Political Science (Non-Comprehensive)

1. General Education (see General Education section of catalog)

2. Major Requirements (36 hours)

   1. PLS 102(3); PLS 205(3)* or 232(3)**; PLS 492(0)

   2. Complete one course in each of the following seven political science fields***:

      1. American Government and Politics: PLS 315(3), 316(3), 317(3), 319(3), 413(3), 414(3), 419(3)

      2. Empirical Political Science: PLS 475(3), 573(3), 576(3)

      3. International Politics: PLS 232(3), 437(3), 535(3),  547(3), 555(3)

      4. Comparative Governments and Politics: PLS 205(3), 338(3), 341(3), 343(3), 544(3), 545(3), 546(3),547(3), 548(3), 550(3)

      5. Public Administration: PLS 255(3), 315(3), 351(3), 354(3), 356(3), 498(3), 551(3), 555(3), 573(3)

      6. Political Theory: PLS 330(3) or PHI 330(3), PLS 561(3), 563(3), 565(3), 567(3)

      7. Public Law: PLS 419(3), 437(3), 451(3), 515(3), 517(3), 519(3) 

   3. Complete an additional 9 hours of Political Science electives to total at least 36 hours.
      
      *PLS 205 may not double-count toward this requirement and the Comparative Governments and Politics requirement.
      ** PLS 232 may not double-count toward this requirement and the International Politics requirement.
      ***PLS 397, 399, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 598 will be assigned to fields according to topic. PLS 576 is strongly recommended for students planning to pursue graduate study in political science and/or public administration. No more than six hours of credit will be counted toward the major from PLS 399, 493, 494, 498.

3. Minor Required

4. Specific Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Degree (see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog)

5. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog)

Political Science (Non-Comprehensive)

1. General Education (see General Education section of catalog)

2. Major Requirements (45 hours)

   1. PLS 102(3); PLS 205(3)* or 232(3)**; PLS 492(0), 576(3); SOC 302 or equivalent

   2. Complete one course in each of the following seven political science fields***:

      1. American Government and Politics: PLS 315(3), 316(3), 317(3), 319(3), 413(3), 414(3), 419(3)

      2. Empirical Political Science: PLS 475(3), 573(3), 576(3)

      3. International Politics: PLS 232(3), 437(3), 535(3), 547(3), 555(3)

      4. Comparative Governments and Politics: PLS 205(3), 338(3), 341(3), 343(3), 544(3), 545(3), 546(3), 547(3), 548(3), 550(3)

      5. Public Administration: PLS 255(3), 315(3), 351(3), 354(3), 356(3), 498(3), 551(3), 555(3), 573(3)

      6. Political Theory: PLS 330(3) or PHI 330(3), PLS 561(3), 563(3), 565(3), 567(3)

      7. Public Law: PLS 419(3), 437(3), 451(3), 515(3), 517(3), 519(3) 

   3. Complete an additional 12 hours of Political Science electives to total at least 45 hours.
      It is highly advisable to supplement this major with MTH 285.

      *PLS 205 may not double-count toward this requirement and the Comparative Governments and Politics requirement.
      **PLS 232 may not double-count toward this requirement and the International Politics requirement.
      ***PLS 397, 399, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 598 will be assigned to fields according to topic. No more than six hours of credit will be counted toward the major from PLS 399, 493, 494, 498.

3. Minor Required

4. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog)

Political Science (Comprehensive)

1. General Education (see General Education section of catalog)

2. Major Requirements (63 hours)

   1. PLS 102(3), 205(3)*, 492(0), 576(3); SOC 302 or equivalent

   2. Complete one course in each of the following seven political science fields**:

      1. American Government and Politics: PLS 315(3), 316(3), 317(3), 319(3), 413(3), 414(3), 419(3)

      2. Empirical Political Science: PLS 475(3), 573(3), 576(3)

      3. International Politics: PLS 232(3), 437(3), 535(3), 547(3), 555(3)

      4. Comparative Governments and Politics: PLS 205(3), 338(3), 341(3), 343(3), 544(3), 545(3), 546(3), 547(3), 548(3), 550(3)

      5. Public Administration: PLS 255(3), 315(3), 351(3), 354(3), 356(3), 498(3), 551(3), 555(3), 573(3)

      6. Political Theory: PLS 330(3) or PHI 330(3), PLS 561(3), 563(3), 565(3), 567(3)

      7. Public Law: PLS 419(3), 437(3), 451(3), 515(3), 517(3), 519(3)

   3. Complete a block of 30 additional hours selected in consultation with the advisor and approved by the department head. Of the 30 hour block, 12 must be from political science and 12 must be from other disciplines.
      It is highly advisable to supplement this major with MTH 285.

