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Political Science Course Descriptions

The political science curriculum is organized into the four traditional sub-fields of U.S. Politics (U), International Relations (I), Comparative Politics (C), and Political Theory (T). All courses listed below carry one of these designations.

 

Foundations Courses: Courses numbered in the 100s are Foundations courses. These courses are designed principally for beginning political science majors, as well as non-majors seeking an introduction to the discipline's sub-fields. The courses purpose are threefold: To provide foundational knowledge of the key actors, structures, institutions and/or historical dynamics relevant to the respective sub-fields; to introduce the major theoretical trends, perspectives and debates that have shaped the evolution of the respective sub-fields; and to begin to develop research and writing skills essential to further scholarly inquiry within the discipline of political science.

 

100 US POLITICS

An analysis of the major ideas, actors, institutions, and processes that shape the formulation and execution of public policy in the United States. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

101 ARGUMENT AND ADVOCACY

An analysis of classic principles of argument and advocacy. Students analyze political arguments and engage in rational decision-making by participating in written and oral debates. Not offered 2007–2008. (4 credits)

 

120 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Analysis of the international/global environment, major problems and the theories and models of international relations. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

140 COMPARATIVE POLITICS

A survey of theories and methods employed in comparative political analysis. Every semester. (4 credits)

 

141 LATIN AMERICA THROUGH WOMEN'S EYES (Same as Latin American Studies 141)

Introduction to Latin American Studies through the study of Latin American women. During the past century, many Latin American women have overcome patriarchal "machismo" to serve as presidents, mayors, guerrilla leaders, union organizers, human rights activists, artists, and intellectuals. Through a mix of theoretical, empirical, and testimonial work, the course explores such issues as the intersection of gender and democratization, feminist challenges to military rule, and women's organizing in the maquiladora industry. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

160 FOUNDATIONS OF POLITICAL THEORY (Same as Philosophy 160)

An examination of the evolution of fundamental western political ideas from the Greeks to the present. Every year. (4 credits)

 

170 THEORIES OF RHETORIC

A study of classical and modern rhetorical theories throughout Western history. The course focuses on the relationship between communication and democratic power, art, truth, emotion, and ethics. Every year. (4 credits)

 

Intermediate Courses: Courses numbered in the 200s are Intermediate courses. These courses are designed for students who have taken one or more of the department's foundations courses, although prerequisites (if any) are at the instructor's discretion. Intermediate-level courses (a) introduce students to a specific topic or issue related to political life; and (b)develop further the critical, analytical, research and communication skills introduced in the foundations courses. Intermediate courses are an integral element of the political science major, but are also suitable for non-majors who need to fulfill a distribution requirement in the social sciences or who simply want to satisfy an interest contemporary political life.

 

The department's list of intermediate courses includes:

 

200 WOMEN AND AMERICAN POLITICS

This course examines the evolutionary role of women in politics—as voters, citizens, candidates, and leaders—from the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 to the present. Drawing from a variety of theoretical perspectives, we examine women's historical and contemporary roles in U.S. politics, investigate and debate a variety of public policy issues of particular concern to women, and explore the intersection of race and gender in U.S. politics. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

202 POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Analysis of institutions and procedures such as parties and elections, and also informal activities such as social movements, interest groups, and community action. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

203 RACE, ETHNICITY AND POLITICS (Same as American Studies 203)

Analysis of racial and ethnic factors and their implications for political processes and public policy. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

204 URBAN POLITICS

American urban politics, emphasizing urban policy problems, planning and decision-making. Political Science 100 recommended. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

205 POLICY ISSUES

Analysis of selected policy concepts, problems and processes. Special emphases will be announced each time the course is scheduled and may include such broad topics as human rights, social policy, environmental policy, educational policy, budget policy, labor policy, and health policy. Political Science 100 and 269 are recommended. Every year. (4 credits)

 

206 U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND THOUGHT

An exploration of the structure of the American political system as seen through the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics include the separation of powers in the federal government, the scope of executive power, and the development of federal-state relations over the course of American history. The material also includes the nature of judicial review, economic rights and contemporary questions about the limits of government power. Political Science 100 recommended. Every year. (4 credits)

