Political Science

PSCI 8000  SEMINAR IN THE RESEARCH METHODS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the methods of data collection and analysis for political science research.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate adviser

PSCI 8005  QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the techniques that political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data, as well as issues of research design, hypothesis formation, and causation. The course emphasizes the methods used to collect, analyze, and extract information from data using statistical computer software. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3000)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate advisor

PSCI 8015  URBAN POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the development, powers, forms of government, and functions of cities and their suburbs as well as the problems faced by elected officials, business and community leaders, and citizens in the urban setting. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3010)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100.

PSCI 8036  THE PRESIDENCY (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the development and modern application of presidential leadership through examination of presidential selection, presidential decision-making, the relationship of the presidency with other governmental and non-governmental actors, and the role of the presidency in making public policy. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4030)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100

PSCI 8040  SEMINAR IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to classic and contemporary scholarship on the principles, institutions, processes, and policies of national government in the United States with an emphasis on engaging in thoughtful discussion and individual research.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate adviser

PSCI 8045  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF NEBRASKA (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the development, structures, functions and public policies of the government of the state of Nebraska.. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3040)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100.

PSCI 8046  CONGRESS AND THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the development of the Congress and modern application of the legislative process through examination of congressional elections, congressional leadership, congressional decision-making, legislative rules and procedures, the relationship of the Congress with other governmental and non-governmental actors, and the role of the Congress in making public policy. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4040)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100

PSCI 8055  STATE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the development, structures, functions and public policies of states. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3050)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100.

PSCI 8056  THE JUDICIAL PROCESS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the administration of law in federal and state courts with respect to the organization of the courts, judicial selection, judicial powers, judicial decision-making, judicial policy-making, the bar, and reform movements in the pursuit of justice. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4050)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100 or junior standing or permission of instructor.

PSCI 8100  SEMINAR IN POLITICAL ECONOMY (3 credits)

A comprehensive study of theories of political economy, linkages between politics and economics, and major contemporary issues.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of the graduate adviser

PSCI 8105  LGBT POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the political struggle for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) equal rights in the United States using a model of political empowerment, which may be applied for all minority or identity groups and social movements, generating operationalized measures of progress toward the loci of political power. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3100, WGST 3100, WGST 8105)

PSCI 8116  POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the role of human thought, emotion, and behavior in politics through examination of the psychological factors that motivate political elites and the mass public. (Cross-listed with PSC I 4110, PSYC 4110, PSYC 8116)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100 is recommended.

PSCI 8120  SEMINAR IN LEADERSHIP (3 credits)

This course introduces students to classical and contemporary scholarship on leadership theory, research, and application. Students gain a foundation in models of leadership, assess their own leadership styles, and learn to integrate what they learn in corporate, governmental, non-profit, or community organizations. (Cross-listed with CACT 8510)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate adviser.

PSCI 8126  PUBLIC OPINION AND POLLING (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the origins, nature, measurement, and consequences of public opinion on policymaking. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4120)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100

PSCI 8135  WOMEN AND POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to women's political participation, including holding elective office, socialization, the feminist movement and its opposition, and public policies with particular impact on women. The focus is on contemporary perspectives on women in American political ideas and behavior. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3130, WGST 3130, WGST 8135)

PSCI 8145  LATINO/-A POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the dynamism and growth of the role of Latinos, as a group of political actors, in the United States. This course provides students with an exposure to and understanding of various concepts and dimensions of this phenomenon, including historical and contemporary Latino political thought and the efforts to increase political empowerment (representation and participation) and influence through grassroots, social, and political movements. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3140, LLS 3140, LLS 8145)

PSCI 8146  CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: CIVIL RIGHTS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the history, principles, and judicial interpretation of key constitutional provisions and federal statutes regarding civil rights in the United States. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4140)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100 or equivalent.

PSCI 8150  SEMINAR IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the Constitution and the Supreme Court's exercise of judicial review in relation to governmental powers, civil rights, and civil liberties.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permisson of graduate advisor.