      *PLS 205 may not double-count toward this requirement and the Comparative Governments and Politics Requirement.
      **PLS 397, 399, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 598 will be assigned to fields according to topic. No more than six hours of credit will be counted toward the major from PLS 399, 493, 494, 498.

3. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog)

Public Administration (Non-Comprehensive)

1. General Education (see General Education section of catalog)

2. Major Requirements (45 hours)

   1. PLS 102(3), 255(3), 351(3), 354(3), 356(3), 492(0), 576(3); SOC 302(3) or equivalent

   2. Complete 24 hours of electives chosen from the following courses: PLS 205(3), 312(3), 315(3), 330(3), 399(1-3)*, 413(3), 414(3), 419(3), 451(3), 475(3), 495(1-6), 498(3)*, 551(3), 555(3), 563(3), 565(3), 573(3)
      *No more than six credit hours will be counted toward the major from PLS 399 and 498.

3. Minor Required

4. Specific Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Degree (see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog)

5. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog)

Public Administration (Non-Comprehensive)

1. General Education (see General Education section of catalog)

2. Major Requirements (45 hours)

   1. PLS 102(3), 255(3), 351(3), 354(3), 356(3), 492(0), 576(3); SOC 302(3) or equivalent

   2. Complete 24 hours of electives chosen from the following courses: PLS 205(3), 312(3), 315(3); 330(3) or PHI 330(3); PLS 399(1-3), 413(3), 414(3), 419(3), 451(3), 475(3), 495(1-6), 498(3), 551(3), 555(3), 563(3), 565(3), 573(3)
      No more than six credit hours will be counted toward the major from PLS 399 and 498.

3. Minor Required

4. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog)

International Relations

1. PLS 205(3), 232(3), 535(3)

2. Complete nine additional hours from the following list to total a minimum of 18 hours, two of these courses must be PLS courses: PLS 330(3) or PHI 330(3); PLS 338(3), 341(3), 343(3), 437(3), 544(3), 545(3), 546(3), 547(3), 548(3), 555(3), 565(3); ECO 565(3); GRY 323(3), 507(3)

Students majoring in political science may only count PLS 205 for both the major and minor in International Relations.

Political Science

1. PLS 101(3)

2. Complete courses from at least two of the following seven political science fields to bring total to a minimum of 18 hours:

   1. American Government and Politics: PLS 315(3), 316(3), 317(3), 319(3), 413(3), 414(3), 419(3)

   2. Empirical Political Science: PLS 475(3), 573(3), 576(3)

   3. International Politics: PLS 232(3), 437(3), 535(3), 547(3), 555(3)

   4. Comparative Governments and Politics: PLS 205(3), 338(3), 341(3), 343(3), 544(3), 545(3), 546(3), 547(3), 548(3), 550(3)

   5. Public Administration: PLS 255(3), 315(3), 351(3), 354(3), 356(3), 498(3), 551(3), 555(3), 573(3)

   6. Political Theory: PLS 330(3) or PHI 330(3), PLS 561(3), 563(3), 565(3), 567(3)

   7. Public Law: PLS 419(3), 437(3), 451(3), 515(3), 517(3), 519(3)

Public Administration

1. PLS 101(3), 102(3), 255(3), 354(3)

2. PLS 351(3) or 356(3); and PLS 563(3) or 565(3)

Public Law

1. PLS 419(3), 515(3), 517(3), 519(3)

2. Complete six hours from the following list to total 18 hours: CRM 210(3); PHI 340(3); PLS 451(3), 493(1-3), 551(3), 567(3); PSY 320(3); RIL 231(3), 531(3); SOC 380(3)

No more than three credit hours of courses taken for the B.A. and B.S. Political Science major may be counted on the Public Law minor.

