Print this page

Bulletins

PSC - Political Science

PSC 100 Introduction to Political Science

An introduction to the historical and theoretical concepts and subject matter of political science, required for all political science majors and minors. May be offered as Writing Intensive. This course may be offered in an online format. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 101 Political Behavior

Focus is on the elements of individual political behavior. Includes rational choice; political involvement, commitment, and participation; elections and voting behavior; and political opinion. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group III-A: Behavioral Sciences)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 105 Introduction to American Government and Politics

Examines the formal institutions of government and how politics actually works in the United States: civil rights, civil liberties, elections, media, interest groups and more. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 125 African-American Politics

Examines issues of political economy, political participation, political efficacy, alienation, Black Nationalism, PanAfricanism and institutional, ideological and individual racism. (University Program Group IV-C: Studies in Racism and Cultural Diversity in the United States)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 150 Introduction to International Relations

Introduction to theoretical tools used in the field of international relations. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 151 The U.S. and the World

Prepares the student to confront the issues to be faced as a citizen of the US and as a member of the global society. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 242 Introduction to Comparative Politics

An examination of relevant theories, concepts, and methods of comparative political analysis and application of these in the study of selected political systems.v(University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 261 State and Local Government

Structure and functions of states, cities and counties, with emphasis on Michigan. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 275 Great Political Thinkers

Discussion of vital issues in the history of Western political thought, such as freedom, justice, equality, and power. Authors include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Marx. (University Program Group I-A: Human Events and Ideas)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 280QR Introduction to Empirical Methods of Political Research

Empirical political research techniques including the scientific method, measurement, descriptive and inferential statistics, literature reviews, data collection, computer assisted data analysis, and research reporting. Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisites: PSC 100, 105, or 150; one other political science course.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

PSC 100, PSC 105, or PSC 150; one other political science course

Corequisites

None.

PSC 300 Michigan Politics and Elections

Analysis of Michigan's election campaigns with focus on organization, strategies and tactics. Emphasis on election consequences for state's policy leaders, opinion, interests and government. Prerequisite: PSC 105 or PSC 261.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

PSC 105 or PSC 261

Corequisites

None.

PSC 301 Law and Policy in Michigan State Government

Analysis of Michigan's legislative process, policy issues, and state government politics. Emphasis on origination, shaping, negotiating, and content of state policy. Prerequisite: PSC 105 or PSC 261.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

PSC 105 or PSC 261

Corequisites

None.

PSC 320 The American Legislative Process

Analysis of the legislative process, studying formal and informal devices used by legislative bodies in determining policy. Primary emphasis is on the United States Congress. Prerequisites: PSC 105.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

PSC 105.

Corequisites

None.

PSC 321 The American Chief Executive

This course examines the development of the executive office of the United States, with emphasis on the Presidency. Prerequisite: PSC 105.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

PSC 105

Corequisites

None.

PSC 322 Judicial Process and Politics

Focuses on the American judicial process, including federal and state courts, roles of judges and other actors, civil and criminal justice processes, and judicial policymaking. Recommended: PSC 100 or PSC 105.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 325 The Civil Rights Movement

Examines the civil rights movement from 1954 to 1980s; based on PBS series: Eyes on the Prize. Identical to PHL 345, REL 345, SOC 345. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: Any one of the following: HST 110, HST 111, HST 112, LAR 145, PSC 100, PSC 105, PSC 125, REL 140, SOC 100. (University Program Group IV-C: Studies in Racism and Diversity in the United States)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

Any one of the following: HST 110, HST 111, HST 112, LAR 145, PSC 100, PSC 105, PSC 125, REL 140, SOC 100

Corequisites

None.

Cross Listed Courses

REL 345/SOC 345/PHL 345

PSC 326 Women and Politics

This course will look primarily at empirical studies of women’s role in politics in the U.S. but also in other contexts. Identical to WGS 326. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group IV-A: Studies in Discrimination)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

Cross Listed Courses

WGS 326

PSC 327 Lobbying and Interest Group Behavior

The reasons for, and the methods of, lobbying government officials in the United States, with an emphasis on implications for democracy. Recommended: PSC 105.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 328 Campaigns and Elections

Study of campaigns and elections in the United States, including candidate emergence and nominations, campaign organization and strategy, election results, and electoral reform. Prerequisite: PSC 105.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

PSC 105

Corequisites

None.

PSC 330 Study Abroad: Ancient Athens and Modern Greece

Students travel to Greece (Athens, Delphi, Olympia, and elsewhere) to study politics, citizenship, and culture in ancient Athens and modern Greece. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 340 African Political Systems and Processes

Comparative survey of selected African political systems with focus upon Sub-Saharan Africa.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 344 East Asian Political Systems and Processes

Emphasis on selected states in East Asia. East Asia consists of China, Japan, and Korea. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 345 Middle Eastern Political Systems

Comparative analysis of the politics of selected Middle Eastern states, including Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Iran, Israel and Turkey.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 347 Europe and the European Union

Comparative political analysis of selected European states and the European Union. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Global Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 348 Latin American Political Systems

A comparative analysis of politics in contemporary Latin America with focus on the impact of authoritarianism, international intervention, economic underdevelopment, and democratization. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 353 Model United Nations

Introduces students to the activities of the United Nations and the protocol and procedures of diplomacy in order to participate in United Nations simulations. Prerequisite: 26 credits completed.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

26 credits completed

Corequisites

None.

PSC 354 Advanced Model United Nations

Allows advanced students to further their knowledge of the protocol and procedures of diplomacy and participate in United Nations simulations. Prerequisite: PSC 353. Co-requisite: PSC 355.

