Political Science and Philosophy Courses

This course develops intellectual self-awareness by teaching the canons and skills of critical reasoning. Deductive and inductive reasoning, the application of logic to a variety of significant issues, and the relation between language and argumentation will be studied.

This course explores various ways of understanding the human self and its relation to the world. Through a consideration of what can be known, what is worth valuing, what reality is, and how human communities should be composed and regulated, the course deals with central themes that arise from the human quest for deeper self-understanding.

This course examines ethical principles and theories in relation to contemporary moral issues (e.g. euthanasia, capital punishment, economic justice, environmental issues, world hunger). Through a consideration of ideals of justice and human dignity, as well as concepts of rights and responsibilities, it also explores the moral requirements for community and justified political order.

This course surveys ethical theories and applies them to current professional and business decision-making.

A variable content course designed to explore the philosophical significance of issues of cultural, social or individual importance. Students should consult the registration schedule to determine the topic to be covered in a given semester. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours as topics change.

Selected works of Western literature in light of their relation to historical trends in philosophy and philosophical speculation in the areas of metaphysics, epistemology, value theory, social and political philosophy.

This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in philosophy 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.

This course critically examines various philosophical viewpoints that bear upon ethical issues concerning the environment. Among the questions examined are the following: Must concern for the environment revolve around human concerns? Do animals have rights? Does nature have intrinsic value that must be respected regardless of effects upon humans? What is the relative importance of aesthetic or economic values to environmental questions? Do we have obligations to protect resources for future generations?

An introduction to the use of symbolic techniques to represent and evaluate arguments from everyday usage. There is an emphasis upon the student's development of an understanding of the methods and concepts of present day logic.

Historical study of ancient philosophy based on the reading of representative writings of major philosophers.

A survey of the major philosophies of the modern period in the Western World, 1550 to 1850, including the work of philosophers who stand in the traditions of Continental rationalism, British empiricism, and German idealism.

An examination of contemporary European philosophical thought including significant writings from important individual philosophers and from major movements of the period, such as Existentialism, Phenomenology, Frankfurt School, Structuralism and/or Deconstruction.

An introduction to central ethical questions that arise in the area of bioethics, and to the resources various ethical theories offer for resolving those questions. In addition to a brief overview of contemporary moral theory, the course will discuss issues such as euthanasia, informed consent, proxy decision making, experimental research on humans and health care allocation. Specific cases will be discussed and analyzed throughout the semester. May be taught concurrently with PHI 613. Cannot receive credit for both PHI 313 and PHI 613.

This course compares and evaluates the major philosophies of the Eastern world. It treats selected topics from Indian, Chinese, and Japanese philosophies and examines the basic ideas that underlie the religious and moral viewpoints of these traditions.

The philosophy of religion is the application of philosophical reflection to the concepts and theses of religion. Accordingly, this course ranges over a variety of issues, which may include the existence of the divine, the nature of the divine, modes of knowing the divine, the theological significance of evil in the world, the relationship between the divine and morality, and survival after death.

This course examines the major strands of feminist philosophy. It focuses in particular on how issues of gender affect ethical theories and theories of knowledge.

Representative philosophical theories concerning the nature of aesthetic value; the bases of judgments in the arts and literature. Primarily intended for upper division students concentrating in the fine arts, literature or philosophy.

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 PLS 330. Cannot receive credit for both PHI 330 and PLS 330.

A survey of prominent theories in the philosophy of mind and theoretical psychology.

This course explores ethical issues emerging from the exponentially-increasing importance of data collection and analytics for a variety of fields (government and intelligence, genetics and health care, computer science and AI, business and marketing), and how such issues impact nearly every aspect of our contemporary world. Topics may include disinformation and democracy, privacy and security, algorithmic bias and machine learning, and social media and community.

