region’s power structure (including the roles of nongovernmental organizations and the media), governance systems and reform efforts, and the politics of major infrastructure projects. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.
104A. The Supreme Court and the Constitution (4)
An introduction to the study of the Supreme Court and constitutional doctrine. Topics will include the nature of judicial review, federalism, race, and equal protection. The relation of judicial and legislative power will also be examined.
104B. Civil Liberties—Fundamental Rights (4)
This course will examine issues of civil liberties from both legal and political perspectives. Topics will include the First Amendment rights of speech, press, assembly, and religion; other “fundamental” rights, such as the right to privacy; and some issues in equal protection. Conflicts between governmental powers and individual rights will be examined.
104D. Judicial Politics (4)
Introduction to the study of law and courts as political institutions and judges as political actors, including the role of the judiciary in our constitutional system and decision making both within the Supreme Court and within the judicial hierarchy.
104F. Seminar in Constitutional Law (4)
This seminar will provide an intensive examination of a major issue in constitutional law, with topics varying from year to year. Recent topics have included equal protection law and the rights of civilians in wartime. Students will be required to do legal research on a topic, write a legal brief, and argue a case to the seminar. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 104A, B; department stamp.
104I. Law and Politics—Courts and Political Controversy (4)
This course will examine the role of the courts in dealing with issues of great political controversy, with attention to the rights of speech and assembly during wartime, questions of internal security, and the expression of controversial views on race and religion. The conflict between opposing Supreme Court doctrines on these issues will be explored in the context of the case studies drawn from different historical periods.
104L. Positive Political Theory of Law (4)
We will discuss modern theories of the origins of law and legal behavior.
104M. Law and Sex (4)
How law regulates and impacts sexuality and orientation with focus on constitutional law in areas of privacy, free speech, association, regulation of sexual conduct under criminal law pornography, procreation, reproductive rights, and regulation of family status. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
104N. Race and Law (4)
Has the law helped end or contributed to racism in the United States? This course will explore the law of Slavery, Segregation, and Immigration, and study Equal Protection, Affirmative Action, and Criminal Justice (including hate crimes and First Amendment implications).
105A. Latino Politics in the U.S. (4)
This course examines contemporary issues in Latino politics in the U.S.; comparisons of racial and ethnic group experiences in the U.S.; Latino access to the political system through political participation. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
105B. Understanding Interracial Conflict (4)
This course examines and seeks to explain patterns of conflict and cooperation between different racial and ethnic groups within the United States. Why do groups cooperate under certain circumstances and fall into conflict in others? Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
108. Politics of Multiculturalism (4)
This course will examine central issues in debates about race, ethnicity, and multiculturalism in the United States. It will look at relations not only between whites and minorities, but also at those among racial and ethnic communities. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
Political Theory
110A. Citizens and Saints: Political Thought from Plato to Augustine (4)
This course focuses on the development of politics and political thought in ancient Greece, its evolution through Rome and the rise of Christianity. Readings from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Machiavelli, and others.
110B. Sovereigns, Subjects, and the Modern State: Political Thought from Machiavelli to Rousseau (4)
The course deals with the period that marks the rise and triumph of the modern state. Central topics include the gradual emergence of human rights and the belief in individual autonomy. Readings from Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and others.
110C. Revolution and Reaction: Political Thought from Kant to Nietzsche (4)
The course deals with the period that marks the triumph and critique of the modern state. Central topics include the development of the idea of class, of the irrational, of the unconscious, and of rationalized authority as they affect politics. Readings drawn from Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, and others.
110DA. Freedom and Discipline: Political Thought in the Twentieth Century (4)
This course addresses certain problems that are characteristic of the political experience of the twentieth century. Topics considered are revolution, availability of tradition, and the problems of the rationalization of social and political relations. Readings from Nietzsche, Weber, Freud, Lenin, Gramsci, Dewey, Oakeshott, Arendt, Merleau-Ponty.
110EA. American Political Thought from Revolution to Civil War (4)
The first quarter examines the origins and development of American political thought from the revolutionary period to the end of the nineteenth century with special emphasis on the formative role of eighteenth-century liberalism and the tensions between “progressive” and “conservative” wings of the liberal consensus.
110EB. American Political Thought from Civil War to Civil Rights (4)
The second quarter examines some of the major themes of American political thought in the twentieth century including controversies over the meaning of democracy, equality, and distributive justice, the nature of “neoconservatism,” and America’s role as a world power.