Credits
1-6(1-0)

Prerequisites

PSC 353

Corequisites

PSC 355

PSC 355 Model United Nations Lab

This course is a lab for PSC 353 and PSC 354. Can be repeated up to a total of nine credits. CR/NC only. Co-requisite: PSC 353 or 354.

Credits
1-9(Spec)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

PSC 353 or PSC 354

PSC 360 Trial Advocacy

Practice conducting all stages of criminal and civil trials and gain a strong working knowledge of the judicial system, evidentiary rules, and methods of persuasion. Recommended: PSC 105.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 365 Criminal Law

An introduction to the study of substantive criminal law, including the elements of crimes, defenses to crimes, criminal sanctions, and constitutional limits on criminal law. Identical to SOC 365. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

Cross Listed Courses

SOC 365

PSC 370 Gurus, Avatars, and Nukes: South Asian Politics

This course will introduce students to South Asian politics. It will examine the evolution of political institutions, ethnic conflicts, and political crises in the region. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 371 American Political Thought

Selective survey of dominant trends in American political thought from the revolutionary era to the present. (University Program Group I-A: Human Events and Ideas)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 375 Modern Ideologies

This course examines a number of different modern ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, fascism, conservatism, environmentalism, and radical Islamism.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 390 Independent Study

Directed reading or research on an approved topic. Prerequisite: Open to students not on academic probation and who shall have completed 12 semester hours in political science, with the permission of the instructor.

Credits
1-4(Spec)

Prerequisites

Open to students not on academic probation and who shall have completed 12 semester hours in political science, with the permission of the instructor

Corequisites

None.

PSC 394 Practicum in Public Polling

This course provides experiential learning in the use of public opinion polling to facilitate democratic processes and governance. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: PSC 280 and permission of instructor.

Credits
1-12(Spec)

Prerequisites

PSC 280 and permission of instructor

Corequisites

None.

PSC 395 Internship in Government and Politics

An integrative learning experience where students apply textbook knowledge to governmental and public affairs work experience. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Credits
1-12(Spec)

Prerequisites

permission of instructor

Corequisites

None.

PSC 398 Special Topics in Political Science

Examines the role of public and nonprofit organizations in society. Covers special topics of interest not covered in existing courses. May be repeated when the content is not a duplication of a previous special topics offering. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Credits
3-9(3-0)

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor.

Corequisites

None.

PSC 421 Constitutional Law: Powers of Government

Examines major U.S. Supreme Court decisions concerning judicial review, separation of powers, federalism, fiscal and commerce powers, and economic liberties.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 422 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties

Examines major U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding the First Amendment, criminal procedure, racial and gender equality, and the right to privacy.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 426 Feminist Theory

Examination of theories that describe and criticize the social, cultural and political status of women and offer alternatives to the status quo. Identical to WGS 426 and PHL 426. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Recommended: one course in philosophy or one of PSC 275, 326, 371, 372, 373, 378.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

Cross Listed Courses

WGS 426, PHL 426

PSC 453 American Foreign Policy

Analyzes the external interests of the United States and how they are pursued.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 501 Bullets not Ballots: Revolution, Insurgency and Civil War

This course examines the theory and literature on the causes of violent conflicts such as revolution, insurgency and civil war.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 514 American Public Policy Making

This course serves to integrate political institutions and levels of government in terms of policy development and implementation. Prerequisites: PSC 105 or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

PSC 105 or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

PSC 515 Comparative Public Policy

Techniques of cross-national and other comparative policy analysis applied to social and economic policies of industrialized nations, especially Western Europe. May be offered as Writing Intensive.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 516 Environmental Politics and Policy

Analysis of relationships between politics and public policy in the environmental arena. Emphasis upon policy making process, political strategies, and alternative decision modes. Prerequisite: Completion of 56 credit hours or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

Completion of 56 credit hours or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

PSC 520 American National Government and Politics

This course will examine the major theoretical frameworks used in the study of American national government and politics and survey current research in the area. Prerequisite: PSC 105 and a minimum of 12 hours of political science coursework at the 200-level or above, or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

a minimum of 9 hours of political science coursework, including PSC 105

Corequisites

None.

PSC 522 Regulatory Processes and Administrative Law

Survey of the principles of administrative law and the politics of the U.S. regulatory processes. 

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 536 Refugees and Forced Migration Studies

Major causes of forced migration and their implications for international security. Prerequisites: Completion of 56 credit hours or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

Completion of 56 credit hours or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

PSC 551 Seminar in International Relations

Significant aspects of international relations on the basis of timeliness and importance.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 555 International Law I

Processes of international law; role in international relations and organizations; effects on individual rights in peacetime through cases, treaties, customs, and legal rules. 

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 557 War and Peace Studies

This course examines the theory and literature on the causes and consequences of violent conflicts and the uses of non-violent means to conflict resolution.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 563 Politics and Policy in Urban Communities

Examination of large and small city governments. Their political process, behavior and citizen participation. Emerging public policies and intergovernmental cooperation.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

PSC 590 Independent Study

Explorations of special problems in subject areas found within Political Science individually agreed upon by student and instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours. Prerequisite: Undergraduates must have a major or minor in PSC and/or PAD and at least 12 hours completed in PSC and/or PAD, as well as approval by instructor and department chair before registration. Graduate students must have approval by instructor and department chair before registration.

Credits
1-6(Spec)

Prerequisites

Undergraduates must have a major or minor in PSC and/or PAD and at least 12 hours completed in PSC and/or PAD, as well as approval by instructor and department chair before registrationGraduate students must have approval by instructor and department chair before registration

Corequisites

None.

PSC 598 Special Topics in Political Science

Subject matter not included in courses currently listed in Bulletin.

Credits
1-12(Spec)

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.