Political Science Courses

PLS 101 American Democracy and Citizenship 3(3-0), F,S

General Education Course (Public Affairs/American Studies) The course familiarizes students with the institutions and constitutional framework of the United States and Missouri. The course emphasis is on the values, rights, and responsibilities that shape the public decision making of active and informed citizens and influence contemporary public affairs in a democratic society.

PLS 102 Introduction to American Public Policy 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. This course deals with the process of policy formulation and with the historical development of specific public policies in such fields as economics, foreign affairs, education, business and labor, social welfare, criminal justice, health and environment.

PLS 103 Missouri Government and Politics 1(1-0), F,S

The course familiarizes students with the institutions and constitutional framework in Missouri. This course will partially fulfill Senate Bill 4 requirements with respect to the Missouri Constitution and institutions. Students who have met the Missouri Constitution Study Requirement (Senate Bill # 4) either through completion of PLS 101 at Missouri State or completion of a transfer course that fulfills the requirement, are precluded from taking PLS 103.

PLS 169 Introduction to Political Science 3(3-0), D

An introduction to the contemporary concerns and historical development of political science as a social science and as a mode of critical thinking about politics and society. Emphasis is upon acquainting students with the scope of intellectual inquiry and the specialized sub-fields of study of modern political science rather than with the particular characteristics of American government and politics.

PLS 205 Introduction to Comparative Government 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. An introductory comparative study of the principles, techniques, and policy issues of government in constitutional democracies and authoritarian regimes. The course focuses on selected West European (Britain, France, Germany) and non-West European (Japan, Mexico, Russia) countries, and the evolution of the European Community.

PLS 232 International Relations 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Conflict and cooperation in the nation-state system. Theories on international organization, power politics, regional integration, nationalism, war. Problems of developing areas such as Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

PLS 255 Public Administration 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. American administrative organization and activities; centralization, decentralization and relation between the administration and other branches of government.

PLS 300 Service Learning in Political Science 1, F,S

Prerequisite: 30 hours and concurrent registration in a Political Science course designated as a service learning offering. This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in Political Science to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the specific course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service Learning Office. May be repeated but no more than two hours of service learning may count toward graduation.

PLS 301 U.S. National Security 3(3-0), S

This class examines American national security from the cultural, institutional and policy perspectives. It will pay close attention to those enduring factors that shape American defense policies as well as exploring developments that have modified America's approach to security. Moreover, in addition to studying the structure and operation of today's policymaking process, the course will investigate the way the process has evolved in the past fifty years and will analyze the way key policies are produced and implemented by the U.S. government. Finally, reflecting changes in the world and in the field of national security studies, the course will cover not only the traditional concerns of national security (e.g., creation and use of military force for physical security of the territorial-state), but also the definition and achievement of individual and global security in the face of non-military problems.

PLS 312 The Aged: Policies and Politics 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Survey of public policies and their impact upon groups, elite and non-elite participation, historical development of policy, administrative structure and politics.

PLS 315 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Nature of American Federalism and the dynamics of intergovernmental relationships; the course examines the role of the national and the state governments in intergovernmental relations as well as the state, local, interstate and interlocal relations. Issues of federal grants, fiscal outlook of cities, problems of inner cities, and metropolitan governments are also discussed.

PLS 316 Political Parties, Elections and Interest Groups 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101. A survey of the nature, evolution and functions of parties, elections and interest groups in the United States. An emphasis will be placed on the role played by these institutions in linking citizens to the public policy process.

PLS 317 American Political Behavior 3(3-0), FE

Prerequisite: PLS 101. An examination of various approaches to analyzing mass and elite political behavior in the United States. An emphasis will be placed on survey research, public opinion, political socialization, political psychology and voting behavior.

PLS 319 Women in Politics 3(3-0), SE

Prerequisite: PLS 101. A survey of various aspects of the role of women in politics. The course will include an examination of the place of women in political history, women as political leaders, the ways in which women impact government, and public policies relating to women and families.