110EC. American Political Thought: Contemporary Debates (4)
This course explores contemporary issues in American political thought. Topics may include liberalism and rights, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, cultural diversity, and the boundaries of modern citizenship. Readings include political pamphlets, philosophical treatises, court decisions, and works of literature.
110ED. Seminar in American Political Thought (4)
This seminar explores debates over ideals, institutions, and identities in American political thought. Themes and topics will vary. Readings will include political pamphlets, philosophical treatises, court decisions, and works of literatue. Prerequisites: upper-division standing; department stamp.
110G. International Political Thought (4)
This course explores theories of politics that are oriented beyond state borders. Key topics include international order, cosmopolitanism, human rights, just war, global justice, mitigation, citizenship, identity, and commercial society. The course examines thinkers from classical antiquity to contemporary times.
110H. Democracy and Its Critics (4)
This course will examine the historical development of the ideal of democracy from Periclean Athens to the present in the light of criticism by such thinkers as Plato, Tocqueville, and Mosca and difficulties encountered in efforts to realize the ideal.
110J. Power in American Society (4)
This course examines how power has been conceived and contested during the course of American history. The course explores the changes that have occurred in political rhetoric and strategies as America has moved from a relatively isolated agrarian and commercial republic to a military and industrial empire.
110K. Liberty and Equality (4)
Leading political theories of liberal democracy since 1950. What is the meaning of political liberty? Political equality is the equality of what? Course will consider thinkers such as J.S. Mill, Berlin, Rawls, Dworkin, Taylor, Sen, Nussbaum, G. Cohen, Petit.
110T. Modern Political Ideologies (4)
An examination of some of the ideas and values associated with major social and political movements in Europe and the United States since the French Revolution. Topics will vary and may include liberalism, populism, democracy, communism, nationalism, fascism, and feminism.
111B. Global Justice in Theory and Action (4)
Discuss the idea of justice from multiple perspectives: theory, philosophy, institutions, markets, social mobilization, politics, and environment. Examine the assets and capabilities of diverse justice-seeking organizations and movements aimed at improving quality of life and place locally, regionally, and globally.
112A. Economic Theories of Political Behavior (4)
An introduction to theories of political behavior developed with the assumptions and methods of economics. General emphasis will be upon theories linking individual behavior to institutional patterns. Specific topics to be covered will include collective action, leadership, voting, and bargaining.
112C. Political Theory and Artistic Vision (4)
The course explores the modes of political thinking found in arts, especially in drama and literature. It may include ends and means, political leadership, and political economy. Students may not receive credit for both Poli Sci 112CS and Poli Sci 112C. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
113A. East Asian Thought in Comparative Perspective (4)
This course examines the major traditions of East Asian thought in comparative perspective. Topics include Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and contemporary nationalist and East Asian political thought. Throughout, focused comparisons and contrasts will be made between western and eastern thought. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
113B. Chinese and Japanese Political Thought I (4)
Examines philosophical traditions of ancient and modern China and Japan, to understand how these have been reflected in Chinese and Japanese development. Course will be in English; however, students with Chinese or Japanese language skills will have opportunity to use these. Graduate students will be required to complete a seminar-length research paper; undergraduate students will write a paper. Prerequisites: upper-division standing for 113B.
114B. Marxist Political Thought (4)
An introduction to Marxist thought from its roots in the Western tradition through its development in non-Western contexts. Emphasis is placed on how adaptations were made in Marxism to accommodate the specific challenges of each environment.
115A. Gender and Politics (4)
Our understanding of politics, power, conflict, and quality continue to be challenged and transformed by considering gender as it intersects with nationality, race, class, and ethnicity. We will consider the importance of gender in each of the subfields of political science.
118B. The Political Theory of Liberation Theology (4)
A comparative study of liberation theologies, including Continental, Latin American, South African, and East Asian. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 118A.
119A. Special Topics in Political Theory (4)
An undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of political theory. May be repeated for credit two times, provided each course is a separate topic, for a maximum of twelve units.
Comparative Politics
120A. Political Development of Western Europe (4)
An examination of various paths of European political development through consideration of the conflicts that shaped these political systems: the commercialization of agriculture; religion and the role of the church; the army and the state bureaucracy; and industrialization. Stress will be on alternative paradigms and on theorists.
120B. The German Political System (4)
An analysis of the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany with an emphasis on the party system, elections, executive-legislative relations, and federalism. Comparisons will be made with other West European democracies and the Weimar Republic.