 

207 U.S. CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

An examination of civil liberties and rights in the U.S., focusing on the cases decided by the Supreme Court. Central topics include the 1st Amendment freedom of religion, speech, and the press; the right to privacy and abortion; and the constitutional requirement of Equal Protection as affecting discrimination, affirmative action, and voting rights. Political Science 206 not required as a prerequisite. Every year. (4 credits)

 

210 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & POLITICS

Analysis of relationships between science, technology, and politics. Includes such topics as environment, health/medicine, technology transfers, and research and development policies. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

211 RE-ENVISIONING EDUCATION & DEMOCRACY (Same as Educational Studies 280)

This course explores the design, implementation, and evaluation of public education policy as a primary means for engaging more active, inclusive and effective approaches to social inquiry and civic participation. Drawing from classic and contemporary theories of education and democracy, complemented by recent developments and controversies in public policy studies, students work to design innovative, principled, educationally sound and politically feasible responses to significant civic concerns. Next offered Spring 2008. (4 credits)

 

212 LAW, LAWYERS, and LITIGATION

This course takes an interdisciplinary look at the judicial process, focusing on the role of litigation as a political force. Does litigation enhance a democratic system by providing another route for political participation? We examine two general phenomena that emerged prominently in the 20th century: first, cause lawyering for rights, from the NAACP to contemporary movements such as gay rights; second, the use of class action lawsuits and tort law to shape public policy. Related issues include the legal profession in America, legal education, law firms, legal ethics, access to justice, and the impact of litigation in society. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

214 CYBER POLITICS

An analysis of innovations on the internet to assist candidates running for political office, enhance citizen participation, develop e-Democracy, and organize political protest. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

215 ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY (Same as Environmental Science 215)

An introduction to the field of Environmental Politics and Policy. Using a comparative approach, the course engages the meaning and development of environmental governance. We will explore the tandem rise of the modern environmental movement and profound new environmental legislation in the U.S. and internationally. Topics investigated will include: deforestation, hazardous wastes, climate change, population growth, and loss of biodiversity. Every spring. (4 credits)

 

216 LEGISLATIVE POLITICS

This course explores legislative politics through a combination of academic theory and focused field experiences. Each student must simultaneously enroll in a credit-bearing internship at the Minnesota State Legislature. The class examines the basic structures, players and forces that shape legislative decision-making, the motivation or individual legislators, and their interactions with other political actors and institutions. Political Science 100 recommended. Every spring. (4 credits)

 

220 FOREIGN POLICY

Analysis of influence patterns in foreign policy-making and issues on the foreign policy agenda past and present. Political Science 120 recommended. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

221 GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

This course introduces concepts of global governance by examining some of its central features, including the changing status of the state and of international/world organizations and the role of global civil society. The course emphasizes how patterns of global governance have changed and are changing and the implications of these changes for democracy, social justice, etc. The remainder of the course focuses on the areas of international peace and security, human rights and international humanitarian law, and economic governance. By addressing such topics as the International Criminal Court and the role of the IMF and the World Bank in economic development, these parts of the course highlight the contested nature of global governance in each of the three issue areas. Political Science 120 recommended. Every year. (4 credits)

 

222 REGIONAL CONFLICT AND SECURITY

This course introduces students to the military, political, economic, cultural and/or diplomatic dimensions of various regional conflicts or "security complexes." The specific region to be covered will vary, but regions of pressing interest or greater significance to international peace and security will be covered most regularly. Political Science 120 recommended, but not required. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

235 CITIZEN SCIENCE: ENVIRONMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT (Same as Environmental Science 235)

This course explores the dynamic relationship between science, technology and society. The course examines how, and which members of, the public make controversial environmental decisions over topics such as endangered species, genetically modified foods, bioprospecting, climate change, and toxic waste disposal. Through these case studies, the course will critically examine concepts of risk and uncertainty, trust, credibility, expertise and citizenship. Every spring. (4 credits)

 