PLS 330 Introduction to Political Theory 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101. An introduction to the study of political theory by examining the central questions that animate our attempt to understand and secure the "good life." These concerns include: the nature and significance of politics; the origin and character of legitimate authority; and the meaning of freedom, the value of citizenship, and the education in virtue and in rights that are necessary to both individual liberty and civic greatness. Bringing insights from classical and modern texts to bear on these fundamental questions of public life, we aim to articulate and defend our own understanding of the ethical obligations and responsibilities that citizens owe to one another. Identical with PHI 330. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 330 and PHI 330.

PLS 333 Model United Nations 1(1-0), F

Prerequisite: member of the Missouri State University World Affairs Council; and permission of instructor. This course is designed to provide an opportunity for in-depth role playing that leads to a better understanding of the United Nations, the study of current events, important international disagreements, key international conventions, and the protocol and procedures of UN diplomacy. In the fall, the students will participate as a UN Officer at the Missouri State University Mid-American Model UN conference, and prepare for their role as a distinguished diplomat at the American Model United Nations conference held in Chicago. In addition, the student will help prepare Mid-American Model UN briefs. This course can be repeated for a maximum of three credit hours.

PLS 338 Politics of Less Developed Countries 3(3-0), SO

This course offers a road introduction to the politics of poorer, or "less developed" countries, a category that includes about three-quarters of the world's sovereign states and the vast majority of the global population. It will focus on two major themes: the quest for rapid economic development and the challenge of establishing a democratic political system. Students will also learn about the politics of a number of individual countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

PLS 341 Anglo-American Political Systems 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Political cultures and government institutions of nations possessing an Anglo-American political heritage. Political systems of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and India; role and influence of those systems upon the governments of emerging nations in Africa and Asia.

PLS 343 Post-Soviet Politics 3(3-0), SO

Prerequisite: PLS 101. The politics and governments of the former Soviet Union, its Marxist-Leninist ideology, and the dominant role of the Communist Party will be used to illustrate the dramatic changes having taken place since 1991. Political and economic reforms introduced by Gorbachev will be highlighted, and reasons for the Soviet Union's subsequent collapse and the establishment of Russia and other Independent States of the former Soviet Union will be discussed.

PLS 351 Municipal Government and Administration 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101. A study of the structures and functions of city governments with emphasis on their relations to the state, their legal positions as municipal corporations and the management of municipal services.

PLS 354 Budget Administration 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Methods, principles, devices, and problems of making and controlling budgets in governmental institutions.

PLS 356 Public Personnel Administration 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Governmental personnel practices; recruitment, classification, morale and other personnel management problems.

PLS 397 Mini Course in Political Issues 1(1-0), D

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A course upon a single topic of current interest; subject will vary from semester to semester and from section to section depending upon student interest and faculty availability. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 3 hours. Variable Content Course.

PLS 399 Cooperative Education in Political Science 1-3, D

Prerequisite: acceptance into the Cooperative Education Program, 9 hours of political science beyond PLS 101; and a 2.50 GPA; and advance permission of the department head. To enable qualified students to apply theoretical constructs and analytical techniques in a supervised work environment. This course cannot be credited toward a major in political science if the student has completed a total of three or more credits in any combination of the following; PLS 493, PLS 494, PLS 498, or cooperative education in another discipline. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

PLS 413 The American Executive 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Changing powers and functions of the executive branches of the national and state governments of the United States in the 20th Century; constitutional, administrative and political problems involved.

PLS 414 The Legislative Process 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Theory, principles, procedures and problems of the legislative process in democratic societies; operation of American state and national legislatures.

PLS 419 The Judicial Process 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Sources and nature of law; historical, sociological and philosophical approaches to legal theory. Role of the judiciary as an aspect of the study of political behavior; policy significance and consequences of what judges do and how they do it. Illustrated by case study in selected areas of American constitutional law.

PLS 437 International Organizations and Law 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. A study of the role of international organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, in regional and global international politics. A comparison of international organizations and other political institutions. A casebook and lecture examination of the principal elements of international law. A topical approach to governing principle will introduce current problems and define probable trends.

PLS 451 Criminal Law and Its Enforcement 3(3-0), F,S

An exploration of criminal law and how it is administered by law enforcement agencies.