120C. Politics in France (4)
This course will examine the consequences of social and economic change in France. Specific topics will include institutional development under a semi-presidential system, parties, and elections.
120D. Germany: Before, During, and After Division (4)
Consideration of political, economic, and security factors that have kept Germany at the center of European developments for more than a century.
120E. Scandinavian Politics (4)
Introduction to the politics and societies of the Scandinavian states (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden). Focuses on historical development, political culture, constitutional arrangements, political institutions, parties and interest groups, the Scandinavian welfare states, and foreign policy. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
120H. European Integration (4)
This course reviews the origins and development of the European Community/European Union and its institutions, theories of integration and the challenges inherent in the creation of a supranational political regime.
120I. Politics in Italy (4)
This course will provide a comparative perspective on the development and functioning of the Italian political system. It includes analysis of political institutions, ideological traditions, parties and elections, political elites in the policy process, and the evolving importance of Italy within European integration.
120K. Politics of Developing Countries (4)
This course critically examines central concepts and theories of development, and assesses their utility in understanding political, economic, and social change in three regions of the developing world: Latin American, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia.
120P. Africa’s Success Stories (4)
This course examines reasons why we can be cautiously optimistic about development, growth, peace and democratization in Africa. Sample cases include Botswana's resource blessing, postconflict reconstruction in Uganda, and democratization in Ghana, Benin, and Niger.
121. Government and Politics of the Middle East (4)
This course examines general themes affecting the region (social structure and regime type, religion and modernization, bonds and tensions), the character of major states, and efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and its Arab and Islamic neighbors. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
121B. Politics in Israel (4)
An interdisciplinary study of Israel as both a unique and yet a common example of a modern democratic nation-state. We will examine Israel’s history, its political, economic, and legal systems, social structure and multicultural tensions, the relation between state and religion, national security, and international relations.
122. Politics of Human Rights (4)
What do we mean by “international human rights”? Are they universal? This course examines human rights abuse and redress over time, and across different regions of the world. From this empirically grounded perspective, we critically evaluate contemporary human rights debates. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
123. Politics of Empire in Comparative Perspective (4)
In between “rises” and “declines,” empires are political entities with highly heterogeneous populations that must be governed. The course examines the similarities and differences in imperial governance, comparing the internal and external political dynamics of traditional (Roman, Ottoman), modernizing (Habsburg), and modern (British) empires. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
125A. Communities and the Environment (4)
A popular new idea in environmental protection is to include local communities in conservation efforts. But what are these communities? What challenges do they face in governing their own resources? This course uses both theory and case studies to explore the political economy of community-based conservations.
126AA. Fundamentals of Political Economy: Modern Capitalism (4)
This course explores how economic factors affect political institutions and how political action affects economic behavior in the United States and Western Europe. Particular attention is given to relations between business and labor, economic policy choices, and the impact of international trade. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 11 or consent of instructor.
126AB. Politics and Economics in Eastern Europe (4)
This course explores the interrelationship of politics and economics in Eastern Europe, analyzing the historic evolution of the area, the socialist period, and contemporary political and economic change there. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
127. Politics of Developing Countries (4)
This course critically examines central concepts and theories of development, and assesses their utility in understanding political, economic, and social change in the developing world. Central case studies are drawn from three regions: Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
128. Autocracy, Democracy, and Prosperity (4)
This course considers the interplay between factor endowments, political institutions, and economic performance. It focuses on the connection between representative political institutions and the emergence and expansion of markets.
130AA. The Soviet Successor States (4)
An overview of the historical background and contemporary politics of the fifteen successor states of the Soviet Union.
130AD. The Politics of the Russian Revolution (4)
An examination of the dynamics of the Russian Revolution from 1905 through the Stalinist period and recent years in light of theories of revolutionary change. Emphasis is placed on the significance of political thought, socioeconomic stratification, and culturo-historical conditions.
131C. The Chinese Revolution (4)
An analysis of the dynamics of the Chinese Revolution from the fall of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) to the present. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between political thought and the dynamics of the revolutionary process.
132C. Political Development and Modern China (4)
Political development has dominated the study of comparative politics among US academicians since the revival of the Cold War in 1947. This course examines critically this paradigm and its Western philosophical roots in the context of the experience of modern China.
133A. Japanese Politics: A Developmental Perspective (4)
This course will analyze the political systems of modern Japan in comparative-historical perspective.