240 COMPARATIVE EUROPEAN POLITICS

A comparative exploration of European politics since the French Revolution, focusing on questions of modernization. The genesis of democratic and authoritarian politics is related to divergent developmental paths. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

241 THE HOLOCAUST: REPRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATIONS

Using a plurality of approaches and sources, this course aims at a fundamental understanding of the Holocaust. It examines a variety of situations (Germany, Poland, France), a variety of actors (perpetrators, bystanders, helpers, resisters, victims), and a variety of perspectives (intentionalist, functionalist, relativist). Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

242 DEVELOPMENT POLITICS

Analysis of theories, patterns, and policies of development in the Third World with emphasis on North-South political-economic and cultural relationships. Political Science 140 recommended. Every year. (4 credits)

 

243 POLITICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

An analysis of various political structures and activities in diverse world societies. Emphasis is placed on pre-literate cultures, but the societies examined vary from hunting and gathering bands through agricultural tribes to the industrial state. Prerequisite: Anthropology 111. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

244 LATINO POLITICS (Same as Latin American Studies 244)

Comparative study of Latino and Latina political struggles in the United States. We explore the themes of subordination and empowerment through issues such as anti-immigrant ballot initiatives in California, the election of Latino mayors in Denver and San Antonio, Cuban dominance in Miami politics, multiracial violence in Los Angeles, and battles over labor conditions, affirmative action, bi-lingual education, and racial profiling. Student projects will involve field research among the Latino communities and organizations of the Twin Cities. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

245 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS (Same as Latin American Studies 245)

Comparative study of political institutions and conflicts in several Latin American countries. Through a mix of empirical and theoretical work, we analyze concepts and issues such as authoritarianism and democratization, neoliberalism, state terror and peace processes, guerrilla movements, party systems, populism, the Cuban Revolution, and U.S. military intervention. Themes are explored through diverse teaching methods including discussion, debates, simulations, partisan narratives, lecture, film, and poetry. Political Science 140 or Latin American Studies 111 recommended. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

246 SOUTH ASIAN POLITICS (Same as Environmental Science 246)

This course comparatively examines a broad range of topics related to institutional change, socio-economic development and identity politics in South Asia, with an emphasis on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Focusing on the post-colonial period, the course will address the role of civil society in governance, the differentiated impacts of economic liberalization, the mobilization of ethnic identities and communal violence, and the emergence of environmental and women's movements. Offered occasionally. (4 credits)

 

250 COMPARATIVE-HISTORICAL SOCIOLOGY (same as Sociology 275)

The course introduces students to principles of cross-national and cross-cultural analysis. The class begins with a survey of the basic methodological orientations that distinguish various modes of analysis in the social sciences. The lectures and discussions in this section provide a general introduction to the logic of causal analysis, explore the relative strengths and weaknesses of differing methodological approaches to understanding social phenomena, and specifically, consider the distinctive blend of theoretical, methodological, and empirical concerns that inform comparative-historical social science. The substantive topics of the course include: the Social Origins of the Modern State; the Sociology of Democracy and Authoritarianism; the Sociology of Revolution; and The Rise of the Welfare State. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

252 WATER AND POWER (Same as Environmental Studies 252 and Geography 252)

This course develops an interdisciplinary approach to studying water resources development, drawing from geography, anthropology, history, politics, hydrology, and civil engineering. With a focus on large river basins, the course examines historical and emerging challenges to the equitable and sustainable use of transboundary waters. After first exploring the American water development model, the course will examine the promulgation of this model in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Dam development for irrigation, electricity, navigation, and flood protection will be discussed. Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 120, 133, or 232. Every fall. (4 credits)

 

260 CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY

Transition in the nature of domination from manifest coercion to cultural hegemony. The course will focus on critical theory, principally Marcuse and Habermas, but will also consider Marx, Weber, Freud, Gramsci, Lukacs and Foucault. Every year. (4 credits)

 

261 FEMINIST POLITICAL THEORY

Analysis of contemporary feminist theories regarding gender identity, biological and socio-cultural influences on subjectivity and knowledge, and relations between the personal and the political. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