PLS 475 Approaches to Political Analysis 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. The course will examine various quantitative and qualitative approaches to political analysis. It will examine scientific concept formation, generalizations, explanations and predictions, and the place of theory in Political Science. The course will also deal with the use of systems theory, decision-making theory, role theory, group theory, personality theory, game theory and others, in the conduct of political inquiry.

PLS 492 Program Assessment 0, F,S

Prerequisite: senior status and permission of department head. Required assessment of undergraduate political science and public administration programs in the department. All students majoring in political science and public administration are required to enroll in this course during their senior year and pass a Major Field Achievement Test (MFAT). The focus is on program assessment and development rather than on individual student evaluation. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

PLS 493 Practicum in Political Science 1-3, D

Prerequisite: 9 hours of Political Science beyond PLS 101 and; 2.50 GPA and; junior-senior status, and advance permission of the department head and advisor. Supervised and departmentally approved part-time work experience related to Political Science in public or private sector. May be repeated to a total of 12 hours, but only 6 hours will be counted toward the major and 3 hours toward the minor. Approximately 5 on-the-job hours per week required for 1 hour credit, in addition to fulfillment of academic requirements. Normally restricted to Political Science/Public Administration majors, minors. Students minoring in Paralegal Studies must take PLS 493 for 3 credit hours. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

PLS 494 Professional Internship 3-6, D

Prerequisite: a 2.50 GPA, junior or senior status and; advance permission. Supervised and departmentally approved full-time work experience related to Political Science in public or private sector. May be repeated to a total of 12 hours, but only 6 hours will be counted toward the major. Approximately eight weeks of 40 on-the-job hours per week required for 3 hours credit, in addition to fulfillment of academic requirements. Normally restricted to Political Science/ Public Administration majors. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

PLS 495 Senior Honors Project in Political Science 1-6, D

Prerequisite: PLS honors major and; junior-senior standing and; permission of instructor. An individualized research project in a selected field of political science or public administration. The project will involve the preparation of a project proposal in cooperation with an appropriate faculty member serving as project advisor who will approve it along with the Head of the Political Science Department and the Honors College dean. Variable Content Course. May be repeated to maximum of 6 hours total credit.

PLS 496 Independent Study in Political Science 1-3, D

Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department head and; junior or senior class standing and; 2.50 GPA and; completion of an upper-level course (or acceptable equivalent) in selected area of political science. Students should consult with a professor of the department who specializes in the subject and with the professor's consent present a written proposal to the department head for final approval. Proposals should be presented for approval before final registration for the term in which the independent study is to be done. Only one approved independent study program may be taken in any semester. A maximum of 6 semester hours of credit in PLS 496 may be counted on a major in political science or public administration and 3 semester hours of credit on a minor in the two fields. Written work will be required in PLS 496 in addition to reading assignments and/or research activities.

PLS 497 Special Topics 3(3-0), D

A course designed to provide a means of study for topics not addressed elsewhere in the curriculum. May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 hours. Variable Content Course.

PLS 498 In-Service Training in Public Administration 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: 9 hours of Public Administration beyond PLS 255 and; a 2.50 GPA and advance permission of department head and advisor. Supervised field work in an approved local, state, or national government agency including preparation of an acceptable formal report. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

PLS 515 Constitutional Law and Politics 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101 and 50 hours, or permission of instructor. The primary purpose of this course is to consider the role and significance of the judicial branch within the American constitutional system, with particular attention given to: the power of judicial review; modes of judicial interpretation; the relative powers of the Court, Congress, and the Executive branch; separation of powers; federalism; the electoral process; and economic rights. This will occur through a careful study of the constitution and a close analysis of Supreme Court decisions, illuminating their political, moral, and social impact on life in America.

PLS 517 Civil Rights and Liberties in the American Constitutional System 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: PLS 101 and 50 hours, or permission of instructor. A casebook examination of the constitutional rights of individuals, with emphasis given to the development and current constitutional interpretation of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, and the process of identifying the fundamental rights of race, gender, other protected classes, and privacy.