133J. Korean Politics (4)
This course is primarily about the politics and political economy of South Korea, but will also briefly look at politics and political economy of North Korea as well as foreign and unification policies of the two Koreas. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
134AA. Comparative Politics of Latin America (4)
Comparative analysis of contemporary political systems and developmental profiles of selected Latin American countries, with special reference to the ways in which revolutionary and counter-revolutionary movements have affected the political, economic, and social structures observable in these countries today. Analyzes the performance of “revolutionary” governments in dealing with problems of domestic political management, reducing external economic dependency, redistributing wealth, creating employment, and extending social services. Introduction to general theoretical works on Latin American politics and development. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 11 or consent of instructor.
134B. Politics in Mexico (4)
General survey of the Mexican political system as it operates today. Emphasis on factors promoting the breakdown of Mexico’s authoritarian regime and the transition to a more democratic political system. Changing relationship between the state and various segments of Mexico society (economic elites, peasants, urban labor, and the Church). New patterns of civil-military relations.
134D. Selected Topics in Latin American Politics (4)
A comparative analysis of contemporary political issues in Latin America. Material to be drawn from two or three countries. Among the topics: development, nationalism, neoimperialism, political change. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
134I. Politics in the Southern Cone of Latin America (4)
This course is a comparative analysis of twentieth-century political developments and issues in the southern cone of Latin America: Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The course will also examine the social and economic content and results of contrasting political experiments. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
134N. Politics in Central America (4)
Focused examination of political conflict in one or more countries of the region, emphasizing issues, ideology, and process in grassroots political organization. Limited coverage of international politics.
136A. Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict (4)
Appropriate case studies from around the world will be selected.
136B. Comparative Politics and Political Culture (4)
This course is designed to provide undergraduates with a sound introduction to cultural interpretations of power and politics. The course will also attempt to render an explicit account of the process of theory formation in social science. Special attention will be given to Africa and Asia.
136C. Comparative Bureaucracy (4)
Politics of the administrative state in the world’s democracies. How political institutions influence governance across different types of democratic institutional environments.
137A. Comparative Political Parties and Interest Groups (4)
This course serves as an introduction to the comparative study of political parties and interest groups as well as an analytical introduction to parties, interest groups, and their role in democratic representation. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
138D. Special Topics in Comparative Politics (4)
An undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of comparative politics. May be repeated for credit three times, provided each course is a separate topic, for a maximum of twelve units.
International Relations
140A. International Law and Organizations (4)
International law and organizations are central to the efforts to create a world order to limit armed conflict, regulate world economy, and advance programs for economic redistribution among nations, and set minimum standards of human rights. This course explains the theory of international law and organizations that is accepted by diplomats and compares this viewpoint to the analysis of social scientists concerning the past record and likely future of world order concerning conflict, economic redistribution, and human rights.
140B. Concepts and Aspects of Revolution (4)
Introduction to the analytical and comparative study of revolutionary movements and related forms of political violence. Topics include: the classical paradigm; types of revolutionary episodes; psychological theories; ideology and belief systems; coups; insurgencies; civil wars; terrorism and revolutionary outcomes. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
140C. International Crisis Diplomacy (4)
A survey of international peacekeeping and peace enforcement in civil conflicts with a simulation of international diplomacy. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
142A. United States Foreign Policy (4)
United States foreign policy from the colonial period to the present era. Systematic analysis of competing explanations for US policies—strategic interests, economic requirements, or the vicissitudes of domestic politics. Interaction between the U.S., foreign states (particularly allies), and transnational actors are examined. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 12 or consent of instructor.
142I. National and International Security (4)
A survey of theories of defense policies and international security.
142J. National Security Strategy (4)
A survey of American strategies for national defense. Topics may include deterrence, coercive diplomacy, limited war, and unconventional warfare.
142K. Politics and Warfare (4)
This course offers an exploration of general theories of the origins of warfare; the impact of the state on war in the modern world; and the microfoundations of combat and compliance in the context of the costs of war and military mobilization. The course should be of special interest to students in international relations and comparative politics.
142L. Insurgency and Terrorism (4)
“Terrorism” uses “illegitimate” violence to achieve political goals. This course uses philosophical, historical, and contemporary material from distinct cultures to understand which actions are defined as “terrorist,” who uses them, why, and when, as well as the determinants of their effectiveness.