PSCI 8165  POLITICAL PARTIES (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the origin, development, structure, and functions of political parties in the United States as political organizations, coalitions of voters, and governing coalitions that seek to hold office and influence public policy. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3160)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100

PSCI 8175  INTEREST GROUPS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the theories, formation, organization, and activities of interest groups and their impact on public policy, particularly through their role in campaigns and elections and lobbying. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3170)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100

PSCI 8176  CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: FOUNDATIONS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the principles, design and operation of the American constitutional system with emphasis on analysis of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention, and the Federalist Papers. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4170)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100 or junior standing or permission of instructor.

PSCI 8185  CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the evolution and modern application of campaigns and elections in the United States through examination of campaign management and campaign strategy in congressional and presidential elections. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3180)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100

PSCI 8186  CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: THE FEDERAL SYSTEM (3 credits)

This course introduces students to American constitutional law as it relates to issues of federalism, the relation of the nation and the states, and separation of powers, the relation of the three branches of the national government. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4180)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100

PSCI 8196  CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: CIVIL LIBERTIES (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the philosophy, history, and development of the personal liberties guaranteed by the Constitution including freedom of speech, religion, assembly, petition, and the right of privacy, primarily through examination of Supreme Court decisions. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4190)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 1100

PSCI 8200  SEMINAR IN FOREIGN POLICY AND NATIONAL SECURITY (3 credits)

This course introduces students to classic and contemporary scholarship on the formulation and implementation of foreign and national security policy in the United States with an emphasis on engaging in thoughtful discussion and individual research.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of the graduate adviser.

PSCI 8206  INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF EAST ASIA (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the international politics of East Asia with an emphasis on the contemporary relations among major East Asian states (China, Japan, the Korean peninsula) and the United States. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4200)

PSCI 8216  INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (3 credits)

This course focuses on the international politics of the Middle East region, specifically looking at conditions for peace and causes of war. It examines how the international system, domestic politics, ideologies, and leaders influence international politics in the Middle East. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4210)

PSCI 8220  SEMINAR ON INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY (3 credits)

This course introduces students to international leadership and strategy theory, research, and application.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate advisor.

PSCI 8225  INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the history, principles, structures, and processes developed to organize and legitimize peaceful reconciliation of the differences of nation-states and to advance their mutual interests in the contemporary global political and economic system. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3220)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210 or equivalent is recommended.

PSCI 8235  GENDER AND GLOBAL POLITICS (3 credits)

This seminar introduces students to gender politics in comparative and international politics. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3230, WGST 3230, WGST 8235)

PSCI 8245  THE POLITICS AND PRACTICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to human rights issues across the globe and explores the theoretical foundations of human rights as well as human rights institutions and transitional justice. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3240)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210 or equivalent is recommended.

PSCI 8246  INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION (3 credits)

This course introduces students to different approaches to peace, their basic assumptions, and their application to current conflicts.. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4240)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210 or equivalent is recommended.

PSCI 8250  SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to classic and contemporary scholarship on the issues, theories, and methodological approaches associated with the study of the nation-state system, international law, international organizations, international security, and globalization.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate adviser

PSCI 8255  GLOBAL SECURITY ISSUES (3 credits)

This course introduces students to issues of national and international security that cross boundaries and threaten all countries including issues such as climate change, environmental deterioration, population and demographics, gender issues, disease and public health, the media, asymmetrical warfare, drugs/organized crime, and cyberthreats. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3250)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210 or equivalent is recommended.

PSCI 8256  INTELLIGENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the United States intelligence services, and their relation to broader U.S. national security policy. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4250)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210 or equivalent is recommended.

PSCI 8265  UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the analysis of foreign and defense policy processes in the United States, including the role of the President, Congress, Departments of State and Defense, the intelligence community, and other actors/factors affecting policy formulation and implementation. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3260)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210.