PLS 519 Individual Liberties in the American Constitutional System 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: PLS 101 and 50 hours, or permission of instructor. A casebook examination of the First Amendment liberties of individuals, with emphasis given to the development and current judicial interpretation of the Establishment and Free Exercise of Religion Clauses, and the limitations imposed by the Supreme Court upon the Freedom of Speech and Press.

PLS 535 American Foreign Policy 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101. An analysis of American foreign policy. The course explores the various governmental institutions and societal forces which shape American foreign policy. The major emphasis is on American foreign policy since World War Two. Current issues in American foreign policy are discussed in light of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches.

PLS 544 (344) Government and Politics of the Middle East 3(3-0), FO

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Political systems, processes and problems of the Middle East, considered both regionally and in the perspective of separate nation-states, from the beginning of the modern period about 1800 to the present.

PLS 545 Asian Politics 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: PLS 101. A comparative study of the political and economic systems of contemporary Asia with emphasis on Japan, Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. Ideologies and strategies pursued by selected Asian governments are covered. Includes an assessment of contemporary economic, political and security issues in the region. America's economic, political and strategic ties with the region are also explored.

PLS 546 (346) Political Violence and Terrorism 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: PLS 101. The systematic study of political violence in its different forms. The course content is structured along a continuum, ranging from small scale violence to mass violence-assassinations, terrorism by sub-national and transnational organizations, state terror and genocide.

PLS 547 (445) Politics of the European Union and Its Members 3(3-0), SE

Prerequisite: PLS 101. This course will focus on the historical evolution of the European Union (EU) since the 1950s, the ongoing integration process within the organization (vertical integration), and its enlargement beyond the present members (horizontal integration). It will also address the EU's position in global and regional politics, its links to the United States, and the development of international governmental organizations.

PLS 548 (348) Latin American Politics 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Broad introduction to the politics of Latin America. Although it will offer substantial historical background, the emphasis of the course will be on recent decades. To familiarize the student with some of the major general issues facing Latin America while also giving them a taste of its tremendous diversity. The course is structured around four basic topics: economic development, democratization, guerrilla movements and revolution, and drug trafficking. In the process of discussing these topics, various countries will be explored such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, and Mexico. A recurring theme will be the relationship between the United States and Latin America.

PLS 550 Modern African Politics 3(3-0), FO

Prerequisite: PLS 101. A comparative study of the political and economic systems of contemporary Africa with emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. Ideologies and strategies pursued by selected African governments are covered, including an assessment of contemporary economic, political, and strategic ties within the region and internationally. The class will emphasize such areas as Mauritania, Senegal, Kenya, Somalia, Nigeria, and South Africa.

PLS 551 Administrative Law 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: PLS 101. A study of administrative agencies in their rule making and adjudicatory functions; administrative procedures including hearings and the judicial review thereof; legislative committee operations and their relation to the agencies. After several lecture type presentations by the instructor on the above topics, each student will be expected to present an oral and written review of some area of administrative law which requires further development through agency regulation and/or judicial review.

PLS 555 Public Policy for a Global Environment 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Course examines how environmental policy is made in the United States and the international community. The course covers the institutions and groups that participate in making environmental policy and the process by which it is made. Domestic and international issues and problems explored include clean air, clean water, pesticides, risk assessment and management, toxic and hazardous substances, public lands, the greenhouse effect, and stratospheric ozone depletion.

PLS 561 Ancient Political Thought 3(3-0), FO

Prerequisite: PLS 101 and 50 hours, or permission of instructor. An introduction to the study of political theory by examining the contributions of classical political theorists and their successors up to the age of the Renaissance. Includes Socrates, Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, the Epicureans, Cynics and Stoics, Cicero and the Roman Lawyers, early Hebrew and Christian political thought, Augustine and Aquinas.

PLS 563 Modern Political Theory 3(3-0), SO

Prerequisite: PLS 101 and 50 hours, or permission of instructor. The revolution in ideals brought by the nation-state, modern science, and the industrial revolution. Includes Machiavelli, More, Luther, Calvin, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Bentham, J.S. Mill, Weber, Kant and Hegel.