142M. US Foreign Policy/Regional Security (4)
Lectures and readings examine US foreign policy in Europe, Latin America, and East Asia with attention to current problems with specific nations (e.g., Bosnia) and issues (e.g., terrorism). This course integrates historical, comparative, and foreign perspectives on regional security dynamics.
142N. American Defense Policy (4)
An introduction to analytic techniques for assessing policy options in the field of national security. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
142O. International Terrorism (4)
(Same as SOCD 177.) This course covers the definitions, history, and internationalization of terrorism; the interrelation of religion, politics, and terror; and the representation of terrorism in the media. A number of organizations and their activities in Europe and the Middle East are examined. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
142P. Crisis Areas in World Politics (4)
This course examines the most critical areas in contemporary world politics. While the emphasis will be placed on American involvement in each crisis, an effort will be made to acquaint the student with its historical and political background. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
143A. War and Society (4)
How has warfighting evolved over the centuries? How has it varied across cultures? What has war been like for soldiers and civilians? How do societies mobilize for war, and how do they change in the short and long term from fighting? Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
144. International Political Economy (4)
This course serves as an introduction to the study of international political economy. We will examine the evolution of international economic relations in trade, finance, and economic development and discuss different explanations for its likely causes and consequences.
144AB. Selected Topics in International Political Economy (4)
This course will consider major theories purporting to explain and predict the workings of the international order from the point of view of political economy. An extended discussion of one aspect of the economic order (e.g., the multinational corporation) will serve as the test case. One quarter of economics recommended. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 12.
144E. The Politics of International Trade (4)
Examines theories of trade and protectionism, focusing both on relations among advanced industrial nations and on relations between developed and developing countries. Topics include standard and strategic trade theory, nontariff barriers to trade, export-led growth strategies, regional trade agreements, and the future of the World Trade Organization.
144F. The Politics of International Trade and Finance (4)
Examines the welfare and distributional aspects of international trade and finance as they relate to the politics of economic policymaking. Topics include: globalization in historical perspective; origins and consequences of trade policy; exchange-rate arrangements; international capital flows; currency crises; economic development.
145A. International Politics and Drugs (4)
This course examines the domestic and international aspects of the drug trade. It will investigate the drug issues from the perspectives of consumers, producers, traffickers, money launderers, and law enforcement. Course material covers the experience of the United States, Latin America, Turkey, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Japan.
145C. International Relations After the Cold War: Theory and Prospect (4)
The nature of international politics appears to have changed dramatically since 1989. This course applies different theoretical approaches to enhance our understanding of the new international environment, future prospects for peace and war, and current problems of foreign policy. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
146A. The U.S. and Latin America: Political and Economic Relations (4)
An analytical survey of US relations with Latin America from the 1820s to the present, with particular emphasis on the the post–Cold War environment. Topics include free trade and economic integration; drugs and drug trafficking; illegal migration and immigration control. Focus covers US policy, Latin American reactions, dynamics of cooperation, and options for the future.
150A. Politics of Immigration (4)
Comparative analysis of attempts by the United States and other industrialized countries to initiate, regulate and reduce immigration from Third World countries. Social and economic factors shaping outcomes of immigration policies, public opinion toward immigrants, anti-immigration movements, and immigration policy reform options in industrialized countries. Prerequisites: upper-division standing required.
151. International Organizations (4)
Surveys the theory and function of IOs (UN, NATO, EU, World Bank, IMF) in promoting international cooperation in security, peacekeeping, trade, environment, and human rights. We discuss why IOs exist, how they work, and what challenges they face. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 12, upper-division standing.
154. Special Topics in International Relations (4)
An undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of international relations. May be repeated for credit two times, provided each course is a separate topic, for a maximum of twelve units.
Policy Analysis
160AA. Introduction to Policy Analysis (4)
(Same as USP 101) This course will explore the process by which the preferences of individuals are converted into public policy. Also included will be an examination of the complexity of policy problems, methods for designing better policies, and a review of tools used by analysts and policy makers. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 10 or 11.
160AB. Introduction to Policy Analysis (4)
In this course, students will use their knowledge of the political and economic foundations of public policy making to conduct research in a wide variety of public policy problems. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 160AA.
162. Environmental Policy (4)
This course will explore contemporary environmental issues such as global warming, endangered species, and land use. Students will be asked to analyze various policy options and to write case analyses. Policies may be debated in class.
163. Analyzing Politics (4)
Politics are understood as the combination of individual preferences and decisions into collective choices. What are the issues involved in aggregating individual preferences, what is the choice of rules—formal and informal—for doing so.