PSCI 8266  INTERNATIONAL LAW (3 credits)

The course introduces students to the general principles of international law, including the key actors, the creation and sources of international law, the interpretation of international law by courts and tribunals, and its enforcement. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4260)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210 or equivalent is recommended.

PSCI 8276  GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to issues of global environmental politics and policy, including the science behind issues such as climate change, how environmental policy is made at the national and international levels, and what role politics plays in determining environmental resource use. (Cross-listed with ENVN 4270, PSCI 4270)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210 or equivalent is recommended.

PSCI 8286  INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OF LATIN AMERICA (3 credits)

Analysis of the role of Latin American states in the international political arena. Emphasis upon developing, applying and testing an explanatory theory of international politics through the study of the inter-American system: the regional, institutional and ideological environment, power relations, policies and contemporary problems. (This course fulfills the department's international politics requirement). (Cross-listed with PSCI 4280, LLS 4280, LLS 8286)

PSCI 8296  INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & SUSTAINABILITY (3 credits)

This course introduces students to different concepts of international development through the lens of sustainability. The course explores a broad range of activities related to international development, including international aid, trade, philanthropy, interventions in conflict, peacebuilding, public health, human rights, social justice, and the environment. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4290, CACT 8306)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2210 or equivalent is recommended.

PSCI 8300  SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the history of political theory, from its origins in ancient Greece to its manifestations in contemporary thought. (Cross-listed with CACT 8200)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate advisor.

PSCI 8316  CLASSICAL POLITICAL THOUGHT (3 credits)

This course introduces students to key works representative of premodern political thought. Authors examined may include Plato, Aristotle, Xenophon, Cicero, Augustine, and Aquinas. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4310).

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2310 or equivalent is recommended

PSCI 8326  EARLY MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT (3 credits)

This course introduces students to key works of the 16th through mid-18th centuries. Authors examined may include Machiavelli, Hobbes, Hume, Smith and Montesquieu. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4320)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2310 or equivalent is recommended

PSCI 8336  LATE MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT (3 credits)

This course introduces students to key texts of the mid-18th through 19th centuries. Authors to be examined may include Rousseau, Burke, Mill, Tocqueville, Marx, and Nietzsche. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4330).

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2310 or equivalent is recommended

PSCI 8345  AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the ideals, ideologies, identities, and institutions of American political thought from the country's origins to the present. Topics to be covered may include the political thought of the early American settlers and of the founding generation, the debates over the creation and implementation of the Constitution, the 19th century arguments over slavery, the rise of progressivism, the New Deal and its critics, and contemporary American conservatism and liberalism. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3340)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2310 is recommended.

PSCI 8346  CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THOUGHT (3 credits)

This course introduces students to leading works of contemporary political thought, including Marx, Spencer, Dahl, Rawls, feminism, and rational choice. The theories, their interrelationships, the theorists, and the manifestations of these works will be discussed and analyzed. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4340)

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): PSCI 2310 or equivalent is recommended

PSCI 8356  DEMOCRACY (3 credits)

A basic study of theory, practice and practitioners of political democracy, its roots, development, present application and problems and future. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4350)

PSCI 8366  AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES (3 credits)

An analysis of various types of authoritarian regimes, their differences from democratic governments, and the causes of their establishment, maintenance, and failure. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4360).

PSCI 8500  SEMINAR IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to classic and contemporary scholarship on the issues, theories, and methodological approaches associated with the systematic and comparative study of nation-states and their political systems with an emphasis on engaging in thoughtful discussion and individual research.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate adviser.

PSCI 8505  EUROPEAN POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the political institutions, processes, and public policies of the states of Europe, including the European Union. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3500)

PSCI 8506  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF GREAT BRITAIN (3 credits)

A comprehensive study of British politics and government. Emphasis will be focused on the formal institutions and informal customs and practices of the British political system. (This course satisfies the department's comparative politics requirement).(Cross-listed with PSCI 4500)

PSCI 8526  POLITICS OF FRANCE (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the political heritage of France, contemporary political institutions and problems, and political and policy responses to these problems. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4520)

PSCI 8556  POLITICAL VIOLENCE, INSURGENCY, AND TERRORISM (3 credits)

This course is a survey on the types of violence used within a political context, focusing on its causes, forms and consequences. Specifically, this course details why and how violence occurs, and its impact on institutions and the people operating within that system. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4560).