This course will investigate questions involving knowledge and reality, focusing on philosophers who wrote at some time from the latter half of the 19th century up to the present day. The questions will typically be from among the following: What is "knowing"? How are claims to be justified to count as knowledge? Do different types of knowledge require a single type of justification, or do they have different types? Does science have a privileged role in knowing what's real? If so, what is it about science that provides for this? Is reality given or is it constructed/constituted in some way? If the latter, how is this done? Do any of these play a role in that construction/constitution: brain-structure, perception, concepts and conceptual schemes, language, power relations, human activity? What are the basic features of reality? Physical stuff, time, natural kinds, laws of nature, power, events, history, possible worlds? Are common and/or philosophical ways of thinking about the world "metaphysical", as many have claimed? What exactly is meant by "metaphysical".

This course is an introduction to the philosophy of law through a study of some of its major issues. Questions to be considered in the course may include "Is an unjust law no law at all?," "How robust is our obligation to follow the law, and what grounds that obligation?," "What is the purpose of law?," "Do we have natural rights?," "Is paternalism justified?," and "How do we justify legal punishment?"

As the planet becomes increasingly interconnected, and increasingly burdened by a burgeoning population, issues of global ethics have taken on a heightened urgency. This course examines competing perspectives on a variety of ethical issues with global dimensions, such as human rights, world hunger and poverty, overpopulation, sweatshops, immigration, nationalism, war, terrorism, genocide, and global warming. Students should emerge better prepared to act as global citizens capable of nuanced moral reasoning.

This course examines various theories of ethics. Topics may include the rationality and objectivity of morality, the meaning of moral language, and the nature of and differences between deontological, utilitarian, sentimentalist, and virtue theories.

Addresses three elements of MSU's public affairs mission, with a special focus on the ethical leadership aspect. Dividing the concept, the course will begin with discussion of the "ethical" prong, examining several traditional approaches to character information and ethical decision-making. Moving to the leadership prong, students will look at issues of justice and communication. Synthesizing the two, the course will conclude with examination of how one exhibits ethical leadership in relationships with friends and family, and in the work environment, and in the global sphere. Discussion of these relationships will be connected to the elements of cultural competence and community engagement. Throughout, the focus will be on the role of influence, integrity, and individual responsibility and obligations in the practice of ethical leadership. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

Research in selected topics in philosophy. May focus on ideas of one or more thinkers, a philosophic issue or a branch of philosophy. May be repeated for credit.

Individual conference course for students with specialized interests in particular areas of philosophy not covered in regular courses. Includes independent research, progress reports and term papers. Enrollment requires advance agreement on topic.

Individual conference course for graduate students with specialized interests in particular areas of philosophy not covered in regular courses. May include independent research, progress reports and term papers. Enrollment requires advance agreement on topic. May be taught concurrently with PHI 696. Cannot receive credit for both PHI 596 and PHI 696.

An introduction to central ethical questions that arise in the area of bioethics, and to the resources various ethical theories offer for resolving those questions. In addition to a brief overview of contemporary moral theory, the course will discuss issues such as euthanasia, informed consent, proxy decision making, experimental research on humans and health care allocation. Specific cases will be discussed and analyzed throughout the semester. May be taught concurrently with PHI 313. Cannot receive credit for both PHI 313 and PHI 613.

Individual conference course for graduate students with specialized interests in particular areas of philosophy not covered in regular courses. May include independent research, progress reports and term papers. Enrollment requires advance agreement on topic. May be taught concurrently with PHI 596. Cannot receive credit for both PHI 596 and PHI 696.

This 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.

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.

A course that engages in cross-national comparative analysis to explore fundamental political issues, such as regime type, democratization, constitutional design, political violence, ethnic conflict, and natural resource governance.

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.

This course provides a general survey of public administration. The overarching theme is how to make government agencies efficient, effective, and accountable. The topics include American administrative organization, activities, budget process, human resources management, policy implementation, and regulations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A course that examines why women engage in political action and how the broader socio-economic and institutional context shapes their involvement and impact.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 635. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 320 and PLS 635.

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.

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for in-depth role playing that leads to a better understanding of the United Nations and other regional and international organizations. Coursework includes the study of current events, important international disagreements, key international conventions, and the protocol and procedures of UN diplomacy. Students will prepare for participation in the American Model United Nations conference and other international organization simulations as representatives of Missouri State University.