165. Special Topic: Policy Analysis (4)
An undergraduate course designed to cover various aspects of policy analysis. May be repeated for credit two times, provided each course is a separate topic, for a maximum of twelve units.
168. Policy Assessment (4)
The use of real data to assess policy alternatives. Introduction to benefit/cost analysis, decision theory, and the valuation of public goods. Applications to health, environmental, and regulatory economic policy making.
170A. Introductory Statistics for Political Science and Public Policy (4)
Introduction to the use of statistics in both political science and public policy concentrating on regression based approaches. Students undertake a series of small quantitative analyses and one project. Prerequisites: upper-division standing.
Special Studies
191A–B. Senior Honors Seminar: Frontiers of Political Science (4-4)
This course is open only to seniors interested in qualifying for departmental honors. Admission to the course will be determined by the department. Each student will write an honors essay under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
192. Senior Seminar in Political Science (1)
The senior seminar is designed to allow senior undergraduates to meet with faculty members in a small group setting to explore an intellectual topic in political science at the upper-division level. Topics will vary from quarter to quarter. Senior seminars may be taken for credit up to four times, with a change in topic and permission of the department. Enrollment is limited to twenty students, with preference given to seniors. Prerequisites: department stamp and/or consent of instructor.
194. Research Seminar in Washington, DC (4)
(Same as Com/Gen 194; USP 194, HITO 193, SocE 194, COGS 194) Course attached to six-unit internship taken by students participating in the UCDC Program. Involves weekly seminar meetings with faculty and teaching assistant and a substantial research paper. Prerequisites: participating in UCDC Program.
197I. Political Science Washington Internship (6, 8)
This internship is attached to the UCDC Program. Students participating in the UCDC Program are placed in an internship in the Washington, DC, area requiring approximately seventeen to twenty-three hours per week. Prerequisites: must be enrolled in the UCDC Program; departmental stamp required.
199. Independent Study for Undergraduates (2 or 4)
Independent reading in advanced political science by individual students. (P/NP grades only.) Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
Graduate
All graduate courses are categorized as either seminars or independent study.
Seminars
200A. Foundations of Political Science (4)
An introduction to the theoretical concepts in the discipline of political science that are commonly used across various subfields. Each week will introduce the core concept(s) and discuss applications from several, if not all subfields in the department. Prerequisites: graduate student standing.
200B. Democracy (4)
An overview of the normative and positive issues associated with modern democracies. The appeal and the social, political, and economic arrangements of democracies will be explored. Prerequisites: graduate student standing.
200C. States and Markets (4)
An overview of the normative and positive issues associated with decentralized (market) versus centralized (political) mechanics of allocation. The appropriate role of government in the economy will be explored. Prerequisites: graduate student standing.
204A. Research Design (4)
This course will study various approaches to knowledge accumulation in social science. A basic outline of scientific method will be used to examine the difference between theories as assumptions and axioms and hypotheses as “if-then” statements derived from theory. Experimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative designs will be discussed. Prerequisites: graduate student standing.
204B. Quantitative Methods I (4)
The use of quantitative methods (particularly multiple regression and its extensions) in political science. Emphasis on understanding the methods and using them in political science applications. Prerequisites: graduate student standing.
204C. Game Theory 1 (4)
This course introduces students to the rudiments of decision theory and game theory. Emphasis will be placed on modeling and solving games. Prerequisites: graduate student standing.
210A. Systems of Political Thought: Thucydides to Augustine (4)
This course is a preparation for the field examination in political theory. It will provide an intensive and critical introduction to European political thought from Thucydides to Augustine. Some of the secondary literature on this period will also be explored. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
210B. Systems of Political Thought: Machiavelli to Rousseau (4)
This course is a preparation for the field examination in political theory. It will provide an intensive and critical introduction to European political thought from Machiavelli to Rousseau. Some of the secondary literature on this period will also be explored. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
210C. Systems of Political Thought: Kant to Nietzsche (4)
This course is a preparation for the field examination in political theory. It will provide an intensive and critical introduction to European political thought from Kant to Nietzsche. Some of the secondary literature on this period will also be explored. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
210D. Systems of Political Thought: Contemporary (4)
This course is a preparation for the field examination in political theory. It will provide an intensive and critical introduction to twentieth-century political thought. Some of the secondary literature on this period will also be explored. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
214. Marxist and Post-Marxist Political Philosophy (4)
An examination of selected texts in Marxist and post-Marxist political philosophy, with a focus on the theme of individual and collective identity including issues concerning alienation, consciousness, and ideology. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
216. Contemporary Liberal and Democratic Theory (4)
Normative approaches to liberty, equality, justice, and democracy, mostly Anglo-American and empirical approaches to justice. Thinkers such as Rawls, Habermas, Nozick, Dworkin, Raz, Roemer, Elster, Ostrom, Bowles, and Gintis may be considered. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
219. Special Topics in Political Theory (4)
This seminar is an examination of the different approaches to the study of political theory. Issues and research areas will vary each time the course is offered. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
220A. Comparative Politics: State and Society (4)
This course will provide a general literature review in comparative politics to serve as preparation for the field examination. Prerequisites: graduate standing, or consent of instructor.