PSCI 8585  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF RUSSIA AND THE POST-SOVIET STATES (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the political cultures, institutions, processes, and public policies of Russia and the states of the former Soviet Union. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3580)

PSCI 8626  ISLAM AND POLITICS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the interaction between religion and politics in the Muslim world, covering various political ideologies in the Muslim world and different experiences of Muslim-majority countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, and Egypt. It will also analyze mainstream and radical transnational Islamic movements. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4620)

PSCI 8645  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF CHINA AND EAST ASIA (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the political cultures, institutions, processes, policies, and other characteristics of China and neighboring states, with reference to other major powers engaged in the region. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3640)

PSCI 8665  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF JAPAN AND EAST ASIA (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the political cultures, institutions, processes, policies and other characteristics of Japan and neighboring states, with reference to other major powers engaged in the region. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3660)

PSCI 8685  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF LATIN AMERICA (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the political institutions, processes, and public policies of the states of Latin America. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3680, LLS 3680, LLS 8685)

PSCI 8705  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (3 credits)

This course introduces students to government and politics in the contemporary Middle East, including considerations of state formation, authoritarianism and democratization, state-society relations, religion, culture, gender, and economy. (Cross-listed with PSCI 3700)

PSCI 8716  COMPARATIVE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION (3 credits)

Comparative International Development and Innovation will analyze the rise and fall of civilizations from a historical and theoretical perspective in a comparative manner. The course will address issues concerning political, social, economic, and environmental change in national, and international contexts. Among its major emphases are state institutions, economic growth, entrepreneurship, and the transformation of social structure and culture. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4710, ENTR 4710, ENTR 8716).

PSCI 8826  POLITICS AND FILM (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the analysis of politics and film, focusing on how politics is portrayed in film and the politics of film making. (Cross-listed with JMC 4820, JMC 8826, PSCI 4820)

PSCI 8900  READINGS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1-3 credits)

This course provides students an opportunity to study an advanced and specialized subject matter in the field of political science not covered in existing courses. The student must be capable of pursuing a highly independent course of study, which must be approved in consultation with the instructor in advance. This course may be repeated for different topics up to a maximum of six credit hours.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate adviser

PSCI 8910  POLITICAL SCIENCE INTERNSHIP (3 credits)

This course offers students an opportunity to experience the resolution of public issues through direct involvement in career-oriented policy organizations. The host organization must be approved in advance in consultation with the internship coordinator. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

PSCI 8920  SEMINAR IN SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1-3 credits)

This course introduces students to an advanced and specialized subject matter in the field of political science not covered in existing courses. This course may be repeated for different topics up to a maximum of twelve credit hours.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate advisor.

PSCI 8926  ADVANCED SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1-3 credits)

This course introduces students to an advanced and specialized subject matter in the field of political science not covered in existing courses. This course may be repeated for different topics up to a maximum of six credit hours. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4920)

PSCI 8980  RESEARCH IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (3 credits)

This course provides students an opportunity to conduct research in a specialized subject matter in the field of political science. The student must be capable of pursuing a highly independent course of study, which must be approved in consultation with the instructor in advance. This course may be repeated for different topics up to a maximum of six credit hours.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate advisor, not open to non-degree graduate students.

PSCI 8990  THESIS (3-6 credits)

A research project, written under the supervision of a graduate adviser in the Department of Political Science, in which the students establish their capacity to design, conduct and complete an original, independent, scholarly investigation of a high order. The research topic and the completed project must be approved by the student's departmental committee.

Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): Permission of graduate program chair. Not open to non-degree graduate students.