262 AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

A study of selected writings and topics in political thought of the United States. Political Science 100 recommended. Every year. (4 credits)

 

265 WORK, WEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Wealth has held an allure for many modern thinkers; the creation of a wealthy society often associated with "civilization" itself. The relationships among work, wealth and well-being are a perennial concern and have been central to the study of political economy, since its inception in the mid- to late-18th century. How does work produce wealth for the individual and for society? How, or when, does individual and social wealth translate into individual and/or social well-being? And, how does the character of work affect individual well-being or happiness? This course will examine the answers given to these questions (and myriad corollary questions) by writers within the political economy tradition. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

269 EMPIRICAL RESEARCH METHODS

Strategies and tactics of design, observation, description, and measurement in contemporary political research. Prerequisite: at least one political science foundations course. Every year. (4 credits)

 

270 RHETORIC OF CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTION

The course analyzes persuasive language strategies and symbol use in American Presidential or congressional elections. Students design and implements a comprehensive communication plan for a candidate running for office, including a prospectus for institutional donors, press releases, direct mail appeals, bumper stickers, scripts for radio/television ads, scripts for fundraising phone banks, and a candidate stump speech. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

271 POLITICS OF PUBLIC SPACE

Comparative analysis of the rhetoric and politics of public space and their relationship to civil society, liberal democracy, and public deliberation. Focuses on the public sphere as a location for the management of public memory through the building or destruction of monuments and other commemorative art, as well as a site for protests, strikes, and satiric demonstrations. Also examines state practices of encouraging, managing, and policing citizen expression in the public sphere. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

272 RESEARCHING POLITICAL COMMUNICATION

A study of how presidents, politicians, and social movement activists worldwide use language and persuasive symbols to increase influence and affect political change. Students complete a semester-long project in which they analyze a significant political text utilizing descriptive-analytic, historical-contextual, critical, and interpretive research methods. Every year. (4 credits)

 

Advanced Courses: Courses numbered in the 300s are Advanced courses. These courses are designed for advanced political science majors and non-majors in cognate fields who have significant experience in the discipline. Students should take relevant foundations course, a methods course, and at least one intermediate course prior to beginning an advanced course, although the prerequisites are at the discretion of the instructor. The goal of an advanced course is to provide students with an intensive and challenging learning experience while studying a specific issue or topic related to political life. Advanced courses will normally involve some combination of intensive research and writing, the close and critical reading of demanding political texts, and substantial engagement with sophisticated theoretical concepts and arguments.

 

Important Note: At the discretion of the instructor, an intermediate-level course can be counted as an advanced course providing the student completes an additional substantial writing assignment. Consult the instructor and chair.

 

The department's list of advanced courses includes:

 

300 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS

Analysis of the formal institutions of American governance, including the U.S. Congress, presidency, federal courts, and the bureaucracy. The course relies on extensive role playing to equip students with a hands-on understanding of the procedures utilized by all three branches of government, the complexity of public policy decision making, and the motivations and resources of various governmental actors. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

301 LAW, ECONOMY, AND IDENTITY

This seminar-style course explores American political development, examining how law, when influenced by economic ideologies or the focus of contests among economic interests, has had a significant impact on persons of identity. Topics include the property rights of women in early America, the law of slavery, and the legal development of Native American law, before reaching contemporary questions of inclusion and exclusion in law. Prior course work in American history, political science, or legal studies strongly recommended. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

305 WOMEN'S VOICES IN POLITICS

Examines significant women persuaders as a force in Western history and culture. Concentrates on women's efforts to participate in public affairs and the social, political, religious, scientific, and rhetorical obstacles that have restricted women's access politics. The course analyzes of how women have used speaking, writing, and protesting in attempts to overcome such obstacles, influence public policy and/or win elective office. Political Science 170 or 272 recommended. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

320 GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY

Traces the evolution of global political economy as a peculiarly modern way of understanding and organizing global social life. Particular attention will be paid to how the distinction between the political and the economic is drawn and implemented in interconnected ways within nation-states and in international society. Course includes a detailed study of one of the key components of the international political economy: international trade, international finance, technological processes, etc. Political Science 120 recommended. Every year. (4 credits)