220B. Comparative Politics: Institutions (4)
This is a second course in comparative politics designed as a preparation for the field examination. It will focus on the comparative study of political institutions. Prerequisites: graduate standing, or consent of instructor.
220C. Origins of the State (4)
Survey of theories, with empirical cases explaining origins of the modern state. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
222A. American Politics in Comparative Perspective (4)
Research seminar that focuses on the systematic comparison of the American political system with about thirty other contemporary democracies, particularly the other large industrialized countries. A central aim will be to assess the claims about American “exceptionalism.” Prerequisites: graduate standing.
223A. Comparative Parliamentary Studies (4)
A survey of the academic literature on parliamentary studies, comparing the research on legislative elections, behavior, and organization in American, European, and Asian democracies. The course will also compare various approaches to studying legislative activity. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
224. The Politics of Democratization (4)
A survey of theories explaining the processes of democratization and democratic stability. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
224A. Elections in Consolidating Democracies (4)
Course looks at elections in consolidating democracies with an eye to evaluating existing theories of elections with new data. Also explores new empirical patterns in countries around the world, especially Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Soviet successor states. Prerequisites: graduate student standing or consent of instructor.
225B. The Nation-State (4)
A reading and research seminar on the origins, development, and politics of nationalism and the nation-state. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
227. Comparative Political Economy (4)
An introduction to seminal and current research in comparative political economy. Course explores how various political institutions and processes affect economic outcomes (e.g. growth, inequality, and redistribution) and how the economy influences politics (e.g. democratization, electoral institutions, and welfare states). Prerequisites: Poli Sci 200C or consent of instructor.
229. Special Topics in Comparative Politics (4)
This seminar is an examination of the different approaches to the study of comparative politics. Issues and research areas will vary each time the course is offered. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
231E. Politics of Development (4)
This course provides an overview of previous and current efforts to explain political and economic development in non-Western settings. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
235A. Latin American Politics (4)
Introductory reading seminar on Latin American politics to acquaint students with leading schools of thought, provide critical perspective on premises and methodology, and identify themes for further inquiry. Themes include authoritarianism, revolution, democratization, regional conflict, and emergence of middle-level powers. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
236. Immigration Policy and Politics (4)
An interdisciplinary seminar covering origins, consequences, and characteristics of worker migration from Third World countries (especially Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean basin) to the United States, from the nineteenth century to the present. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
238. State and Society in Modern East Asia (4)
An examination of the role of the state in economic development in major East Asian societies and its impact on democratization. Case studies will vary but will include China, Japan, and Korea, as well as at least one other society. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
240. International Relations Theory (4)
A survey of the principal theories and approaches to the study of international relations. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
243. International Security (4)
A colloquium surveying the major theoretical controversies in the study of international and national security. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
245. International Political Economy (4)
A seminar surveying the major theoretical controversies in the study of international political economy. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
247A. Quantitative International Relations (4)
Explores empirical research in international relations with special emphasis on international conflict. Topics covered include theories on the causes of war, the distribution of power and conflict, formal and informal alignment, interdependence and conflict, linkages between domestic and international processes, and issues of research design. Students who have previously taken 247 may not take this course for credit. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
247B. Formal Models in International Relations (4)
Explores formal analytic and primarily game-theoretic research in international relations with emphasis on conflict and bargaining. Topics include: causes of war and peace, conventional and nuclear deterrence, crisis bargaining, arms race, and two-level games.