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 focuses on such issues as democratization, economic development and ethnic and religious conflict. Students will also learn about the politics of a number of individual countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

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.

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.

This survey course is designed to examine the wide range of public safety-related incidents from the daily emergencies handled by local government through disasters on the state levels to catastrophes on the national and international levels. The students will examine how these terms are defined, the role of public safety agencies (governmental, NPA and private) and how these incidents occurred and are managed. Students will be familiarized with various public safety services provided by municipal, state, and federal agencies. They will explore, via lectures, discussions, videos and readings, the provision of services, the role of public safety managers, municipal managers and elected officials.

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. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of three hours.

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.

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

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.

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.

A course designed to explore theories and paradigms of international relations via popular culture, simulations and games. May be taught concurrently with PLS 639. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 439 and PLS 639.

This is an introductory course on selected ideologies of the Middle East in seminar form; it presupposes only basic knowledge of the region as well as previous exposure to comparative politics. The course surveys the historical and political trajectories of selected nationalisms and Islamist ideologies in the Middle East: Pan-Arabism, various Arab territorial nationalisms, Zionisms, Turkish nationalisms, Kurdish nationalisms and various strains of Islamism. May be taught concurrently with PLS 649. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 443 and PLS 649.

Recommended Prerequisite: senior standing. Required assessment of undergraduate political science programs in the department. All students majoring in political science 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.

Supervised and departmentally approved part-time work experience related to Political Science in public or private sector. Approximately 16 weeks of 15 on-the-job hours per week requirement, in addition to fulfillment of academic requirements. Restricted to Political Science majors and minors. Only 6 hours will be counted toward the major and 3 hours toward the minor. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

Supervised and departmentally approved full-time work experience related to Political Science in public or private sector. Approximately 8 weeks of 40 on-the-job hours per week for 3 hours credit or 16 weeks of 40 on-the-job hours per week for 6 hours credit, in addition to fulfillment of academic requirements. Restricted to Political Science majors. Only 6 hours will be counted toward the major. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

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 Director of the Honors College. Variable content course. May be repeated to maximum of six hours.

Recommended Prerequisite: 2.50 GPA; and junior or senior standing. 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 and 3 semester hours of credit on a minor in Political Science or Public Administration. Written work will be required in PLS 496 in addition to reading assignments and/or research activities.

A course designed to provide a means of study for topics not addressed elsewhere in the curriculum. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

Supervised and departmentally approved fieldwork in a local, state, or national government agency, in addition to fulfillment of academic requirements. Restricted to Political Science majors, Political Science minors, and Public Administration minors. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. This course examines the powers and limitations of the United States government, including: the institutional authority of the legislative, executive, and judicial departments; separation of powers; federalism; the commerce power, taxing and spending authority, and economic liberties. A careful study of U.S. Supreme court decisions is emphasized, with particular focus on the political, moral, and social impact these decisions have had on life in America.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. This course examines the civil liberties of individuals and groups, with focus on church-state relations, religious liberty, freedom of speech, and the right to privacy. A careful study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions is emphasized, with particular focus on the political, moral, and social impact these decisions have had on life in America.

This course helps develop skills necessary for cultural competence in that our primary purpose is to consider the meaning of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Specifically, our focus will be on constitutional protection against discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. This will occur through a careful study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Fourteenth Amendment and secondary sources on same.

Nation states have long been the primary players in international relations, endowed with sovereignty to reflect their premier status. While nonstate actors have always been around, scholarly attention to them has increased in recent decades. This course will explore benevolent actors such as NGOs, faith based organizations, and social and environmental movements as well as malevolent groups like pirates, criminal organizations, and terrorists. Students will gain a deeper understanding of international relations through an examination of the myriad actors involved in contemporary world politics. May be taught concurrently with PLS 630. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 530 and PLS 630.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 644. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 544 and PLS 644.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 645. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 545 and PLS 645.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 646. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 546 and PLS 646.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 647. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 547 and PLS 647.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 648. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 548 and PLS 648.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. Identical with AAS 550. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 550 and ASS 550. May be taught concurrently with PLS 650. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 650 and PLS 550.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 685. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 555 and PLS 685.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 642. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 565 and PLS 642.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. Political ideas in American institutional and historical development. An examination of the relations between American thought and political structures and processes.