 

321 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

This course introduces students to global or world security studies as an academic field. It begins with a discussion of the various theoretical approaches to the study of international security (including traditional, critical and subaltern approaches). It then proceeds to explore a number of issues that are currently of interest to specialists in the field. Every year. (4 credits)

 

322 ADVANCED INTERNATIONAL THEORY

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of international relations theory as an academic discipline. It is intended to prepare students for graduate work in the field, but should be appropriate for those seeking to satisfy an interest in international relations theory. Students should have taken Foundations of International Politics, a methods course, and at lease one intermediate-level international relations course prior to beginning this course. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

340 FASCISM

A comparative exploration of fascism in Italy and Germany focusing on problems of modernization and interpretation. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

341 COMPARATIVE SOCIAL MOVEMENTS (Same as Latin American Studies 341)

Comparative study of social movements in Latin America and other world regions. This research seminar engages several major theories that attempt to explain the origins and development of movements struggling for subsistence rights, labor rights, gender and sexuality rights, social rights, and racial and ethnic rights. The course focuses principally on Latin American movements, but also engages cases from the United States and Europe through an examination of transnational advocacy networks and global activism. Political Science 140 recommended. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

360 BLACK POLITICAL THOUGHT

This course surveys Black political thought by looking at "schools of thought" within African American politics. We examine Liberalism, Nationalism, Marxism, Conservatism, and Activism from reconstruction to the present. Alternate years. (4 credits)

 

365 DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT

A consideration of the theory and practice of democracy in the contemporary world. Alternate years.(4 credit)

 

390 CHUCK GREEN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP

In his 40-year career at Macalester, Professor Chuck Green functioned as a one-man 'leadership academy,' inspiring and guiding students to make the transition from detached observers to engaged citizens. Through his teaching, mentoring, and example, Professor Green instilled in students a sense of confidence and optimism about their ability to engage proactively in the world. The Chuck Green Civic Engagement Fellowship honors this legacy. Students with sophomore or junior standing may apply for this seven-month fellowship that includes a spring seminar and a full-time, fully-funded summer field experience. Chuck Green Fellows will study democratic engagement in social and organizational change, identify a client organization working for the public good with whom the student can analyze and address a problem, and then work with that client on a mutually agreed-upon solution. The Fellowship culminates in the early fall with an event in which Fellows, faculty, and clients have an opportunity to reflect on the fellowship experience. The Fellowship fulfills both the practicum and advanced course requirements of the political science major. Contact the political science department for a full description and application. Every spring. (4 credits)

 

400 SENIOR RESEARCH SEMINAR

The research seminar is designed to fulfill the capstone experience requirement for political science majors. Students should have taken the required foundations, methods and intermediate courses prior to beginning the seminar. The goal of the Senior Research Seminar is to launch students on a culminating academic experience organized around the supervised independent study of a political science topic of particular interest and relevance to them. The Faculty presumes that students will have a working familiarity with the foundational knowledge in the sub-field(s) relevant to their research project, a mastery of the practical skills introduced in the foundations courses and further developed in the intermediate courses, and a willingness to engage actively in a rigorous, sustained inquiry into an important topic. Students in the course will take responsibility for managing their own self-directed learning processes. The Senior Research Seminar normally involves one or more faculty members "coaching" students through the process of defining a significant and important political science research question, developing a thesis, designing an appropriate research program, writing a substantial independent research project, and publicly presenting the research findings. Every Fall. (4 credits)

 

404 HONORS COLLOQUIUM

A workshop for students pursuing honors projects in the political science department. Pass fail grading. Every semester. (2 credits)

 

604 TUTORIAL

Every semester. (4 credits)

 

614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT

Every semester. (4 credits)

 

624 INTERNSHIP

Every semester. (4 credits)

 

634 PRECEPTORSHIP

Every semester. (4 credits)

 

644 HONORS INDEPENDENT

Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Offered every semester. (1–4 credits)

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