PLS 565 Contemporary Political Ideologies 3(3-0), SE

Prerequisite: PLS 101 and 50 hours, or permission of instructor. A systematic study of the major competing ideologies of the 19th and 20th Centuries, including conservatism, liberalism, nationalism, Marxism, democratic socialism, fascism and national socialism, and others. Special emphasis is placed on the historical sources philosophical foundations and argumentative structure of these influential ideologies.

PLS 567 American Political Thought 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: PLS 101. Political ideas in American institutional and historical development. An examination of the relations between American thought and political structures and processes.

PLS 573 Policy Analysis 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: PLS 102. A study of the major qualitative and quantitative techniques in public policy analysis. The course will examine diverse processes of public policy formulation, and analyze various public policy alternatives. Each student will complete an empirical research project.

PLS 576 Quantitative Methods of Political Science and Public Policy 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: 50 credit hours including PLS 101, and SOC 302 or equivalent; or permission of instructor. Introduction to the use of standard computer programs (especially SPSS) for the analysis and interpretation of political and social data. Covers analysis of nominal and ordinal data, descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, linear and multiple regression. There will be a critical review of the applications of these techniques to the analysis of political science and public policy research questions, including ethical issues associated with quantitative research.

PLS 598 (549) Seminar in Political Science 1-3, D

Prerequisite: PLS 101 and 90 hours, and permission of instructor and department head. A research oriented course in selected problems in political science. May be repeated for credit. Variable Content Course.

PLS 605 Seminar in Comparative Politics 3(3-0), F

An examination of the principal approaches to comparative politics including the comparative study of political systems, types of government, elites, legislatures, political cultures and political parties. Students in the M.I.A.A. program will be required to write an extensive bibliographic or substantive research paper on one of these principal elements in the study of comparative politics.

PLS 612 Seminar in American Politics 3(3-0), F

The goal of the course is to develop the student's analytical and critical skills by discussing and critiquing a variety of readings over the following topics: political values and ideologies, political participation, political parties, presidency, congress, judiciary, bureaucracy, public policy, and political economy. Each student will complete a major research paper related to one of these topics.

PLS 613 Seminar in Foreign Policy Decisionmaking 3(3-0), S

An examination of the factors that shape foreign policy decisionmaking, especially as they have evolved in the 20th century in the United States. In addition to an examination of the governmental institutions and societal forces that influence policy, students will critically analyze decisionmaking models that have been developed to explain how and why foreign policy decisions are made.

PLS 615 Comparative Public Administration 3(3-0), F

The course will review the literature on the study of comparative public administration. The body of the course will focus on substantive public management issues in a variety of countries. Students will be expected to understand the rationale for the subfield, its development, and develop the skills needed to conduct scientific analysis.

PLS 617 Multidisciplinary Approaches to Homeland Security 3(3-0), D

Examines the full spectrum of both homeland security and defense activities, the diverse responsibilities of the primary stakeholders, and current policies and practical efforts to develop and integrate homeland security and defense efforts nationwide.

PLS 619 Strategic Planning and Organizational Imperatives in Homeland Security 3(3-0), D

The attainment of homeland security goals is dependent on comprehensive planning and organization to integrate and mobilize all levels of government and private sector responses. This course critically analyzes these efforts.

PLS 621 International Political Economy 3(3-0), S

A general introduction to the politics of international economic relations, with a special emphasis on the extent, causes, and consequences of globalization. Covers such topics as trade, investment, aid, global warming, international institutions, and the political roots of economic development. May be taught concurrently with ECO 621. Students cannot receive credit for both PLS 621 and ECO 621.

PLS 632 International Relations in Theory and Practice 3(3-0), F

An examination of the principal paradigms and approaches in the study of international relations as they have evolved, particularly in the 20th century, and their usefulness for understanding the practice of global affairs. Students will familiarize themselves with both theoretical and substantive aspects of international relations and global affairs. Completion of a major research project focusing on an issue or region and analyzing it from a theoretical perspective is required.

PLS 637 Seminar in International Organizations and Administration 3(3-0), S

A study of the historical development and theoretical foundations of international organizations and administration. Readings and research will emphasize recent issues and developments in both regional and global aspects in the organization and administration of the international system.