This course focuses on the foreign policies of selected Middle Eastern states and non-state actors. The course will refer to various paradigms of international relations, so a previous course in international relations (especially an introductory or theory course) is highly recommended. Concerns of this course will include to what extent we can view the states of the Middle East of rational actors, the role of individual decision makers, unintended policy results, and the need to balance domestic and external policy imperatives. The central pedagogic concern revolves around understanding how and why various Middle Eastern state choose the policies they do. May be taught concurrently with PLS 669. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 569 and PLS 669.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 673. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 573 and PLS 673.

Recommended Prerequisite: 50 hours. 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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 676. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 576 and PLS 676.

Nation states have long been the primary players in international relations, endowed with sovereignty to reflect their premier status. While nonstate actors have always been around, scholarly attention to them has increased in recent decades. This course will explore benevolent actors such as NGOs, faith based organizations, and social and environmental movements as well as malevolent groups like pirates, criminal organizations, and terrorists. Students will gain a deeper understanding of international relations through an examination of the myriad actors involved in contemporary world politics. May be taught concurrently with PLS 530. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 530 and PLS 630.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 320. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 320 and PLS 635.

A course designed to explore theories and paradigms of international relations via popular culture, simulations and games. May be taught concurrently with PLS 439. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 439 and PLS 639.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 565. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 565 and PLS 642.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 544. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 544 and PLS 644.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 545. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 545 and PLS 645.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 546. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 546 and PLS 646.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 547. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 547 and PLS 647.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 548. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 548 and PLS 648.

This is an introductory course on selected ideologies of the Middle East in seminar form; it presupposes only basic knowledge of the region as well as previous exposure to comparative politics. The course surveys the historical and political trajectories of selected nationalisms and Islamist ideologies in the Middle East: Pan-Arabism, various Arab territorial nationalisms, Zionisms, Turkish nationalisms, Kurdish nationalisms and various strains of Islamism. May be taught concurrently with PLS 443. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 443 and PLS 649.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 550. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 550 and PLS 650.

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.

This course focuses on the foreign policies of selected Middle Eastern states and non-state actors. The course will refer to various paradigms of international relations, so a previous course in international relations (especially an introductory or theory course) is highly recommended. Concerns of this course will include to what extent we can view the states of the Middle East of rational actors, the role of individual decision makers, unintended policy results, and the need to balance domestic and external policy imperatives. The central pedagogic concern revolves around understanding how and why various Middle Eastern state choose the policies they do. May be taught concurrently with PLS 569. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 569 and PLS 669.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 573. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 573 and PLS 673.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 576. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 576 and PLS 676.

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. May be taught concurrently with PLS 555. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 555 and PLS 685.

A survey of the main theoretical and methodological debates in the field of Comparative Politics. Topics may include the roots of authoritarianism and democracy, the effects of constitutional design, the causes of ethnic conflict, the interaction between religion and political institutions, the origins of social policy regime variation, and the impact of natural resource wealth on the state, among others.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Identical with ECO 721. Cannot receive credit for both PLS 721 and ECO 721.

Understanding international conflict is critical whether one works in government, works in the private sector assessing the risks conflict poses to investments and supply chains, or simply desires to be an informed citizen. This course will introduce the main theories international relations scholars use to account for the causes and dynamics of conflict. The course will also foster skills in applying these theories to forecasting security-related events.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. Identical with PBH 754. Cannot receive credit for both PBH 754 and PLS 754.

This course examines theories, practices, and issues of public budgeting and financial management. It covers a wide range of topics, including public budget institutions and techniques, revenue sources, tax strategies, revenue forecasts, public debt and bond issuance, intergovernmental fiscal relations, and basic categories of state of local expenditures.