248. Special Topics in International Relations (4)
(Same as IRGN 290) This seminar is an examination of the different approaches to the study of international relations. Issues and research areas will vary each time the course is offered. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
251. American Political Institutions (4)
A critical examination of major contributions to the theoretical and empirical literature on the US Congress, presidency, and federal bureaucracy. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
252. American Politics: Behavior (4)
Theoretical and empirical perspectives on voting and other forms of political participation, parties, interest groups, and public opinion in the United States. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
254. American Political Development (4)
This course examines the historical evolution of the American state with particular attention to theories of political development. Special topics include the development of the party system, electoral and policy realignments, and the evolution of national political institutions. Prerequisites: graduate standing in any discipline of the social sciences or humanities or consent of instructor.
255. Urban Politics (4)
Examines central works on the development of political institutions in US cities; analyses of community power structures; who governs, why, and to what ends; processes and prospects for minority empowerment; the prominence of “growth machines”; the political economy of contemporary cities. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
257. Voting and Elections (4)
This course is designed to acquaint graduate students with the central themes and issues in the study of voting in national elections. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
259. Special Topics in American Politics (4)
This seminar is an examination of the different approaches to the study of American politics. Issues and research areas will vary each time the course is offered. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
270. Mathematical and Statistical Foundations (4)
This course reviews essential calculus and linear algebra and introduces probability theory (probability rules, random variables, univariate and multivariate distributions) and mathematical statistics (sampling distributions, estimation and inference frameworks). Prerequisites: graduate standing.
276. Mathematical Modeling (4)
This course demonstrates how to construct mathematical models of phenomena of interest to political science. Specific applications examined may include models for the distributions of state size, war magnitude, and democracy over time and space. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
277. Measurement Theory (4)
This course is concerned with methods of estimating latent dimensions of preference and similarity from individuals’ observed choices and judgments. Factor Analysis, Multidimensional Scaling, and related techniques are studied both with classical maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
279. Special Topics in Methodology (4)
This seminar is an examination of the different approaches to the study of methodology. Issues and research areas will vary each time the course is offered. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.
282A-B-C. Workshop on State and Society (4-4-4)
Examination of recent research in American politics, comparative politics, and political theory concerning the relationship of politics to society; development and presentation of research projects by graduate students; presentations of research projects by faculty. Second-year students present seminar paper; third-year students present dissertation prospectus; candidates make yearly presentations of dissertation research. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 202 or consent of instructor.
283A-B-C. Workshop in International Relations (4-4-4)
Examination of recent research in international politics; development and presentation of research projects by graduate students; presentations of research projects by faculty. Second year students present seminar paper; third year students present dissertation prospectus; candidates make yearly presentation of dissertation research. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 202 or permission of instructor.
284. Workshop on Scientific Communication (4)
Forms of scientific communication, practical exercise in scientific writing and short oral communication, and in criticism and editing; preparation of illustrations, preparation of proposals; scientific societies, and the history of scientific communication. Examples from any field of science, most commonly political science, economics, and law. Prerequisites: Poli Sci 202 or consent of instructor.
Independent Study
298. Directed Reading (1–12)
Guided and supervised reading in the literature of the several fields of political science.
299. Dissertation Research (1–12)
Independent work by graduate students engaged in research and writing of second-year paper and doctoral dissertation, under direct supervision of advisor.
500. Apprentice Teaching (1–4)
A course in which teaching assistants are aided in learning proper teaching methods by means of supervision of their work by the faculty: handling of discussions, preparation, and grading of examinations and other written exercises, and student relations. Twenty-four units of teaching apprenticeship meets the department teaching requirement for the PhD degree.
501. Seminar on Teaching Development—American Politics (1–4)
A seminar designed for graduate students serving as teaching assistants in American politics, includes discussion of teaching theories, techniques, and materials, conduct of discussion sessions, and participation in examinations, under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
502. Seminar on Teaching Development—Comparative Politics (1–4)
A seminar designed for graduate students serving as teaching assistants in comparative politics, includes discussion of teaching theories, techniques, and materials, conduct of discussion sessions, and participation in examinations, under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
503. Seminar on Teaching Development—International Relations (1–4)
A seminar designed for graduate students serving as teaching assistants in international relations, includes discussion of teaching theories, techniques, and materials, conduct of discussion sessions, and participation in examinations, under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
504. Seminar on Teaching Development—Political Theory (1–4)
A seminar designed for graduate students serving as teaching assistants in political theory, includes discussion of teaching theories, techniques, and materials, conduct of discussion sessions, and participation in examinations, under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisites: graduate standing.