PLS 652 Public Personnel Management 3(3-0), F

Intensive examination of the management of personnel focused directly on the public sector at the federal, state, and local levels. The course will explore the development, structure, and procedures of the public service. Issues of public personnel management to be examined include: perspectives on the public service, merit and patronage systems, labor relations, civil service reform, anti-discriminatory policies, and productivity and accountability.

PLS 653 Management Techniques and Organizational Behavior 3(3-0), S

A core lecture course designed to familiarize the student with the development of managerial skills through MBO, decision making theory, strategy implementation, change theory and development administration, problem solving, coordination within the organization, communication techniques and effecting productivity. Emphasis will be placed upon the applicability of management and organizational theory to the public sector.

PLS 654 Seminar in Health Policy 3(3-0), D

Politics of health policy formulation and planning. A study of participants in policy formulation, role of the different levels of government, issues and problems in health care planning, interrelationship of agencies involved, Medicare, Medicaid, national health insurance.

PLS 655 Seminar in Public Management 3(3-0), S

Designed to convey knowledge of management systems and processes, information systems, personnel administration, finance and budgeting and program evaluation and control.

PLS 656 Financial Management for State and Local Government 3(3-0), F

A course dealing with intergovernmental financial relations, revenue sources, tax strategies, bond requirements, and issuance procedures, sinking funds, budget techniques and basic categories of state and local expenditures.

PLS 657 Topics Seminar in Public Policy and Administration 3(3-0), D

The specific topics will change from semester to semester, and will include such subjects as education, welfare, health, poverty, administration of affirmative action laws, and energy policy; may be repeated as topics change. Variable Content Course.

PLS 658 Seminar in Health Care Organization 3(3-0), D

Intensive analysis of institutions and organizations involved in providing public health care at different levels of government, as well as the role of the private sector.

PLS 659 Seminar in Administrative Management and Organizational Theory 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: PLS 653. A topics seminar in which each student will be responsible for an individual research project. Research will include both a review of applicable literature and a case study of an actual management or organizational problem-situation within a government office. This project will be preceded by a concise review of basic management principles and organizational theory.

PLS 660 Management of Intergovernmental Relations 3(3-0), D

The course is designed to familiarize students with the nature and scope of intergovernmental relations and how they impact issues such as fiscal management, grantsmanship, public policy formulation, public program monitoring and administration.

PLS 662 Public Policy and Program Evaluation 3(3-0), D

The course is designed to familiarize students with the nature and role of evaluation in the policy process. Topics will include but not be limited to: the various types of evaluation, evaluation methods, evaluability assessment, program monitoring, impact assessment, process assessment, utilization of evaluation findings, and the politics of evaluation.

PLS 663 The Policy Process 3(3-0), D

This course is designed to explore how public policy is made at all levels of government in the United States. Approximately two-thirds of the course will focus on the policy process; the remainder will concentrate on two or three major policy issues. Students will do an extended paper on a policy issue applying the concepts from the first part of the course.

PLS 670 Seminar in Political Science 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: 24 credit hours undergraduate work in social sciences. Advanced research in selected political science topics. May be repeated once for credit.

PLS 671 Seminar in Public Administration 3(3-0), F

This course is designed as the foundation course for the Master of Public Administration program. Topics covered include the development of public administration, political, social, economic, and legal processes and institutions, the policy process, and values and ethics. All students will complete a major research paper related to one of these topics.

PLS 680 Independent Study in Political Science 1-4, F,S

Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department head. Carefully planned independent study designed on an individual basis for the advanced student who wishes to investigate a well defined problem not dealt with adequately by standard courses. May be repeated for credit.

PLS 681 (581) In-Service Training in Public Administration 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: permission of department head. Supervised field work in an approved local, state, or national governmental agency including preparation of an acceptable formal report. Students with prior credit for PLS 581 cannot take PLS 681.

PLS 697 Special Topics in Global Affairs 3(3-0), D

The specific topics will change from semester to semester, and will include subjects such as international humanitarian law, comparative foreign policy, global Islamic movements, and globalization. May be repeated as topics change. Variable Content Course.

PLS 699 Thesis 1-6

Prerequisite: permission of department head. Independent research and study connected with preparation of thesis.