Topics course. The specific topics will change from semester to semester. May be repeated as topics change.

This course provides an overview of the major theories that explain the function and operation of organizations, with particular emphasis on the role and context of the public sector. Topics include systems theory, organizational culture, organizational design and structure, and the operation of politics and power within organizations.

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.

This course provides a general survey of nonprofit organizations. It will examine the historical, legal, ethical, and social environments in which nonprofit organizations operate. It will also discuss various aspects of nonprofit organization management, ranging from managing people and money to managing public relations and trust. The course will integrate theoretical and practical aspects of nonprofit management.

The course is designed to familiarize students with the nature and role of evaluation in the policy process. Topics will include the various types of evaluation, evaluation methods, evaluability assessment, program monitoring, impact assessment, process assessment, utilization of evaluation findings, and the politics of evaluation.

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.

This course is designed as the foundation course for the Master of Public Administration program. Topics covered include the development of public administration as a field of inquiry, political, social, economic, and legal processes and institutions, the policy process, and values and ethics.

This course introduces students to the current principles and practices of public safety services from the theoretical and practitioner's perspective. Course will cover how services are provided, management challenges, the levels of emergencies and disaster operations, preparedness, recovery and mitigation.

This course focuses on crucial actions taken in preparing the emergencies. All public safety agency work begins with a thorough analysis of the hazards faced whether they are from natural causes or manmade. The course will introduce students to various methods for conducting the hazard analysis regardless of whether for law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services or 9-1-1. The class examines various methods to mitigate the occurrences of those incidents and how public safety agencies can prepare themselves and the public for when they occur.

The purpose of this course is for students to gain a working knowledge of the legal nature, the administration, and the politics of major land-use regulatory powers exercised by local government. Municipal planning and zoning controls emphasized in this course are zoning codes, subdivision review, site plan review, building codes, and the exercise of eminent domain. Course will assess how combinations of these practices may be utilized in comprehensive growth management strategies, as well as in the negotiations for, and the implementation of, agreements for individual planned unit developments and for annexations of land to municipalities. Course will also relate these powers to urban planning practices including strategic and comprehensive planning.

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the local, state and national contexts in which local economies operate to provide them with a background for developing successful economic strategies at the local level. Upon completion of the course, students should have a better understanding of how these issues are being addressed in governments around Missouri and throughout the United States. The goal is to better prepare future managers for their first local government jobs that will often carry the title of administrator in a small, rural community.

This course prepares students to provide management and guidance to various local government services such as public works, police, fire, parks, utilities, and human services. It covers issues of governance which enable various government and non-for-profit groups to cooperate in the delivery of these services. The focus is on management in medium and small-sized municipalities in both rural and urban settings. Extensive use of guest lectures and site visits are essential components of this course.

This course familiarizes students with a broad array of local government issues, structures, management concerns, and politics. Interwoven throughout the course is a discussion of the roles that professional administration and local politics play in everyday local government operations. The major focus will be on the decision making process of professional administrators as they attempt to bring both efficiency and effectiveness to local government.

This course examines the role and impact of leadership in public organizations, with particular focus on the ethical dimensions of leadership behavior. The course provides an overview of the knowledge, theory, and skills regarding leadership and professional ethics. Topics include charismatic and transformational leadership, leadership styles, the role of the leader in creating ethical climates and building effective ethical cultures, organizational change strategies, and motivation strategies. Also covered are the ethical codes, standards, and practices promulgated by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the International City Management Association (ICMA).

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. Normally, a student may take PLS 780 only once to fulfill the requirements of the non-thesis option or as part of the cognate field if pursuing the thesis option.

Supervised field work in an approved local, state, or national governmental agency including preparation of an acceptable formal report.

Supervised field work in a federal government agency, international governmental/non-governmental organization, multinational corporation, or equivalent. The course requirements include a formal report on the internship/practicum and evaluation by the supervisor.

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. Variable content course. May be repeated as topics change.

Independent research and study connected with preparation of thesis.